Alex Poatan admits rivalry with Ankalaev reached new heights ahead of UFC 320: 'It got personal'

Alex Poatán at the entrance to the UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Alex Poatán believes that his rivalry with Magomed Ankalayev reached a new level. The Brazilian, who lost the belt to Russian in UFC 313, will have the chance for revenge in UFC 320, scheduled for next Saturday (4). For him, the rival's provocations have turned the confrontation into something beyond the eight bars of the octagon.

In an interview with UFC Brazil, Poatan stated that his rivalry with Ankalaev had become personal. The fighter highlighted examples of former opponents who, despite their rivalry, maintained mutual respect. This is different from his experience with the Russian, who, according to him, tries to belittle and disrespect him.

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"In a way, yes (it's personal). If you look at the rivalry I've had with other people, like Yousri (Belgaroui), who's already on my team, or even Adesanya... He's not my friend today, but when we meet, we exchange ideas, there's a respect. But everything he (Ankalaev) said—about religion, my past, my alcohol problem, which many people also face—shows that he can't set an example, can't motivate people, and is always trying to belittle me, but ends up hurting other people too. So, it's something that got a little personal, but I try not to take it that way so as not to hinder my fight," said Poatan.

Alex Poatan at UFC 320

Next Saturday (4), the Brazilian returns to the octagon to try to recover the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) against Magomed Ankalayev, in the main fight of the UFC 320A former champion in the division, Poatan is considered one of the most feared names in the organization, thanks to his precision and knockout power.

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