Alex Poatan denies animosity towards Magomed Ankalaev, but says: 'He doesn't deserve respect'

Alex Poatán e Magomed Ankalayev staring down before the fight (Photo: Instagram)

Alex Poatán denies that Magomed Ankalayev be his arch-rival within the UFC. The Russian, who defeated the Brazilian in the UFC 313, is seen by some fans as the biggest thorn in the Pataxó's side within the organization. However, the former champion sees his opponent differently.

In an interview with UFC Brazil, Poatan mentioned his history with Israel adesanya to explain that he doesn't see Magomed Ankalayev as a rival. In the Brazilian's view, the Russian is, because of his provocations, simply someone who doesn't deserve respect.

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"There's no history. Unlike Adesanya, there's no rivalry with Ankalaev. I see him as someone who doesn't deserve respect. He started saying a lot of things, saying I was running away from this and that. I never said no to him; I already explained why, because no one is interested in seeing him fight," said Poatan.

Although he doesn't see Ankalaev as a rival, Poatan claims he's become a personal enemy. The fighter highlighted examples of former opponents who, despite their rivalry, maintained mutual respect, unlike the situation with the Russian, who, according to him, tries to belittle and disrespect him.

"If you look at the rivalry I've had with other people, like Yousri (Belgaroui), who's already on my team, or even Adesanya... there's 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 it doesn't get in the way of the fight," said the former champion.

Alex Poatan at UFC 320

Next Saturday (4), the Brazilian returns to the octagon to try to recover the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg) 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.