Poatan surprises during a face-off with Ankalaev: 'I won't go back to the tire shop'

Magomed Ankalayev e Alex Poatán during a staredown at a press conference. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Present at a press conference held on Thursday night (02), Magomed Ankalayev e Alex Poatán They were present to answer some questions from reporters and fans before the anticipated confrontation this Saturday (04), in UFC 320Besides provoking each other during their responses and further fueling the rivalry, what truly stood out was the moment of the face-off.

Face to face before the energized crowd, the fighters didn't look away, and suddenly, Poatan launched into another provocation, surprising Ankalaev and declaring: "I'm not going back to the tire shop" (watch below). The Russian refused to remain silent, but his response remained inaudible. After the staredown ended, the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) responded to the crowd by saying, "Don't call me."

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Poatan's remarks stem from Ankalaev's constant reminiscing about the Brazilian's past, where he worked in a tire shop before becoming a martial artist. According to the Russian, his rival will return to his role after potentially another defeat in the Octagon.

Álex Poatan applies a kick to Magomed Ankalayev. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC Espanol

PUBLICITY:

Protagonists of UFC 320Ankalaev and Poatan will have a highly anticipated rematch this Saturday (04), in a fight for the light heavyweight belt. The Russian, a big favorite in the betting houses, promises to knock out his challenger by the fourth round. The Brazilian, on the other hand, guarantees that his approach will be different and that this time he is 100%, unlike the first encounter, which according to himself, he was at 40%.

Watch the face-off between Ankalaev and Poatan

ANKALAEV vs PEREIRA! #UFC320 is LIVE SATURDAY on @espn PPV! pic.twitter.com/TT51c5N2Yw

- danawhite (@danawhite) October 3, 2025

The rematch is only two days away @AnkalaevM vs @AlexPereiraUFC

[ #UFC320 | SATURDAY 10 p.m. ET | LIVE on @ESPN PPV ] pic.twitter.com/LfCVnRtY97

- UFC (@ufc) October 3, 2025

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