Ankalaev focused before the fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
While Dana White was impressed with Alex Poatan at UFC 320, the same cannot be said for Magomed Ankalaev . In the main event of the show held last Saturday (4), in Las Vegas (USA), the Russian was quickly knocked out, losing the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg) to his rival. After the duel, the executive does not seem to be thrilled with the athlete.
When asked by reporters what he thought of Ankalaev's performance and whether a trilogy with Poatan could be scheduled next, Dana was blunt, avoiding any discussion about Ankalaev or his future with the company. In the Octagon, the Russian, who defeated Poatan in March and was considered the favorite at UFC 320, failed to impose himself and succumbed to his rival's power, lasting less than two minutes.
Thus, Dana simply emphasized that the athlete suffered in the octagon. It's true that the rivalry between Ankalaev and the Brazilian is now tied, with one victory for each side. However, given the way the rematch unfolded, the Russian, who doesn't enjoy prestige with UFC brass, seems far from facing Poatan for a third time.
“I don’t know what else to say other than Ankalaev had a rough night,” the company president said at the post-UFC 320 press conference.
Ankalaev fought injured
Exclusively, the SUPER LUTAS team learned from sources close to Magomed Ankalaev that he fought Alex Poatan with a fractured rib two fingers below his chest. The video obtained by the report shows the Russian being attended to by a doctor and receiving an injection before facing the renowned striker.
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