Summary
Alex Poatán in the final moments of the fight against Magomed Ankalayev. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
Even after knocking out Magomed Ankalayev in less than 90 seconds and regain the light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) belt in UFC 320, the superiority of Alex Poatán is not yet unanimous. For Kamaru Usman, for example, the best way to end the controversy between the two fighters once and for all is to hold a third fight.
See too
The former welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) spoke about the subject in the latest edition of the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast this Thursday (9). According to him, the news of the Russian's injury brings a new element to the narrative of the rivalry.
"We don't hear about these things (injuries) after you win. Pereira lost the title, we heard what happened. Now Ankalaev lost the title, and we're hearing what happened. So, the third fight is for real—you have to control yourself to get to the fight as healthy as possible. The White House card isn't until June, so is Pereira willing to wait eight months for that card? I'd love to see a trilogy," said the Nigerian Nightmare.
Kamaru Usman calls for a third fight between Pereira and Ankalaev ⚡️
"We don't hear these [injury] things once you win. Pereira lost the title, we heard what happened. Now Ankalaev lost the title and we're hearing what happened. So the third fight is for all the marbles — you... pic.twitter.com/p1U9u2Yxix
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 9, 2025
After being defeated by Ankalaev in the first meeting, in the main fight of the UFC 313, Poatan even stated that he entered the octagon with only 40% of his ideal condition. More recently, the SUPER FIGHTS exclusively reported that the Russian fractured a rib about 20 days before the rematch. However, it's worth noting that the idea of a third fight was dismissed by Glover Teixeira, head coach of the champion.
Usman and Ankalaev have the same manager
A. Abdelaziz (right) manages the career of K. Usman (right) and other MMA stars. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Even though they are not friends or training partners, both Usman and Ankalaev are managed by businessman Ali Abdelaziz, who recently gained fame for allegedly controlling the Russian's social media and launching several provocations towards him. Alex Poatán. The Egyptian, who competed professionally in MMA for a short period of time and is responsible for the careers of several UFC names, was publicly criticized by the Brazilian at the pre-event press conference.
You need login To comment.