Poatan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Alex Poatán continues to win over fans and change opinions with his UFC performances. The Brazilian, who holds a history of being a middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and a two-time light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as a two-time Glory champion, has always divided opinions. However, his trajectory in the Octagon is gradually changing this perception, as exemplified by the case of Luke Rockhold.
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In an interview with 'TMZ Sports', Luke Rockhold confessed that he was previously a 'hater' of Alex PoatánHowever, the Brazilian's performance and attitude led him to change sides. According to the former champion, the 'Pataxó's' confidence, courage, and mentality elevate him to the status of one of the greatest champions of all time.
“I used to criticize Alex Pereira, but the bastard is a gangster. It all comes down to confidence. It's all about guts. And he has it. He really does. I'm not going to lie, I can't hate the guy anymore. He's one of the greatest of all time. He goes in with the same mentality every time. He doesn't have the ground game, but he's got guts. Enough with the hate. Alex, God bless you: you're a gangster. He's one of the best champions of all time. Honestly, it's impressive.”
Alex Poatan's UFC History
Poatan shows off his UFC belts. Photo: Reproduction/X/AlexPereiraUFC
Alex Poatán arrived at the UFC with kickboxing star status, after winning Israel adesanya twice in the sport and winning Glory belts in two divisions. Right from his debut, he made it clear what was to come.
The Brazilian knocked out Andreas Michailidis with a flying knee and then hit Bruno Blindado in the judges' decision. In his third commitment in the organization, he faced Sean Strickland and defeated the American also by knockout in the first round.
The victory over Strickland put Poatan in the title challenger position. Israel adesanyaAfter five intense rounds, the Brazilian defeated the Nigerian again and became the UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg). However, in the immediate rematch, Adesanya returned the knockout blow and regained the belt.
After being dethroned, Poatan decided to move up to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) in search of his second title. In his debut in the new category, he fought a tough battle against Jan Blachowicz and won by split decision.
Afterwards, he faced Jiri Prochazka for the vacant division title. Despite difficulties in the first round, the Brazilian knocked out the Czech in the second and became champion.
The success continued. In the following fights, Poatan racked up knockouts over Jamahal hill, again Prochazka, and Khalil rountree, ending the year 2024 crowned as the best fighter of the season, alongside Ilia Topuria.
In March 2025, Poatan faced what would be his biggest challenge in the division: Magomed AnkalayevThe Brazilian ended up losing by judges' decision, but regained the belt in the rematch, held in UFC 320, winning by knockout in just 80 seconds of fighting.
Currently, Alex Poatán has expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight several times. Although his main target be Jon Jones, the Brazilian could become the first fighter in UFC history to win belts in three different categories, if he decides to face the winner of Tom aspinall x Cyryl Gane, duel scheduled for the UFC 321.
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