Ales Poatan (left) was challenged by Khamzat Shimaev (dir.). Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Khamzat Shimaev is, without a doubt, an unfavorable fighting style for Alex Poatán. However, there is one factor that could be decisive in frustrating the Chechen: the difference in size between the athletes. Chimaev, who showed interest in challenging the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), he believes that his grappling will be essential to overcome Poatan. However, according to Daniel Cormier e Chael Sonnen, size plays in favor of the Brazilian.
In an edition of the program 'Good Guy / Bad Guy', Chael Sonnen highlighted that the size of Alex Poatán would be the main factor in a possible confrontation against Khamzat Shimaev. For the former fighter, the Brazilian represents a considerable physical challenge, since even in the event of a fall, it would be extremely difficult to keep him on the ground for 25 minutes straight.
"Pereira is very big. I think size matters after a certain point. Chimaev would be a problem in some positions, but ultimately, Pereira's size, even if he were taken down once or twice, is too big a man to be dragged to the ground for 25 minutes straight. I'm not talking about weight cuts; I'm considering each person's current weight. In that case, I think Pereira would win," said Sonnen.
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Daniel Cormier, in turn, acknowledged the difficulty in choosing a winner, but emphasized the importance of physical fitness. The commentator noted that the weight difference between categories may seem small in some cases, but it becomes crucial when athletes gain 9 or 10 kilos between divisions.
"It's a tough fight to pick between the two, but man, size has to matter at some point, right? It might not make that much of a difference from 77 pounds to 84 pounds, but there comes a time when it does. When you start jumping 9 pounds, 10 pounds, and you're talking about an 84-pound guy who might weigh 95 pounds on fight day versus a 93-pound guy who might be 111 pounds, it has to matter somehow. Size has to matter, but I can't pick a winner," Cormier replied.
Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Poatan in the UFC
Undefeated, with 15 career wins, nine of which were in the UFC, Khamzat Shimaev carries the status of 'bogeyman' of the middleweight division, as only three of his triumphs were by decision, six by submission and six by knockout.
Alex Poatán, on the other hand, has a career with 13 wins (10 in the UFC) and only three losses. The Brazilian's resume is impressive, as 11 of his triumphs were by knockout, six of which were in fights valid for the Ultimate title.
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