Magomed Ankalayev did not let the provocations of Alex Poatán no answer (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
Maurício Ruffy seems to have revealed the reason for the difference in posture Alex Poatán between the first and second fight against Magomed Ankalayev. The Pataxó faced the Russian twice, lost the first time by decision of the judges, in a lukewarm duel, and got his revenge in the rematch. knock out andin just 80 seconds. Although the champion had already mentioned that he faced some problems in the first fight, the Fighting Nerds representative went further and gave details.
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In an interview with the channel 'Laerte Viana na Área', Maurício Ruffy said that, in conversation with Poatan, the Brazilian revealed that he fought the first time against Ankalaev with a serious shin injury, which prevented him from even walking.
"Now that it's all over, I can say: Alex had a cracked shin in the first fight. The guy could barely walk, went out there, fought, lost the fight, and came back for the rematch, showing that his level really is different," said Ruffy.
Alex Poatan x Magomed Ankalaev rivalry
After stringing together four knockouts in four title fights and becoming the best fighter in the world in 2024, Alex Poatán was paired against Magomed Ankalayev in the main fight of UFC 313The narrative that the Russian, with the threat of takedowns, would be the worst technical fit for the Brazilian proved true, and the Dagestani had his arm raised by unanimous decision of the judges.
However, after months of taunting from both sides, the rematch was scheduled for... UFC 320This time, Poatan completely ignored any danger, knocked out Ankalaev in 1 minute and 20 seconds of the fight, and regained the light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) title.
Relive Alex Poatan's knockout of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320
Alex Pereira ROULES around Ankalaev and ends within a minute of combat
Poatan is new and the UFC's -93kg ROI #UFC320 pic.twitter.com/0l1aD3XBEE
— RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportCombat) October 5, 2025
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