Magomed Ankalaev did not let Alex Poatan 's provocations go unanswered (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
Maurício Ruffy seems to have revealed the reason for the difference in Alex Poatan 's performance between his first and second fights against Magomed Ankalaev . The Pataxó fighter faced the Russian twice, losing the first fight by judges' decision in a lackluster duel, and getting his revenge in the rematch by knocking him out in just 80 seconds. Although the champion had already mentioned that he faced some problems in the first confrontation, the representative of Fighting Nerds 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 racking up four knockouts in four title fights and becoming the best fighter in the world in 2024, Alex Poatan was paired against Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313. The narrative that the Russian, with his takedown threat, would be the worst technical matchup for the Brazilian proved true, and the Dagestani fighter had his arm raised by unanimous decision of the judges.
However, after months of provocations from both sides, the rematch was scheduled for UFC 320. This time, Poatan completely ignored any danger, knocked out Ankalaev at 1:20 of the fight and regained the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg).
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 in the ROI of -93kg from the UFC #UFC320 pic.twitter.com/0l1aD3XBEE
— RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportCombat) October 5, 2025
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