Alex Poatan could face Adesanya's teammate at UFC 324.

Poatan may face Carlos Ulberg in 2026 by the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

The year 2026 could open in grand style for Brazilian fans. That's because Alex Poatán can lead the UFC 324, the first numbered event of the season, against Carlos Ulberg, training partner of the former rival Israel adesanyaThe event is scheduled to take place on January 24th in Las Vegas (USA). This information was released by journalist Timothy Wheaton.

"This hasn't been confirmed yet, but I'm hearing rumors that the UFC is planning to hold the fight between Alex Pereira (Poatan) and..." Carlos Ulberg at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, on January 24th, UFC 324"The journalist posted this on his account on X, formerly Twitter."

This is not yet confirmed, but I am hearing rumors that the UFC is aiming for Alex Pereira vs. Carlos Ulberg at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for January 24, UFC 324. pic.twitter.com/qTSGdMYLJB

— Timothy Wheaton MMA (@TimWheatonMMA) November 24, 2025

Poatan could lead the debut on a new broadcast channel.

See too

Alex Poatan responds to Jake Paul's challenge and doesn't rule out competing in boxing.

Alex Poatan reinforces focus on Jon Jones and reveals stage of negotiations for the UFC White House.

O UFC 324 This marks an important milestone for the event. It will be the first numbered edition displayed by Paramount +, which bought the rights to the show for the next seven years for US$7,7 billion, approximately R$41,6 billion at the current exchange rate. And bring Alex PoatánHaving the franchise's current main star lead the first attraction would be a major draw.

Numbers by Alex Poatan and Carlos Ulberg

Alex Poatán He has a professional record of 13 wins and three losses. A former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), the Brazilian regained the light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg) by defeating... Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 321, in October.

On the other hand, the New Zealander Carlos Ulberg Soma has accumulated 13 wins and one loss in professional MMA. Between 2016 and 2019, his friend... Israel adesanya He also fought professionally in kickboxing. His career took off in Mixed Martial Arts in 2020 when he defeated Bruno Oliveira at Dana White's Contender Series 34 in November 2020. In his last fight, Ulberg knocked out... Dominick reyes at UFC Perth in September.

Alex Poatan vs. Jon Jones: out of the plans?

The possibility of combat between Alex Poatán x Carlos UlbergFor now, he dismisses the rumors of a super fight between the Brazilian and the Jon JonesDespite the Brazilian athlete insisting on challenging Bones, who showed interest in the fight, UFC president Dana White did not seem enthusiastic about the contest.

Despite the resistance, if Poatan manages a dominant victory against Ulberg, the rumors could start again, since UFC Casa Branca is scheduled to take place in June 2026.