Chimaev wants to face Poatan in the UFC (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
Khamzat Chimaev has adopted a new strategy to try and make a fight against Alex Poatan viable . After winning the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg), 'The Wolf' has publicly expressed his desire to move up to the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg) in pursuit of a second title. Given the perception that Poatan has other plans at the moment, the now-champion has decided to change his tone and directly involve the Brazilian fans in an attempt to pressure them for a response.
In a post on 'X', Khamzat Chimaev made a direct appeal to Brazilian fans, encouraging them to demand a decision from Poatan and suggesting that the duel hasn't happened only because of a lack of initiative from Pataxó.
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"All Brazilian fans are saying to this kid: if you're not afraid, tell him to fight," wrote Khamzat Chimaev.
All Brazilian fans tell this boy if you're not scared tell him to fight 😂😂😂
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) January 12, 2026
Alex Poatan at UFC 327?
Poatan faces his opponent before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Despite Khamzat Chimaev 's expressed desire , Alex Poatan seems to have other plans for the near future. The Brazilian fighter publicly ruled out the possibility of competing at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June, which intensified rumors that he may be the main attraction at UFC 327, scheduled for April 11 in Miami.
To date, however, Poatan still does not have a defined opponent for the date. Among fans, three scenarios appear as the most discussed: a super fight against Jon Jones in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg); a duel against Ciryl Gane for the interim belt of the category, given the uncertainty about the return of Tom Aspinall ; or a title defense in the light heavyweight division against Carlos Ulberg.
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