Melk Costa predicts Jon Jones will dominate a potential UFC fight against Poatan.

Alex Poatan after his defeat at UFC 313 (Photo: Instagram/UFC Canada)

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Melk Costa has a less optimistic prediction for a potential superfight between Alex Poatan and Jon Jones . After defeating Magomed Ankalaev and regaining the light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg), the Brazilian made it clear that he wanted to move up to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) to face 'Bones'. However, due to impasses involving the American and the UFC, the chosen path was a confrontation against Ciryl Gane , a scenario that, in the Dalmatian's view, sounds more favorable.

During his appearance on Connect Cast, Melk Costa assessed the potential duel and indicated Jon Jones as the clear favorite . He believes the American would have the advantage primarily in grappling, imposing his takedown game and controlling the ground game. Even so, the fighter acknowledged that Alex Poatan would have his chances, although he doesn't consider him the favorite in the fight.

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" Jon Jones was going to crush Poatan... Because he was going to take him to the ground, man. That's it. Everyone has a chance, man, but (I don't think Poatan is) the favorite. But he has a chance," said Melk Costa.

Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.

Poatan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Alex Poatan 's first UFC belt came in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). On that occasion, the Brazilian faced his biggest rival, Israel Adesanya , in the main event of UFC 281 , and knocked out the Nigerian in the fifth round, accumulating his third victory over his opponent in combat sports. In the rematch, held at UFC 287 , Adesanya got his revenge, knocked out Poatan and regained the title.

Exhausted by the weight cut, the Brazilian decided to move up a weight class. After defeating Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 , he received the opportunity to fight for the light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295. Poatan knocked out the Czech fighter, won the division title (up to 93 kg), and defended it three times.

Later, he was defeated by Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 , but bounced back to reclaim the title at UFC 320. Now, with uncertainty surrounding Tom Aspinall 's return to defend the undisputed heavyweight title, Poatan faces Ciryl Gane in his debut in the division, competing for the interim title.

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