Alex Poatan impresses Donald Trump and receives praise after meeting at the White House.

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

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Alex Poatán may have gained another important admirer before UFC White House, scheduled for June 14th. The Brazilian, slated for the co-main event, participated in a meeting at the presidential residence alongside Donald Trump and other mainstays of the card. During the press conference, the former US president lavished praise on the knockout power of the former UFC champion.

On that occasion, Poatan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in a historic event held at the White House and highlighted the importance of being part of such a special card, considered by many athletes to be one of the most coveted of the year.

“I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be fighting at the White House, as you mentioned. It’s a unique event, where everyone wanted to be fighting, and we are part of this very special achievement,” he said. Alex Poatán.

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Trump, in turn, praised the Brazilian's punching power and stated that Poatan possesses one of the best punches in the history of the sport. In a relaxed tone, the politician even joked about the size of the fighter's hands, highlighting the Paulista's physical strength during their handshake.

"One of the best punches in the history of the business. And I just shook his hand, he has a huge hand, it's a powerful hand," Trump joked.

🗿🔥 Alex Poatán He thanks Donald Trump, they shake hands, but I think a "Chama" was missing… pic.twitter.com/tPK79MSXQu

— MMA Central (@acentraldomma) May 6, 2026

Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.

Alex Poatán after defeat in UFC 313 (Photo: Instagram UFC Canada)

The first belt of Alex Poatán In the UFC, he competed in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). On that occasion, the Brazilian faced his biggest rival, Israel adesanya, in the main fight of the 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 in UFC 287Adesanya got his revenge, knocked out Poatan, and regained the title.

Exhausted from the weight cut, the Brazilian decided to move up a weight class. After winning Jan Blachowicz No. UFC 291, received the opportunity to compete for the light heavyweight belt against Jiri Prochazka, at UFC 295Poatan knocked out the Czech fighter, won the division title (up to 93 kg), and defended it three times.

Later, it was surpassed by Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, but bounced back by reclaiming the throne at UFC 320. Now, faced with uncertainty about the return of Tom aspinall to defend the undisputed heavyweight title, Poatan face Cyryl Gane In his debut in the category, competing for the interim title.