Legendary striker bets against Alex Poatan, but admits: 'He continues to surprise me'

Champion of major events bets against Alex PoatánPhoto: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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The dispute between Alex Poatán e Cyryl Gane, for the interim heavyweight (120,2kg) belt of UFC White HouseJune 14th continues to stir up the world of fighting. This time, the one commenting on the confrontation was the former Strikeforce and K-1 champion and former UFC title challenger, alistair overeem. Despite acknowledging the Brazilian's impressive form, the Dutchman expressed skepticism about Poatan's chances against Gane.

During an interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Overeem stated that he never imagined the success Poatan achieved in MMA. The veteran highlighted, in particular, the doubts surrounding the Brazilian's ground game, a point constantly debated since the Paulista's arrival in the UFC.

“That guy is an enigma. Looking at him from the start, I wouldn’t give him any wins. What ground fighting skills does he have?” the Dutchman questioned when commenting on Poatan’s career in the sport.

Despite the skepticism, Overeem admitted that Alex Poatán He has been exceeding expectations since his debut in the organization. A former UFC middleweight (83,9kg) and light heavyweight (93kg) champion, Poatan quickly established himself as one of the company's biggest stars thanks to his knockout power and rapid adaptation to elite MMA.

When analyzing the Brazilian's duel against Cyryl GaneAlex Overeem, former interim champion and former challenger for the undisputed heavyweight title, indicated that he favored the Frenchman. Known for his fluid movement and high level of technical skill in stand-up fighting, Gane would be, in the veteran's view, an extremely difficult challenge for Alex.

I would say that he certainly wouldn't win. Cyryl Gane"But I don't know. He continues to surprise me," Overeem added during the conversation.

Duel for the title at the White House

The duel represents for Alex Poatán The opportunity to expand the legacy built in four years within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). After winning belts in two different weight classes, Poatan now aims for a place among the top names in the organization's history by moving up to the heavier weight division in MMA. A potential victory over Cyryl Gane This would place the Brazilian in a position never before achieved in the sport: winning the title of the world's largest MMA organization in three different weight classes.

On the other side, Cyryl Gane He is trying to conquer the absolute spotlight among heavyweights after coming close in previous fights for the UFC's undisputed title and having already won the interim belt once. The Frenchman is considered one of the most technically skilled athletes in the division.

UFC at the White House will bring together big names in UFC for headline fights, featuring important bouts in different weight classes and a historic atmosphere as it takes place in one of the world's most iconic locations. The event is being organized as part of the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States and will take place on June 14th, the birthday of the current US president, Donald Trump.