Not even one of the biggest UFC stars escaped the infamous "cover curse." A major highlight of UFC 6, Alex Poatán His attempt to make history was thwarted last Sunday (14), in Washington DC (USA), when he was knocked out by Cyryl Gane in the second round of the interim heavyweight title fight (up to 120,2kg).
From the opening minutes, the Frenchman managed to impose his strategy. Utilizing his advantage in movement and distance control, Gane avoided the Brazilian's attacks and found the best angles to strike. His superiority became even more evident in the second round, when a precise jab opened up space for the sequence of blows that ended the fight and secured the victory for the former heavyweight title challenger.
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The defeat marked the end of a series of remarkable achievements for Poatan, who entered the fight riding the wave of his status as a former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion. Even without achieving his goal of making history with a third belt, the Brazilian remains one of the organization's biggest stars and is likely to continue being involved in high-profile fights.
The result also reinforced the reputation of the so-called "cover curse." Besides the São Paulo native, Max Holloway, another athlete chosen to represent UFC 6, ended up being defeated by Charles do Bronx at UFC 326 in March, losing the BMF belt.
Relive memorable episodes from the 'Curse of the Cover'
Era Undisputed
Anderson celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Historical figures have been added to the list of fighters associated with the theory. Brock Lesnar e Anderson SilvaFor example, some games have also been cited by fans as victims of the curse, although the negative results occurred some time after the games were released.
Lesnar appeared on the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 and, initially, seemed to defy superstition. Shortly after the release, the American defended his heavyweight title by submitting his opponent. Shane carwin in one of the most remarkable comebacks in the category. However, the situation changed quickly. The former champion ended up being dominated by Cain Velazquez and lost the title, before suffering another resounding defeat to alistair overeemThe setbacks marked the end of his journey in the event at that time.
With Anderson SilvaThe script was similar. The Brazilian continued to accumulate victories after his association with the franchise's games. Among the most important triumphs of the period are the victories over Chael Sonnen e Stephan bonnar, which further expanded their legacy within the organization.
The winning streak, however, came to an end in 2013. That year, Anderson was surprised by... Chris Weidman He lost the middleweight belt after an absolute reign. Months later, in the immediate rematch, he suffered a serious leg fracture. The episode marked the beginning of the most difficult phase of his career and helped to further solidify the reputation of the so-called "cover curse" among fans of the franchise.
EA SPORTS
Jon Jones Behind the scenes at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones
The arrival of EA Sports to the UFC video game franchise wasn't enough to end its fame. After two years away from the gaming market, the organization returned in partnership with the American developer and saw several athletes featured on the covers face difficult moments in their careers.
Released in June 2014, EA Sports UFC had Jon Jones e Alexander Gustafson as protagonists. A few months later, Jones tested positive in an anti-doping test and was sidelined from competition for over a year. On the other side, the Swede went through a difficult period, being knocked out by Anthony Johnson, defeated by Daniel Cormier and subsequently surpassed again by Jones himself.
Conor McGregor was 'hit twice'
McGregor at an event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
The theory gained even more traction with the release of EA Sports UFC 2 in March 2016. The chosen stars were... Ronda Rousey e Conor McGregorThe American returned to the octagon at the end of that year, but ended up being knocked out by Amanda nunes in just 48 seconds, a result that marked his definitive farewell to MMA. McGregor, on the other hand, was surprised by... Nate diaz a few weeks before the game's release, although he managed to recover by winning the rematch months later.
The Irishman was once again chosen for the cover of EA Sports UFC 3, released in 2018. Once again, superstition seemed to follow him. In his next major fight, McGregor ended up being dominated and submitted by... Khabib Nurmagomedov in one of the most emblematic confrontations in the organization's history.
UFC White House Results
MAIN CARD – starting at 21 PM (Brasilia time)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Justin gaethje derrotou Ilia Topuria By knockout (corner stoppage) end of round 4 – Championship fight
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Cyryl Gane derrotou Alex Poatán By knockout (left cross) at 1:17 of round 2 – Interim title fight
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley derrotou Aiemann Zahabi by knockout (right straight) at 4:01 of round 2
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Josh Hokit derrotou Derrick Lewis by knockout (punches) at 4m08s of R2
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Mauricio Ruffy derrotou Michael chandler by knockout (punches) at 4m29s of R1
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): BoNickal derrotou Kyle Daukaus by knockout (elbows) at 4:34 of round 1
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Diego lopes derrotou Steve Garcia by knockout (punches) at 2m42s of R2
Read More about: Alex Poatán, Alex Poatan UFC White House, Charles of the Bronx, UFC cover curse, Max Holloway, MMA, UFC
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