Is an elbow to the back of the neck illegal? Understand how Alex Poatan may have been harmed in the UFC.

Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

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the defeat of Alex Poatán all with Cyryl Gane The incident took on new dimensions after images were released of the interim heavyweight title fight (up to 120,2 kg), held last Sunday (14), in Washington (USA). The footage shows a sequence of elbows that hit the Brazilian's neck before the fight was stopped, generating debate among fans and experts.

The incident occurred shortly after Gane landed a jab and knocked Poatan down. With the Brazilian attempting to defend himself on the ground, the Frenchman followed up with ground and pound strikes. On social media, numerous fans shared videos and images of the moment, pointing out that some of the elbows may have landed in an area considered illegal under the Unified Rules of MMA, the set of rules used by the UFC and the major athletic commissions in the United States.

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According to the regulations, strikes aimed at the so-called "back of the head" are prohibited. The rule states that punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes applied directly to the nape of the neck can be considered fouls. Depending on the severity of the infraction and the referee's interpretation, the punishment can range from a verbal warning, loss of points, or even disqualification of the athlete responsible for the strike.

Despite the media attention, referee Herb Dean did not stop the fight or signal any irregularity during the bout. As is often the case in similar situations, the assessment of strikes can depend on factors such as the angle of application, the athletes' movements, and the exact position of the head at the moment of impact. Therefore, incidents involving possible strikes to the back of the head often generate debate even after a detailed analysis of the footage.

The incident also reignites an old debate within MMA. In rapid attack sequences, especially during moments of pressure on the ground, it's not always easy for the referee to accurately identify the exact point of contact. Because the fighters' heads are constantly moving, situations like this often generate different interpretations among officials, athletes, and fans.

A rematch between Gane and Poatan?

Poatan and Gane face off in a promotional UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

After the event, Poatan expressed dissatisfaction with how the fight was conducted and indicated that he intends to seek clarification from the UFC and the athletic commission responsible for overseeing the card. Although a possible review is unlikely to change the official result of the fight, the situation strengthens the Brazilian's arguments for requesting an immediate rematch against Gane.

If the will of a revenge From the Brazilian side, the images of the elbow strikes already existed after the result, and they may provide even more arguments for the fighter from São Paulo and his team to try to convince the UFC to promote a rematch against him. Cyryl Gane.