Glover Teixeira explains why he supports the fight between Poatan and Josh Hokit in the UFC.

Alex Poatan and Josh Hokit are UFC standouts. Photo montage SUPER LUTAS

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Glover Teixeira supports a fight between Alex Poatan and Josh Hokit . Defeated by Ciryl Gane at UFC Casa Branca , the Brazilian had to postpone his dream of winning a third championship and was considered a possible rival to the outspoken American. Given this scenario, his coach and former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) defends the fight as part of a strategy to put the Brazilian back on the path to the belt.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Glover Teixeira assessed that a fight with Josh Hokit could be the next step for Poatan. In the coach's view, the Brazilian should decisively defeat the American and, with that, reposition himself among the top names in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg).

“( Josh Hokit ) is talking a lot of bullshit… go out there and knock this guy out and get back to the top, and then get the rematch (against Gane).”, said Glover Teixeira.

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Teixeira also expressed confidence that Poatan can still win the heavyweight title. The former champion believes that the Brazilian intends to remain in the category and highlighted the need to control his pupil's anxiety, making him patient before seeking new challenges.

“I know for sure he’s going to get that belt, man… He’s going to stay at heavyweight. He wants to fight all the time, and now it’s time for us to try and control him and make him take his time,” concluded the former champion.

Rivalry between Alex Poatan and Josh Hokit

Although they have yet to share the octagon, Alex Poatan and Josh Hokit are already fueling one of the most talked-about rivalries in the UFC today. After the Brazilian announced his move up to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg), the American stated that a potential fight would be easy, claiming that the former champion had never faced an opponent of similar caliber.

Josh Hokit 's provocations weren't limited to the sporting aspect and also extended to the personal realm. During the press conference promoting UFC Casa Branca , the fighter criticized the Brazilian for not communicating in English and even made a provocative reference to Poatan's catchphrase "Chama" (Flame). He also insulted Alex's mother on more than one occasion.

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