Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC
Former Pride fighter Paulão Filho analyzed Alex Poatan 's recent trajectory in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) and pointed out a change he considers essential for the Brazilian's future career. After his knockout loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Casa Branca in June, the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) has had his future in the heavier weight class called into question.
In an interview with PVT, the veteran assessed the physical differences faced by Poatan in the division and argued that the two-time champion should return to the light heavyweight division, where he experienced one of the most victorious moments of his career. According to Paulão, the size difference compared to natural heavyweights could be a determining factor against the São Paulo native.
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“I think he should come down, although I thought the Frenchman (Gane) landed a lot of blows to the back of his neck there, you can see that the Frenchman was more relaxed there, the Frenchman was a natural heavyweight. I think Poatan was holding back a lot. I think his weight is light heavyweight,” said Paulão Filho.
Paulão points to an advantage for Alex Poatan.
Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In the former fighter's view, Poatan would be better suited to compete in the light heavyweight division, the category in which he built a large part of his UFC career. The Brazilian won the division's belt in 2023 and defended the title three times in 2024.
Paulão Filho 's assessment mainly considers the difference in physical stature between Poatan and natural heavyweight athletes. In the heavier weight class, the Brazilian may face opponents with greater mass and strength, while in the light heavyweight division his physical characteristics and experience may once again make a difference.
The move could also put Poatan back in a division where he already knows the path to the top. At 39 years old, the Brazilian remains one of the biggest names in the history of world MMA and now needs to define the next steps in his career within the UFC.
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