Without a rematch with Ciryl Gane, see what's 'left' for Alex Poatan in the UFC.

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

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The announcement of the main event for UFC 334, between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit , has shaken up the heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) scene and opened up new possibilities for Alex Poatan to define his next fight in the organization. The Brazilian wanted a rematch against the Frenchman, but with the champion occupied, other names may enter the radar of the former light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) champion.

Pavlovich could deliver an explosive duel with Poatan.

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Pavlovich (left) defeats Xicão (right) by knockout. Photo: Reproduction / UFC

One possibility for Alex Poatan is to face Sergei Pavlovich . Like the Brazilian, the Russian heavyweight is also without a fight scheduled in the UFC, which opens up the possibility of a clash between two athletes known for their knockout power.

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Pavlovich is coming off a knockout victory over Tallison Xicão in May 2026 and is seeking a new fight in the octagon. If the fight materializes, Poatan will face an aggressive opponent with great finishing power, in a matchup that could keep the São Paulo native active while he awaits another title shot.

A clash between Russians could determine Alex Poatan's next opponent.

Volkov focused on the fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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Another possibility involves the fight between Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev , scheduled for UFC 333 on October 24th at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The result could shake up the competition for a title shot in the division and put the winner on Alex Poatan 's radar.

Kuniev enters the fight with a record of 15 wins, three losses, and one draw, while Volkov has 40 wins and 11 losses in his professional career. The Russian has been in the UFC since 2016.

A resounding victory could strengthen the winner's position in the division and pave the way for a potential showdown with Poatan, depending on the UFC's next moves.

Trilogy with Ankalaev

Poatan attacks Ankalaev in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

A third alternative would be Magomed Ankalaev . The two have already faced each other in two fights for the light heavyweight belt. In the first encounter, in March 2025, the Russian won by unanimous decision. In the rematch, in October of the same year, Alex Poatan got his revenge with a knockout in the first round.

A new fight would depend on the UFC's plans and the athletes themselves. Since the Brazilian is aiming for a career in the heavyweight division, a potential trilogy would also require a decision on the weight class in which the fight would take place.

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