Alex Poatan’s historic rival, the Nigerian Israel Adesanya revealed to whom he bets to overcome the UFC 313 main duel on Saturday (8) in Las Vegas. In the most important struggle of the event, Poatan will defend the middle treated belt against Russian Magomed Ankalaev.
‘Izzy’, as the Nigerian is known, posted a video on his YouTube channel and analyzed next Saturday’s fight. He believes Alex Poatan will beat the Russian by knockout in Las Vegas.
“Kicks in the leg, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. This will be a factor in this fight. He (Ankalaev) may need to become a wrestler in this fight. He will get the falls because he will be hit on his legs. Maybe it’s giving a lot of credit to the calf kicks, but I had experience with it and I know how effective they are, ”said Adesanya.
“Regardless, I will bet on Pereira because of the moment, it is in a great phase. When you have this size and power, you trust your skills a lot. I think (the fight) will be, kick in the leg, kick on the leg, left cross. Alex Pereira via knockout, fourth or fifth. He will knock him out in the fourth or fifth round, ”said the Nigerian.
They faced each other twice at UFC. In November 2022, the Brazilian knocked out his rival on the fifth round and won the middle belt. In April of the following year, in the immediate rematch, ‘Izzy’ knocked out his rival in the first round and recovered the title.
Alex Poatan has three successful belt defenses in the category of middle treasures. He won the title against Jiri Prochazka in 2023 and defended the title three times last year against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. There are five wins in five fights in the division.
The Russian, Poatan’s next rival, had been asking for a long time. And he made the chance to fight for the title. In the last 13 fighting, there are 11 wins, a draw and a duel without a result.
