Alex Poatan He competed for the provisional heavyweight belt at UFC Freedom 250, but ended up defeated by Frenchman Cyril Gane at the commemorative event held at the White House, in the United States.
The Brazilian was trying to reach a historic milestone – he was fighting for the third belt of his career in different categories. “That was the risk. If I hadn’t taken the risk, I wouldn’t be who I am today,” he said after the fight.
When asked if he was thinking about returning to the middleweight category, he stated that it was not yet the time to decide. “The fight just happened, I have to decide well, the same way I did when I lost at middleweight, now we will do it the same way.”
Em 2022, Poatan beat Israel Adesanya by technical knockout at UFC 281, and won the middleweight belt (up to 84 kg). The light heavyweight contest (up to 93 kg) came a year later, in November 2023, at UFC 295. Poatan knocked out Kiri Prochazka in the 2nd round and was also champion.
In an exclusive interview with CNNAlex Poatan commented on the uniqueness of the event. “Speaking of the White House, it’s something unique,” said the fighter. .
The fight
The Frenchman started the first round with a lot of movement, and the Brazilian took a while to land his strikes. At the end of the first round, Poatan landed some shots, but ended up losing on points to Gane’s speed by 10 to 9.
At the beginning of the second round, Gane landed a jab with great force that deconstructed the Brazilian’s defense. The sequence of blows shook Poatan and left him disoriented. He went to the ground, managed to get up even after a few elbows, but couldn’t resist the Frenchman’s aggression. The fight was stopped by knockout.
Other fights of the night
Diego Lopes x Steve Garcia – featherweight
The gala night began with Brazilian Diego Lopes beating North American Steve Garcia by technical knockout. In the second round of the fight, the Brazilian landed a left cross, and started a sequence of blows with his opponent already on the ground to guarantee the victory.
“I know he’s dangerous. My brother, my corner, told me to throw two, three (punches) in striking. Nobody can beat me here, if you come to the middle of the octagon, in striking with me, I’ll knock out anyone,” said Lopes.
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus – middleweight fight
Bo Nickal only needed one round to finish his fight. He opened the distance with a kick to Daukaus’s face, and with a sequence of punches he knocked his opponent down and received a technical knockout.
Mauricio Ruffy x Michael Chandler – lightweight fight
Brazilian Maurício Ruffy also got the better of Michael Chandler. After being booed by the fans present, he knocked out the North American with a spinning kick.
“I’m very happy for the performance, for being here and for everything I’m experiencing. I’m grateful to the UFC for the opportunity. Chandler is a great fighter. I’ve been training a lot in wrestling, I want to be champion of the category and I’m giving my all”, he said, after the victory.
Josh Hokit x Derrick Lewis – Heavyweight
Josh Hokit achieved his 10th victory in the UFC by beating Derrick Lewis, who did not have a good performance in Washington. Still standing, Lewis suffered a well-placed sequence of blows and fell to the ground while still being hit. When he fell on his back in the Octagon, the referee declared a knockout.
Sean O’Malley x Aiemann Zahabi – bantamweight fight
The fight between Sean O’Malley and Canadian Aiemann Zahabi also ended in a knockout. After a balanced first round, the North American finished his opponent with a series of left and right strikes in the second round.
