Anthony Smith points out advantage over rivals to face Alex Poatan in the UFC

Current holder of the UFC light heavyweight belt (93 kg), Alex Poatan became the main target of the entire category. However, for former title challenger Anthony Smith, there are, in fact, not many divisional rivals willing to climb into the most famous Octagon in the world to face the Brazilian striker in his area of ​​expertise, striking.

Therefore, the veteran sees the possibility of, even though he is far from his peak, guaranteeing a chance to challenge the light heavyweight champion of the UFC, as long as it achieves a sequence of positive results, however small. This is because, in addition to having exchanged barbs with the São Paulo native in the past, Smith considers that the fact of accepting to exchange blows with Poatan in the stand-up fight, without the interest of taking him to the ground, could be an advantage over the other competitors. of the category.

“He is funny. He and I exchanged a few words back and forth. I don’t think there’s any real bad blood, but there’s always something between me and him that, given the opportunity, we both jump at it. If I can put myself in a position where it’s ‘we’re on a winning streak and things are going well’, the timing is right, I think we would both take advantage of that opportunity. I do not know the reason. I don’t know if it’s because those who are real recognize who they really are. I’m one of the few guys who would actually walk the walk with him, and he knows that. Is Ankalaev going to stand and trade with Alex, and actually play this game? Probably not, you know what I’m saying?”, pondered Smith, in an interview with ‘Submission Radio’.

Champion’s next step

After defending the 93 kg belt at UFC 300, by knocking out Jamahal Hill, Alex Poatan made himself available to return to action in the next numbered edition, in Rio de Janeiro, scheduled for May 4th. However, injured, the champion was banned by his team. Thus, the striker awaits his next commitment, which could be another title defense – probably against Magomed Ankalaev – or in a possible adventure in the heavyweight division, a desire already revealed by the São Paulo native.