After successfully defending his light heavyweight (93 kg) belt in the UFC 300, on April 13th, Alex Poatan he was unable to return in record time to also fight in edition 301, which takes place this Saturday (4), in Rio de Janeiro, as he wanted. Even so, the champion came to the ‘Marvelous City’ to act as ‘guest fighter‘ (guest wrestler) to help promote the event and is stealing the show backstage during the pre-show week.
On Wednesday (1), for example, Poatan met Daniel Cormier at the hotel where the UFC Rio protagonists are staying, in Barra da Tijuca (RJ), and during a friendly conversation he decided to test his wrestling against the commentator and former champion of the UFC, who was a specialist in the sport when he was still active as a fighter. And, even in a relaxed way, the Brazilian showed that he has his takedown game up to date.
In the hotel corridor, Alex engaged in a grappling match with ‘DC’ and – amidst laughter – managed to land the wrestler in a takedown. UFC security, however, put an end to the game after the veteran’s requests for ‘help’. After they separated, the American even threatened a kick to Poatan’s lower parts, which obviously didn’t catch the Brazilian, and joked: “Now I’m an old guy. I find ways to win – poke in the eye, kick in the balls.”
Poatan at UFC Rio
Before being selected to lead the UFC 300 card, Alex Poatan would put his belt on the line in the edition based in Rio de Janeiro. However, the entity changed its plans and relocated the São Paulo native to the centenary event that was held in Las Vegas, in April. Victorious before Jamahal Hill During his title defense, the light heavyweight champion considered returning to the Octagon in time to compete at home, even suggesting a heavyweight duel, but an injury made him abandon the idea.
