The UFC 320 press conference, held this Thursday in Las Vegas, USA, highlighted the rivalry between Alex Pereira, known as Poatan, and the light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev. The event took place at T-Mobile Arena, gathering journalists and fans to discuss the main card, scheduled for Saturday. Poatan, the challenger in the title rematch at 205 pounds, faced questions about allegedly avoiding a fight with the Russian.
UFC president Dana White mediated the debate and defended the Brazilian, stating he never dodged fights, even when injured or on break. Ankalaev remained silent after White’s statement. The exchange heightened anticipation for the bout, marking the second clash between the fighters after the Russian’s unanimous decision win in March at UFC 313.
Poatan emphasized his focus on reclaiming the title lost seven months ago. The Brazilian, a former middleweight and light heavyweight champion, aims to correct tactical errors from the first fight.
How many days until #UFC320? 👀
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Accusations of evasion fuel debate
When directly questioned about Ankalaev’s claims of delaying the rematch, Poatan passed the response to Dana White. The UFC president promptly confirmed the athlete’s willingness to compete at all times.
Ankalaev, the current belt holder, did not counter and shrugged, prompting mixed reactions from those present. The Russian’s demeanor reinforced his projected confidence since winning the title.
The moment underscores Poatan’s strategy of leveraging the organization’s support to counter opposing narratives.
Fight history shapes rivalry
The first bout between Poatan and Ankalaev occurred in March 2025 at UFC 313, also in Las Vegas. The Russian dominated with wrestling and ground control, winning 49-46 on the judges’ scorecards.
Poatan, known for powerful knockouts, absorbed strikes and couldn’t impose his striking. He later admitted in interviews to underestimating his opponent’s resilience.
- Ankalaev’s unanimous decision victory (UFC 313, March 2025).
- Poatan with 9 UFC wins, including titles in two divisions.
- Ankalaev undefeated in 12 UFC fights, with a 21-1-1 MMA record.
- Rematch scheduled for October 4 at T-Mobile Arena.
This sequence of events framed the press conference, where past frustrations resurfaced.
Adjusted strategies for the rematch
Poatan tailored his training to neutralize Ankalaev’s wrestling, focusing heavily on takedown defense. His coach, Glover Teixeira, highlighted the fighter’s drive to reclaim the belt.
Ankalaev plans to repeat the control seen in the first fight but with more offensive pressure. The champion noted in a media day that he expects a “completely different” fight, aiming for a finish.
The Brazilian countered prior taunts, like claims of lacking power, recalling that even referees praised his strength in past fights. This preparation targets weaknesses identified in the seven-month gap.
Both fighters avoid external distractions, with Poatan prioritizing the octagon over controversies. The light heavyweight division stands to gain from the clash, which could reshape rankings.
Fan support and final statements
Fans at the press conference booed Ankalaev when he mocked Poatan’s “Chama” nickname, chanting in support of the Brazilian. The Russian responded with indifference, claiming the “Chama is gone.”
Poatan seized the moment to reinforce his underdog narrative, mentioning his humble beginnings without returning to the “tire shop.” His Portuguese statement during the faceoff went viral among fans.
Main card expectations
UFC 320 features co-main events like Merab Dvalishvili versus Cory Sandhagen in bantamweight and Jiri Prochazka against Khalil Rountree in light heavyweight. These bouts complement the focus on the title rematch.
Dana White announced exclusive broadcasts on UFC Fight Pass, with prelims starting at 5 PM (Brasília time). The event expects a full house at T-Mobile Arena, with 20,000 spectators.
Poatan and Ankalaev face the official weigh-in this Friday, the final step before the fight. The organization monitors injuries, but both confirmed full readiness.
- Dvalishvili seeks fourth consecutive bantamweight title defense.
- Sandhagen bets on cardio to overcome the Georgian’s grappling.
- Prochazka returns after a break, aiming for the top 5 in light heavyweight.
- Rountree rises with recent knockout victories.
These fights elevate the card’s appeal, drawing a global audience.
Poatan’s physical and mental preparation
Poatan’s team invested in sparring sessions to mimic Ankalaev’s style, emphasizing transitions from stand-up to ground. At 38, the Brazilian maintains a strength routine that made him a striking benchmark.
Glover Teixeira recently described his pupil as “hungry and eager” for the opportunity. Poatan avoided major injuries since the first fight, recovering from a facial cut.
Mentally, his focus remains on the title, with no projections beyond Saturday. This approach contrasts with Ankalaev’s confidence, who sees the rematch as a chance for consolidation.
The duel promises a balance between Russian wrestling and Brazilian power, potentially lasting five rounds.
