To CNN, Poatan puts fight at the White House above UFC 300: "It will be number one"
Alex Poatan Pereira has already competed and won fights on some of the biggest stages in recent UFC history. Still, the Brazilian believes that the next challenge can surpass all the previous ones.
In an interview with CNN Brasil, Poatan classified as "unique" the opportunity to fight at the event that will be held at the White House, in Washington, on June 14th. For the former middleweight and light heavyweight champion, the historic card has the potential to become the most memorable moment in his career in MMA.
Speaking of the White House, it is something unique. As the president said there at his table, this will only happen once. We know it's something special. We saw some images of how it's being organized, built, and it's going to be awesome
Alex Poatan Pereira
The Brazilian will face Frenchman Ciryl Gane in a fight for the interim heavyweight belt. If he wins, Poatan will achieve an unprecedented feat by winning titles in three different UFC categories.
Even faced with the possibility of making the organization's history, the fighter highlighted that the fight scene is what catches his attention the most.
White House, I think it will be more special. I think it will be number one. Because, as the president said, this will happen once. So let's take advantage of the opportunity
Alex Poatan Pereira
The event is part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States and will be held in a structure set up on the south lawn of the official residence of the American presidency.
Poatan compared the occasion to other historic cards in which he participated, such as UFC 300, but believes that the symbolic dimension of the White House puts the experience on another level.
It's a continuation of everything I've been doing. This scenario is improving every time. There was a card like UFC 300, which was also something special, historic. But the White House will be more special
Alex Poatan Pereira
Despite the grandeur of the event, the Brazilian assured that the preparation did not undergo any significant changes. According to him, the focus remains on daily work to face a heavier and more mobile opponent.
"I'm training in all situations so as not to have any kind of surprises. And, if there are any surprises, we will be prepared, as I have always done", said Poatan.
"Nervous for me is fighting. The responsibility is great and the scenario is different, but the nervous part is fighting. I can control my fear by training. The more you prepare, the calmer you become", he added.
Confident about the challenge, the Brazilian said he was motivated by the opportunity to participate in an unprecedented chapter in the history of the UFC.
"I'm very excited about the fight. It's a historic event. I hope to come away with this victory. Anyone who follows me knows that I've always been dedicating myself and wanting to deliver a show. I want to do my best there and come away with this victory", he concluded.
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Source: CNN