As the fighting world held its breath for Alex Pereira`s latest UFC title defense, a new narrative began to unfold in the shadows of the main event hype. Pereira, known for his imposing stature even at light heavyweight, trains alongside a heavyweight who makes even “Poatan” seem… less “Poatan.” This is the story of King Edokpolo, a colossal talent whose potential has not only been recognized by his championship-caliber mentor but has also caught the discerning eye of UFC President Dana White himself.
A `Phenom` Takes Form: King Edokpolo`s Rapid Ascent
Standing at a staggering 6`8″, King Edokpolo is not just another aspiring fighter; he’s a physical marvel. At 24 years old, with a background rooted in baseball and a heritage spanning Nigerian and Japanese cultures, Edokpolo has quickly pivoted to mixed martial arts. His professional record in the Japanese promotion Rizin stands at an unblemished 2-0, a testament to raw, untapped power and skill. What makes his trajectory particularly compelling is the limited time he’s spent in the sport, leading his coach, Plinio Cruz — the same astute mind guiding Alex Pereira — to label him nothing short of a “phenom.”
“He’s been training for two years but he’s a phenom,” Cruz revealed during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. “When I went there the first time, I took Alex with me. We trained, the kid is super talented. I just went again about a month ago. I’m his head coach now, officially. He is very promising.”
Such endorsements from a seasoned coach, particularly one who has molded a two-division UFC champion, carry significant weight. It suggests Edokpolo isn`t just big; he`s big, talented, and learnable – a combination that sends shivers down the spines of future opponents and excites matchmakers.
The Dana White Seal of Approval: A Glimpse into the Future
The recent UFC 320 fight week in Las Vegas was more than just a stage for established stars; it was also a prime networking ground for rising talents. It was here that King Edokpolo was photographed alongside UFC supremo Dana White and Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. For those familiar with the machinery of professional MMA, such an encounter is rarely coincidental. It’s a clear signal that the UFC`s interest in Edokpolo isn`t merely theoretical; it`s active and palpable. Dana White, with his notorious knack for spotting marketable talent, likely saw what many others will soon witness: a future heavyweight contender.
Alex Pereira himself, when asked about training with Edokpolo, offered a single, resonant word: “Grande.” In English, simply “Big.” An understated observation perhaps, but coming from a fighter of Pereira`s own imposing stature, it speaks volumes about the sheer physical presence Edokpolo commands.
Rizin: A Proven Pathway to the Octagon
While Edokpolo is currently under contract with Rizin, the Japanese promotion has a well-established history of its top athletes making the leap to the UFC. Recent negotiations between Rizin president Nobuyuki Sakakibara and the UFC have facilitated significant talent transfers. Kai Asakura, a former Rizin bantamweight champion, was signed and immediately thrust into a UFC title fight, while Kyoji Horiguchi is slated for an Octagon return. This precedent suggests that Edokpolo’s Rizin contract is less of a roadblock and more of a temporary proving ground before an inevitable transition to the world`s premier MMA organization.
The UFC has openly expressed interest in Edokpolo, a natural progression given his imposing physical attributes, undefeated record, and the glowing recommendations from his elite coaching staff and training partner. The heavyweight division is perpetually hungry for new, exciting talent, and a 6`8″, 24-year-old “phenom” with a clean slate is precisely the kind of prospect that generates significant buzz.
The Dawn of a New Heavyweight Era?
King Edokpolo represents the tantalizing prospect of a fresh force in the UFC`s heavyweight division. With the mentorship of a champion like Alex Pereira and the guidance of Plinio Cruz, coupled with the undeniable interest from the sport`s biggest promotion, his journey from a promising Rizin fighter to a potential UFC superstar seems less like a dream and more like an unfolding prophecy. As the MMA world watches, the question isn`t if Edokpolo will step into the Octagon, but when, and what kind of seismic impact he will make when he finally does.
Connor Westbrook 
Marcus Bellamy