Polish heavyweight contender Marcin Tybura is gearing up for his third consecutive UFC main event, but this time, he's faced with a rematch that could make or break his climb up the rankings. After a dominant win in his last bout, Tybura might have expected a higher-ranked opponent, but instead, he'll take on a vastly improved Serghei Spivac in the main event of UFC Vegas 95.
Tybura, who previously defeated Spivac in 2020, admits he wasn't thrilled when the fight was first announced. However, he's embracing the challenge and is determined to showcase his evolved skill set.
"I would have preferred a higher-ranked opponent, but a UFC fight is a UFC fight. Serghei has improved a lot since our last match, and I'm excited to prove myself again," Tybura said.
Since their last encounter, both fighters have undergone significant changes. Tybura has switched coaches and training camps, while Spivac has bulked up and refined his skills. Tybura is not underestimating his opponent, acknowledging that this will be a completely different fight from their first meeting.
Their rematch also comes after Tybura's impressive submission victory over Tai Tuivasa at UFC Vegas 88, marking his first submission win in the UFC. Despite this, Tybura knows that defeating Spivac again won't necessarily propel him up the rankings but sees it as an opportunity to solidify his reputation.
"Winning this fight might not boost my ranking, but it's about putting on a great performance and building my name. I'm ready to brawl and show that I can dominate," Tybura declared.
As Tybura prepares to face Spivac once more, he's confident in his ability to secure another victory and set his sights on higher-ranked competition in the UFC heavyweight division.
Don't miss UFC Fight Night: Tybura vs. Spivac 2, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas on August 10, 2024. Prelims start at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT, with the main card kicking off at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT on ESPN & ESPN.