Sergei Pavlovich entered last year as a heavyweight sensation, demolishing opponents with a streak of early finishes, intimidating fighters across the division. Last April marked his first main event, a swift triumph over Curtis Blaydes, bolstering his reputation as a formidable contender.
Unexpectedly thrust into a title bout against Tom Aspinall at UFC 295 due to Jon Jones's withdrawal, Pavlovich faced his first defeat, a swift outcome that ended his streak. Reflecting on the experience, he noted the pitfalls of accepting fights on short notice with a light-hearted demeanor.
Now, as he prepares to face fellow Russian Alexander Volkov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Pavlovich clarifies they are merely acquaintances, not close friends, dismissing any awkwardness about the matchup. The fight has stirred interest due to their past training sessions and Pavlovich acknowledges that both have evolved since their last spars.
Volkov, coming off a series of victories, including a notable submission against Tai Tuivasa, remains a formidable opponent. Pavlovich respects Volkov's abilities, emphasizing that familiarity from past training will play a crucial role in their upcoming clash.
Despite their history, Pavlovich is undeterred about facing Volkov in the cage, expressing a readiness to compete without reservations. This matchup adds an intriguing layer to the event, promising strategic encounters based on their shared past.
The UFC Riyadh event, featuring this compelling co-main event, is set to captivate audiences, showcasing the evolving dynamics of fighters who once trained together. Catch all the action live, with prelims and main card broadcasts scheduled throughout the day.
Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Aliskerov, live from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The prelims kick off at 12pm ET/9am PT, followed by the main card on ABC at 3pm ET/12pm PT.