After UFC Fight Night 222, there is no doubt who should be next in line for a UFC heavyweight title shot.
Sergei Pavlovich made a statement in the main event at UFC Apex in Las Vegas by making quick work of Curtis Blaydes. The bout aired on ESPN+, and fans didn’t have to wait long for a definitive result. At 3:08 of the first round, Pavlovich (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) was stopped by the referee from landing more punches on Blaydes (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC), and the celebration was on for the Russian heavyweight contender.
Hard punches were exchanged early. Both fighters landed well as they moved around the octagon. Pavlovich stalked forward while Blaydes circled on the outside. It seemed as if either man could have been dropped to the canvas at any moment, and just under two minutes in, Blaydes was knocked off his feet momentarily.
