Promising heavyweight prospect Sergey Spivak rebounded in impressive fashion last night (Sat., Oct. 5, 2019) at UFC 243 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, when he upset Australian power puncher Tai Tuivasa via second-round submission (arm-triangle choke).
Despite some early pressure from “Bam Bam,” Spivak controlled this fight through and through. With seventh total takedowns (three shy of the UFC heavyweight record), Spivak was able to drag Tuivasa to the ground, score solid ground-and-pound, and sap the big heavyweight’s gas tank. Spivak softened Tuivasa up enough to move into a position for an arm-triangle choke and took full advantage. “Bam Bam” is so tough that he refused to tap, forcing Spivak to squeeze until his adversary passed out.
Check out the highlights above and below courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
Too much force for the Octagon! #UFC243 pic.twitter.com/1CuMInB8ny
— UFC (@ufc) October 6, 2019
Serghei Spivac punished Tai Tuivasa on the ground before putting him to sleep with an arm triangle #UFC243 pic.twitter.com/22GLzjT2dQ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 6, 2019
With this performance, Spivak earns his first UFC victory and totally redeems himself for a TKO loss in his debut against Walt Harris this past May. “Polar Bear” has a lot to offer the UFC’s heavyweight division and he showed that tonight against a worthy name on the roster. Spivak should be able to parlay this submission win into a shot at another top 15 opponent heading into 2020.
For complete UFC 243 results and coverage click here.