Tag: Sergei Pavlovich

Report – UFC Saudi Arabia fight between Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov in danger amid surprise booking

UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov in jeopardy over surprise bookingA potential heavyweight title-eliminator between Russian duo, Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov is reportedly already in jeopardy for a…

UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov in jeopardy over surprise booking

A potential heavyweight title-eliminator between Russian duo, Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov is reportedly already in jeopardy for a UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia card in June – with the pair allegedly blindsided by the announcement of a clash amongst themselves by organizational officials.

Pavlovich, the current number three ranked heavyweight contender, has been sidelined since he co-headlined UFC 295 last November, suffering his second Octagon loss in a stunning first round KO loss to Tom Aspinall in the pair’s interim title fight.

Sergei Pavlovich set to serve as backup to Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 295

And as for compatriot, Volkov, the number six rated challenger has yet to return since he stopped Tai Tuivasa back in September at UFC 293 in Australia. 

Alex Volkov UFC 293
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty

Earlier this week, reports emerged detailing how Volkov would be returning to the Octagon at UFC 301 in May in a trip to Brazil to take on recent feature, Jailton Almeida in a pivotal showdown. 

Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov reportedly blindsided by fight booking

However, upon the announcement of a UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia card this summer in Riyadh, promotional boss, Dana White revealed Sergei Pavlovich would be taking on Volkov in a co-headliner in the Middle East – much to the reported dismay and surprise of the duo.

“(Alexander) Volkov and (Sergei) Pavlovich were not going to fight each other, they are on good terms, periodically [they] train together,” A source told RingSide24 following an initial report from Red Fury MMA regarding the surprise nature in the booking of Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov. “Such a fight is only possible if it is a [title] challenger or title fight.”

Sergei Pavlovich vows to get revenge on Tom Aspinall in UFC rematch it's inevitable
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Volkov also already had a contract in hand for a fight against Brazilian, Jailton Almeida. Now there will be negotiations between the league [UFC] and managers to have the fight between Volkov and Pavlovic cancelled.” 

Atop the slated UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia card in June, a potential title-eliminator between former middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, and surging, unbeaten contender, Khamzat Chimaev is slated to take main event status.

What are your thoughts on Sergei Palovich and Alexander Volkov’s potential fight?

Report – UFC Saudi Arabia fight between Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov in danger amid surprise booking

UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov in jeopardy over surprise bookingA potential heavyweight title-eliminator between Russian duo, Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov is reportedly already in jeopardy for a…

UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov in jeopardy over surprise booking

A potential heavyweight title-eliminator between Russian duo, Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov is reportedly already in jeopardy for a UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia card in June – with the pair allegedly blindsided by the announcement of a clash amongst themselves by organizational officials.

Pavlovich, the current number three ranked heavyweight contender, has been sidelined since he co-headlined UFC 295 last November, suffering his second Octagon loss in a stunning first round KO loss to Tom Aspinall in the pair’s interim title fight.

Sergei Pavlovich set to serve as backup to Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 295

And as for compatriot, Volkov, the number six rated challenger has yet to return since he stopped Tai Tuivasa back in September at UFC 293 in Australia. 

Alex Volkov UFC 293
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty

Earlier this week, reports emerged detailing how Volkov would be returning to the Octagon at UFC 301 in May in a trip to Brazil to take on recent feature, Jailton Almeida in a pivotal showdown. 

Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov reportedly blindsided by fight booking

However, upon the announcement of a UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia card this summer in Riyadh, promotional boss, Dana White revealed Sergei Pavlovich would be taking on Volkov in a co-headliner in the Middle East – much to the reported dismay and surprise of the duo.

“(Alexander) Volkov and (Sergei) Pavlovich were not going to fight each other, they are on good terms, periodically [they] train together,” A source told RingSide24 following an initial report from Red Fury MMA regarding the surprise nature in the booking of Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov. “Such a fight is only possible if it is a [title] challenger or title fight.”

Sergei Pavlovich vows to get revenge on Tom Aspinall in UFC rematch it's inevitable
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Volkov also already had a contract in hand for a fight against Brazilian, Jailton Almeida. Now there will be negotiations between the league [UFC] and managers to have the fight between Volkov and Pavlovic cancelled.” 

Atop the slated UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia card in June, a potential title-eliminator between former middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, and surging, unbeaten contender, Khamzat Chimaev is slated to take main event status.

What are your thoughts on Sergei Palovich and Alexander Volkov’s potential fight?

Tom Aspinall opens as close betting favorite to beat Sergei Pavlovich in interim title fight at UFC 295

Tom Aspinall betting favorite over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 interim title fightFollowing the announcement of their impromptu interim heavyweight title fight at UFC 295 next month, Tom Aspinall has opened…

Tom Aspinall betting favorite over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 interim title fight

Following the announcement of their impromptu interim heavyweight title fight at UFC 295 next month, Tom Aspinall has opened as a narrow betting favorite to beat six-fight riser, Sergei Pavlovich at Madison Square Garden, and land interim divisional spoils.

Aspinall, the current number four ranked heavyweight contender, is slated to make his second Octagon walk of the year – on just two weeks notice, following a triumphant return from a brutal knee injury, with a July knockout win over Polish veteran, Marcin Tybura in London.

As for Pavlovich, the surging number two rated heavyweight challenger has enjoyed a stunning six-fight winning run since dropping a knockout loss to Alistair Overeem in his Octagon bow – most recently wrapping up a first round KO win over perennial contender and common-foe, Curtis Blaydes back in April. 

Tom Aspinall opens as betting favorite to beat Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295

However, despite Pavlovich’s roughshod run through contenders en route to a top-spot in the heavyweight pile, the Russian has opened and is currently sitting as a +110 betting underdog to defeat Tom Aspinall – with the UK heavyweight still sitting as a betting favorite on many markets as high as -130.

A host of online sportsbooks and online betting sites are offering odds and prop bets on Tom Aspinall’s interim heavyweight title fight with Pavlovich next month in Madison Square Garden, as the two gear up for their first crack at promotional spoils. 

Returning from a brutal knee injury back in July of this year, Atherton native, Aspinall would score a first round knockout win over the above-mentioned, Tybura having dropping a opening round TKO due to a gruesome and brutal knee injury in July of last year, in a homecoming fight against common-foe, Blaydes in London.

The injury setback came as Cage Warriors alum, Tom Aspinall’s first loss under the banner of the UFC, having rode a winning streak over Jake Collier, Alan Baudot, former champion, Andrei Arlovski, as well as Sergey Spivak, and Alexander Volkov – the most recent of which via a first round straight armbar submission. 

18-1 as a professional, former Fight Nights Global heavyweight titleholder, Pavlovich debuted in the Octagon with a first round knockout loss to former title challenger, Alistair Overeem back in 2018 in Beijing – before landing a slew of consecutive finish victories. 

Of note in his three most recent wins, Pavlovich turned in opening minute knockout wins over both Derrick Lewis, and Tai Tuivasa, before cannoning through Blaydes with a blistering opening round stoppage via strikes in his headlining premier back in April of this year.

As well as Aspinall’s interim title fight with Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November, the monumental New York card also features a massive vacant light heavyweight championship fight between former Octagon gold holders, Alex Pereira, and Jiri Prochazka – in a headlining clash in ‘The Big Apple’. 

Aspinall’s return against Pavlovich takes place in place of a previously slated heavyweight title fight clash between incumbent undisputed gold holder, Jon Jones, and former two-time gold holder, Stipe Miocic, until an injury ruled the pound-for-pound number one from the homecoming event. 

Who wins at UFC 295: Tom Aspinall or Sergei Pavlovich?

Tom Aspinall vows to win interim title fight at UFC 295 against Sergei Pavlovich: ‘I’m doing a ‘Bisping”

Tom Aspinall vows to win interim title at UFC 295 against Sergei Pavlovich I'm doing a BispingTom Aspinall maintains he’s fighting the most “dangerous” fighter currently on the promotion’s books on just two weeks’ notice…

Tom Aspinall vows to win interim title at UFC 295 against Sergei Pavlovich I'm doing a Bisping

Tom Aspinall maintains he’s fighting the most “dangerous” fighter currently on the promotion’s books on just two weeks’ notice as he takes on Sergei Pavlovich in a reshuffled interim heavyweight title fight at UFC 295 – as he hopes to follow in the path paved by UK favorite, Michael Bisping.

Aspinall, the current number four ranked heavyweight contender, is slated to co-headline UFC 295 in November at Madison Square Garden, landing an interim title fight with the aforenoted, Pavlovich on short notice, after incumbent heavyweight champion, Jon Jones was forced from the headliner after he tore a tendon attached to his pectoral muscle while training for his fight with Stipe Miocic.

Tom Aspinall envisions title success against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295

And now set for a return to the Octagon in his first championship fight under the banner of the promotion, Aspinall, who most recently turned in a first round TKO win over Polish veteran, Marcin Tybura back in July, claimed he would do a “Bisping” and land a shocking win over Pavlovich, minting himself as the interim heavyweight titleholder.

“I’m fighting the most dangerous guy in the uFC on two weeks notice,” Tom Aspinall told The Mac Life reporter, Oscar Willis. “But I’m willing to put it all on the line. This is my absolute dream and I’m f*cking doing a ‘Bisping’.”

Amid the reshuffle of next months’ flagship return to New York City, Aspinall and Pavlovich will take co-headlining status at Madison Square Garden, with a vacant light heavyweight title fight between former Octagon gold holders, Jiri Prochazka, and Alex Pereira set to take main event honors to boot. 

Tasked with handing Pavlovich his first loss since the Russian dropped an Octagon debut defeat to Alistair Overeem, the former has since landed six consecutive knockout victories, including an April stoppage win over common-foe, Curtis Blaydes in the first round of their headlining clash. 

Who wins at UFC 295: Tom Aspinall or Sergei Pavlovich?

Breaking – Jon Jones out of UFC 295 return due to injury, interim title fight now drafted onto card

Jon Jones out of UFC 295 title fight due to injury new interim championship fight added to cardUndisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones is officially out of next month’s championship fight against former titleholder, Stipe Miocic, after…

Jon Jones out of UFC 295 title fight due to injury new interim championship fight added to card

Undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones is officially out of next month’s championship fight against former titleholder, Stipe Miocic, after he suffered a tendon tear overnight whilst training ahead of his UFC 295 return, forcing the cancellation of their undisputed heavyweight championship bout.

And as per UFC CEO, Dana White, with Jones injured, Miocic has also been pulled from the Madison Square Garden card to boot, while an interim championship bout between surging Russian knockout artist, Sergei Pavlovich, and British heavyweight contender, Tom Aspinall has now been added to the New York City event.

Jon Jones forced off of UFC 295 card due to injury

Remaining on the card and receiving a promotion, Czech Republic native, Jiri Prochazka now takes on former middleweight champion, Alex Pereira in a vacant light heavyweight championship fight – now in a headlining bout. 

“BREAKING NEWS……….. Sergei Pavlovich vs Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight championship,” Dana White posted on his official X account. “Main event is Jiri Prochazka vs Alex Pereira.”

As per promotional leader, White, Endicott native, Jon Jones is set for a period of up to 8 months on the sidelines, after he torn a tendon attached to his pectoral muscle whilst drilling wrestling ahead of his fight with Miocic next month at UFC 295, resulting in his removal from the card in New York.

Jones, a former two-time light heavyweight champion, had only returned from a three-year-plus hiatus from active competition back in March of this year, landing a vacant heavyweight championship triumph with a first round guillotine choke submission win over Ciryl Gane. 

Ranked number two in the official heavyweight pile, Pavlovich has turned in six consecutive victories, most recently landing a first round knockout win over perennial contender, Curtis Blaydes in an April main event clash.

As for Atherton native, Aspinall, the number four rated challenger returned to the Octagon back in July, flattening Marcin Tybura with a blistering first round knockout in his return from a debilitating knee injury. 

What are your thoughts on Jon Jones’ withdrawal from UFC 295 next month?

Tom Aspinall wants Sergei Pavlovich next: ‘It’s the most exciting fight in the heavyweight division’

Tom AspinallHeavyweight standout Tom Aspinall believes his next fight will be against Russian knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich. Following his 13th career first-round finish against Marcin Tybura in July, Tom Aspinall has emerged as a potential superstar in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Now sitting in the No. 4 spot in the top-10 rankings, many fight fans are […]

Tom Aspinall

Heavyweight standout Tom Aspinall believes his next fight will be against Russian knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich.

Following his 13th career first-round finish against Marcin Tybura in July, Tom Aspinall has emerged as a potential superstar in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Now sitting in the No. 4 spot in the top-10 rankings, many fight fans are wondering what could be next for the surging title contender.

Appearing on a recent episode of UFC Unfiltered, Aspinall suggested that the most exciting, and most logical fight for him would be a clash with Sergei Pavlovich.

“I think it’s going to be Pavlovich who I fight next if you ask me. That’s it. That’s the ideal situation, me and Pavlovich,” Aspinall said.”

“I think it’s the most exciting fight in the heavyweight division right now. I believe that right now I have the shortest average time in the UFC, and he has the second-shortest average time, which is wild. Stick us two in the cage and see what happens. It’s going to be absolutely insane” (h/t MMA Junkie).

Like Tom Aspinall, Sergei Pavlovich has a penchant for finishing his opponents in the opening round. In fact, Pavlovich has finished his last six opponents in the first five minutes, dispatching some impressive names including Derek Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, and most recently, Curtis Blaydes. Occupying the No. 2 spot in the rankings, many fight fans have Pavlovich being the next man to challenge for the heavyweight title.

Tom Aspinall Has No Idea How Things Will Play Out in the Division Following UFC 295

As it stands the heavyweight division is in a bit of a holding pattern with reigning champion Jon Jones set to defend the title against the division’s general consensus GOAT Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November. Rumors have been swirling that Jones, Miocic, or potentially both men could announce their retirement following the fight, opening the door for Aspinall and Pavlovich to step up and compete for the vacant crown.

But no matter what happens inside Madison Square Garden next month, Tom Aspinall has no interest in waiting around for his shot at UFC gold.

“That’s the big question, and we’re in a bit of a strange situation with the heavyweight division right now,” Aspinall said. “Usually it’s who’s going to win the fight. In this situation, it’s who’s going to win the fight and who’s going to retire. Are they both going to retire? Or is no one going to retire? What’s going to happen?

“My path to the heavyweight title is – I don’t know. I’m not one of them guys who wants to sit out and wait my turn. That’s not really my scene. I’m not looking past anybody. If I’m healthy, I’m ready to go. I’ll fight anybody. I’m willing to do whatever I can or whatever it takes to prove to everybody and myself that I deserve to be the heavyweight champion. I know I can do it.”