Curtis Blaydes vs. Sergei Pavlovich headlines upcoming UFC Fight Night card
A fantastic heavyweight fight between two of the best fighters in the division, Curtis Blaydes and Sergei Pavlovich, headlines an upcoming UFC Fight Night card.
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto was the first to report the Blaydes vs. Pavlovich fight, which takes place on April 22 at a location and venue that have yet to be announced.
Main event, April 22.
No. 3 ranked Sergei Pavlovich vs. No. 4 ranked Curtis Blaydes. High stakes at heavyweight. Early predictions? pic.twitter.com/Xsyhup4YxZ
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 22, 2023
Blaydes is the No. 4 ranked heavyweight in the UFC. Blaydes is one of the best heavyweights in the UFC and he’s won his last three fights heading into this bout and seven of his last eight overall. He’s 31 and in the prime of his career. We already know that Blaydes has some of the best wrestling in the weight class, but his striking has also really improved in recent years and he has become one of the most well-rounded heavyweights.
Pavlovich is the No. 3 ranked heavyweight in the UFC, so the Russian is actually a spot above Bladyes despite not having as much UFC experience and overall quality of wins as his American opponent. That being said, Pavlovich is coming off of huge knockout wins over Tai Tuivasa and Derrick Lewis in his last two fights and he’s won his last five fights overall in the UFC by knockout after Alistair Overeem stopped him in his debut. Since he’s just 30, he’s actually one of the youngest heavyweights in the UFC and certainly a top title contender.
It is certainly possible that this matchup between Blaydes and Pavlovich could be a No. 1 contender matchup in the UFC heavyweight division. The vacant belt is being contested for next month when Jon Jones returns to the Octagon against Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 285. Although former champ Stipe Miocic would also be an option, the winner of Blaydes vs. Pavlovich would certainly be very deserving of getting the next title shot.
Who do you think wins this heavyweight main event between Curtis Blaydes and Sergei Pavlovich?
