Sergei Pavlovich became a genuine heavyweight contender when he knocked out UFC fan favourite Derrick Lewis last year.
The Russian MMA star lost his UFC debut against Alistair Overeem in November 2018 before picking up three consecutive first-round KO wins over unheralded opponents.
Pavlovich is the UFC heavyweight division’s boogeymanCredit: Getty
Most fans weren’t overly impressed with his stoppage streak, but UFC CEO Dana White decided Pavlovich had done enough to earn a shot at one of the biggest stars on his roster.
Lewis is a two-time title challenger, and the most prolific knockout artist in UFC history after stopping 14 of his Octagon opponents with strikes.
The 38-year-old has become extremely popular with UFC fans due to a combination of his KO ability and wacky personality that makes for hilarious post-fight interviews.
‘The Black Beast’ had a hometown crowd behind him when he squared off against Pavlovich at UFC 277 in Texas in July 2022, but they were quickly silenced.
Pavlovich charged at his rival as soon as the fight began.
The 31-year-old launched a series of vicious punches at Lewis who tried to retreat but ended up taking most of them to the head and chin before falling to the floor.
Lewis landed face-first on the canvas before veteran referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in and awarded Pavlovich a shockingly quick win after just 55 seconds.
Since then, Pavlovich has extended his first-round KO streak to six.
Lewis was overwhelmed by his opponent’s relentless attackCredit: Getty
He tried to protest the stoppage but after faceplantingCredit: Getty
The 6ft 3in puncher stopped Tai Tuivasa and Curtis Blaydes to become the number one contender for Jon Jones’ UFC heavyweight title.
After ‘Bones withdrew from his UFC 295 fight with fellow MMA legend Stipe Miocic, it was announced Pavlovich will headline at Madison Square Garden on November 11.
However, he won’t be facing Miocic as British MMA star Tom Aspinall has taken the chance to fight Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title on short notice.
Meanwhile, Lewis dropped three fights in a row before getting back in the win column by knocking out Marcos Rogério de Lima with a flying knee and follow-up punches in July.
The 38-year-old is set to headline UFC Sao Paulo on Saturday night.
He’ll face streaking contender Jailton Almeida in his home country this weekend just days after being arrested for driving 86mph over the speed limit.
Fans feared Lewis would be pulled from the latest UFC card when he was caught travelling in his Lamborghini at 136mph in a 50mph area.
Thankfully, he was released on bail before travelling to Brazil in search of a win that would catapult him back into the title mix and move him one step closer to a potential rematch with Pavlovich.
