Tonight’s UFC Orlando main card featured a key heavyweight contest between perennial division contenders Tai Tuivasa and Sergei Pavlovich.
Tuivasa (14-4 MMA) had entered the bout looking to rebound, this after suffering a knockout loss to Ciryl Gane in his most previous effort at UFC Paris. Prior to that setback, the Aussie had put together a five-fight winning streak, with all five victories coming by way of knockout.
Meanwhile, Sergei Pavlovich (16-1 MMA) had entered tonight’s contest sporting a four-fight winning streak, his most recent being a TKO victory over Derrick Lewis. The Russian’s lone career loss came at the hands of former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem.
Tonight’s ‘Tuivasa vs. Pavlovich’ bout proved to be a one-sided affair. After a brief hug of respect to start the match, Sergei proceeded to unleash a flurry punches, one of which dropped the Aussie. Tuivasa got back to his feet only to be sat down again and some follow up ground and pound secured the stoppage.
Official UFC Result: Sergei Pavlovich def. Tai Tuivasa via TKO in Round 1
Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Tuivasa vs. Pavlovich’ below:
Not a pro Sergei crowd. I expect them to go nuts for Tai! #UFCOrlando
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) December 4, 2022
Post-fight reactions to Pavlovich defeating Tuivasa at UFC Orlando:
https://twitter.com/twrecks155/status/1599262309985443846
Wow! Why this guy did Tuivasa like that?
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) December 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/CoreyA_MMA/status/1599262636033871872
https://twitter.com/bjpenndotcom/status/1599262906339631104
That was like heavyweight petr yan
— Kai Kamaka III (@kaiboikamaka) December 4, 2022
Idk who's scarier right now… Sergei or Francis?! Both have massive power! One has devastating kicks other has dominating wrestling…. Needless to say I look forward to that match up!#UFCOrlando
— Corey 'Overtime' Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) December 4, 2022
Who would you like to see Sergei Pavlovich fight next following his TKO victory over Tai Tuivasa at tonight’s UFC Orlando event? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!