Deadline Set for Pavlovich's Return to the Octagon
Rewritten Article:
Heavyweight juggernaut Sergei Pavlovich (currently ranked No.3, 18-2), Russia's top UFC contender, opened up about his future plans following his recent defeat. In the octagon at UFC 295 in NYC on November 11, 2023, Sergei squared off against Tom Aspinall (14-3) for the interim title and fell short, dropping the bout via a devastating 1st-round knockout—marking the end of his six-fight winning streak of initial-round knockouts. Yet, this heavy defeat didn't deter Pavlovich from bouncing back and aiming for redemption.
"Don't worry 'bout who I gotta fight next. We'll heal up, reassess the game plan. I'm comin' back stronger than ever, that's a promise. I reckon I'll be back in the ring by summer."
Pavlovich attributes his unexpected loss against Aspinall to a lack of proper training camp time, as he was originally set to support the title fight between current champion Jon "Bones" Jones (USA, 27-1) and Stipe Miocic (USA, 20-4). However, the encounter was scrapped two weeks prior to UFC 295 due to Jones' injury, and the UFC rolled out an interim belt, ultimately setting up Pavlovich and Aspinall's face-off.
The Russian wrecking machine is gearing up for another crack at the championship. Although no concrete opponent or date has been disclosed, he's considered taking on top-tier contenders like Ciryl Gane, though nothing is set in stone yet.
As things stand, Pavlovich stays tight-lipped on the specifics of his next opponent, focusing solely on bouncing back from his recent setback. Keep your eyes peeled for Pavlovich's anticipated return, poised to reignite his dominance in the heavyweight division.
Rumors swirl concerning potential UFC events in Houston later in the year, which could serve as the perfect stage for Pavlovich's highly-anticipated comeback, assuming timing cooperates. For now, his return remains under wraps, with nothing formally linked to the Houston event on the horizon. (Note: This article contains speculation and unconfirmed details.)
- Sergei Pavlovich, currently ranked No.3 in UFC's heavyweight division, is likely to return to the sports of mixed-martial-arts by summer, following his recent defeat.
- Pavlovich, who attributes his unexpected loss to a lack of proper training camp time, has expressed his ambition to reclaim his dominance in the heavyweight division.
- The Russian contender might face top-tier competitors such as Ciryl Gane, although no concrete details about his next opponent have been announced yet.
- There are rumors of potential UFC events in Houston later in the year, which could serve as a platform for Pavlovich's highly-anticipated comeback, provided the timing works out.
