Sergei Pavlovich made quick work of Tai Tuivasa in Orlando
Sergei Pavlovich surprised the world of MMA by blowing out Tai Tuivasa within the first spherical at UFC Battle Evening in Orlando, Florida on Friday evening.
The quantity 5 ranked heavyweight contender was using a four-fight KO streak after disposing of former title contender Derrick Lewis in beneath a minute at UFC 277 in July.
On this event, he wanted a second much less to dispatch Australian cult hero and fan favourite Tai Tuivasa, who he stopped with simply 54 seconds down on the clock.
Staying true to his typical model, Tuivasa tried to take the combat to Pavlovich and have interaction with the Russian. Nevertheless, he did not land something clear on the 30-year-old, who landed a large proper hand on his foe.
Tuivasa fired again with a proper of his personal, however Pavlovich dropped him once more with a jab after which adopted that up with an enormous proper as he continued to make Tuivasa miss.
“That’s crisp and exact boxing,” stated former middleweight champion Michael Bisping on commentary duties.
“Devastating energy. He’s clear, it’s not swinging or brawling. It’s very technical.”
PAVLOVICH KNOCKS OUT TAI TUIVASA EARLY IN ROUND ONE #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/QLVzB6aCQC
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December four, 2022
Pavlovich did not take his foot off the gasoline as Tuivasa held on for expensive life. He crumpled in a heap from a collection of blows from Pavlovich, and by then the referee had seen sufficient to step in to name off the motion.
“I hope this time I deserve a bonus,” Pavlovich stated after bettering to 18-1 and sealing his fifth consecutive knockout with a TKO.
“Final time they stole my bonus. I deserve a bonus this time.”
Pavlovich had his needs answered, with UFC president Dana White later awarding him $ 50,000 for the Efficiency of the Evening.
Revered figures within the elite promotion reacted to Pavlovich’s show, with ex-light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier noting that he “has a lot perception in his energy that he’s prepared to only throw warning to the wind.”
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“It’s superb to look at him and his strategy. Take a look at the face of Tuivasa. A jab took him down after which Pavlovich swarms.”
“Tuivasa tries to swing large and misses and Sergei makes him pay. One other Sergei Pavlovich washout. Unbelievable,” Cormier added.
Ought to he proceed on this type, a title shot towards division king Francis Ngannou will not be far-off for Pavlovich.
