BREAKING: Top-Ranked Heavyweight Expected To Serve As Backup For Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 295
Sergei Pavlovich is expected to serve as the backup fighter for the heavyweight title fight at UFC 295. Pavlovich is currently on an incredible six-fight win streak and will weigh in as a backup for the second straight Jones fight. He previously did the same when ‘Bones’ returned against Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title in March.
The highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic title fight will take place at UFC 295 on November 11 at the Madison Square Garden in New York. This bout will mark Jones’ first title defense as the heavyweight champion against one of the most decorated heavyweights ever. Given the impressive resumes of both title contenders, fans will undoubtedly look forward to a blockbuster heavyweight clash.
The news about Pavlovich weighing in as the backup for Jones vs. Miocic was first reported by Igor Lazorin on Instagram. MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin later confirmed Lazorin’s news and tweeted:
“Sergei Pavlovich expected to serve as the backup for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at #UFC295. First reported by the legend Igor Lazorin.”
What Is UFC Heavyweight Contender Sergei Pavlovich’s Record?
Sergei Pavlovich is among the fastest-rising heavyweight contenders in the UFC. The 31-year-old Russian fighter is currently riding an impressive six-fight winning streak, with all his wins coming via KO/TKO. He is currently the No.1-ranked heavyweight contender in the promotion.
Pavlovich made his promotional debut against Alistair Overeem at UFC Beijing in November 2018. Unfortunately, the Russian’s debut was one to forget, suffering a first-round knockout against ‘The Demolition Man.’ However, Sergei Pavlovich bounced back against Marcelo Golm at UFC Fight Night 149 with a statement first-round KO victory.
Pavlovich soon found his footing and has been a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s heavyweight division. In his last three fights, Pavlovich faced world-class knockout artists like Tai Tuivasa, Derrick Lewis, and Curtis Blaydes. Interestingly, the Russian spent less than five minutes of total time in the octagon against them, securing first-round knockouts over all three.
Given his resume, Sergei Pavlovich has almost certainly earned a title shot of his own. However, due to Jon Jones specifically asking for a fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295, the 31-year-old was forced to settle for a backup role. However, it is likely that Pavlovich will be next in line to challenge for the heavyweight strap in 2024, depending on the outcome of Jones vs. Miocic.
