Featuring Tai Tuivasa, UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs Holland promised fans a brutal knockout and a possible another ‘Shoey’ celebration. But, the Russian fighter Sergei Pavlovich stood in his way at UFC Orlando. Both the heavyweight fighters who are a push away from claiming the next title fight, engaged in a fight that had fireworks written all over it. However, it was the Russian fighter who prevailed in their bloody encounter and inched toward the title shot.
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Notably, both the heavyweight titans engaged in a back-and-forth fight where Sergei Pavlovich scored a victory via TKO with 54 seconds on the clock.
How did the fans react to Pavlovich’s TKO victory?
The fans and UFC stars alike were awestruck at the devastating display by the Russian fighter. Further, in his post-fight in-cage interview, the now- 17-1 record holder asked for the bonus that he missed during his last fight.
UFC star Belal Muhammad declared, “This guy beats Tyson fury in boxing”
This guy beats Tyson fury in boxing
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 4, 2022
Similarly, the lightweight fighter Dustin ‘Diamond’ Poirier commented, “Big boys were throwing!!”
Big boys were throwing!!#UFCOrlando
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) December 4, 2022
The noted MMA journalist Ariel Helwani also was awestruck by the Russian fighter’s brute strength. Thus, he wrote, “Sergei Pavlovich TKOs Tai Tuivasa in the first round. Man hits like a truck. Sheesh.”
Sergei Pavlovich TKOs Tai Tuivasa in the first round.
Man hits like a truck. Sheesh.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 4, 2022
No bonus. I stand with Tai.
— Boogerbeard (@Boogerbeard1) December 4, 2022
Umm yeah Sergei Pavlovich may be a problem 😳 #UFCOrlando
— Jason Williams (@jasoneg33) December 4, 2022
HOLY SHIT PAVLOVICH HAS POWER #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/y5xIjEy6KT
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 4, 2022
SERGEI FINISHED TAI IN LESS THAN A MINUTE 😱 #UFCORLANDO pic.twitter.com/4khO7XXMhh
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 4, 2022
The fight that started with a hug ended in a bloody encounter and didn’t even leave Tai Tuivasa enough time to react. The 30-year-old fighter who looked to move up the ranks definitely achieved his target.
What happened in the fight at UFC Orlando?
Both the fighters started the match on a war footing and Pavlovich proved a monster in the fight as he racked punches after punch. Further, relying on his punches’ devastating power, the Russian fighter, riding on a 4-win streak momentum, came out all guns blazing.
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While the Australian fighter tried to counter with his punches, the Eagles MMA team representative set him up with a jab that followed with a barrage of unbelievable knockout power.
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As a result, the fight ended without letting the fans settle down and left the 29-year-old fighter bleeding.
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What do you think of this bout‘s result? Are you also stunned by Sergei Pavlovich’s quick knockout? Let us know in the comments below.