Sergei Pavlovich


Sergei Vladimirovich Pavlovich is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. Pavlovich currently competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A one-time champion of Russia in Combat Kung Fu. He was also the former Fight Nights Global heavyweight champion. As of June 24, 2025, he is #3 in the UFC heavyweight rankings.
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Background

Sergei was born in 1992 in the village of Orlovsky, Rostov Oblast. At the age of five Pavlovich began to engage in Greco-Roman Wrestling under the guidance of coach Alexander Fedorovich Aloyan. He trained specifically in wrestling until the 12th grade. After serving in the army, he began to train in Combat Sambo where he won most of his competitions.

He was invited to train for the Russian Olympic team but declined because of Sambo tournaments that he had at the time.
He is believed to be the active UFC fighter with the largest ape index of 1.115.

Mixed martial arts career

Fight Nights Global

Pavlovich started his professional MMA career in 2014 under the Fight Nights Global promotion, under which he won 12 fights without suffering a single defeat. On June 2, 2017, in a fight against Mikhail Mokhnatkin, he won the heavyweight title by unanimous decision. On November 19, 2017, he defended his heavyweight title in a fight against Kirill Sidelnikov.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Pavlovich made his UFC debut on November 24, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 141 against Alistair Overeem. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Pavlovich faced Marcelo Golm on April 20, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Oleinik. He won the fight via knockout. This win earned Performance of the Night award.
Pavlovich faced Maurice Greene on October 26, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 162. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
Pavlovich was expected to face Ciryl Gane on August 8, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 174. Pavlovich however had to pull out because of an injury.
Pavlovich was expected to face Tom Aspinall on September 4, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 191. However, Pavlovich pulled out a week before the contest due to visa issues and was replaced by Sergey Spivak.
Pavlovich was scheduled to face Tanner Boser on December 4, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 31. However, due to travel issues, the bout was scrapped.
Pavlovich faced Shamil Abdurakhimov on March 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 204. He won the fight via technical knockout in round one. With this win, he received the Performance of the Night award.
Pavlovich fought Derrick Lewis on July 30, 2022, at UFC 277. He won the fight via TKO under a minute into the first round, though controversy arose as the stoppage by the referee was considered premature by fighters and fans alike.
Pavlovich faced Tai Tuivasa on December 3, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 42. He won the fight via KO under a minute into the first round. With this win, he received the Performance of the Night award.
Pavlovich faced Curtis Blaydes on April 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 222. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. This performance subsequently earned Pavlovich his fourth UFC Performance Of The Night award.
Pavlovich faced Tom Aspinall for the [UFC Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight Championship|Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship] on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295. After some initial exchanges, Pavlovich was caught with a counter right hand and he lost the bout via knockout in the first round.
Pavlovich faced Alexander Volkov on June 22, 2024, at UFC on ABC 6. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
Pavlovich faced Jairzinho Rozenstruik on February 1, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 250. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Pavlovich faced former LFA Heavyweight Champion Waldo Cortes-Acosta on August 23, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 257. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Wushu Sanda