According to ESPN's Brett Okamoto and Sergei Pavlovich himself via Instagram, the UFC has booked a Heavyweight slobber-knocker for a Fight Night on April 22nd. Fourth-ranked Curtis Blaydes has been asking for third-ranked Sergei Pavlovich since January. Blaydes wasn't very careful wishing for Pavlovich, because it came true. Sergei Pavlovich is arguably the most dangerous fighter in the Heavyweight Division right now. He is constantly being compared to former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou. We know how dangerous he is. Pavlovich delivers rapid-fire-paced strikes. Sergei's last two wins came over Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa. Both fights ended in TKO fashion within the first minute. However, Curtis seems to believe that since he is trained with Alistair Overeem when he knocked out Pavlovich in his UFC debut, it may give him the advantage.
"I was training with Alistair when Alistair fought Sergei a few years ago and I helped Alistair," Blaydes said this along with how he believes he is a better grappler than Pavlovich on the MMA Hour last month when interviewed by Ariel Helwani. Blaydes believes his wrestling gives him an advantage over most Heavyweights because for the most part, the Heavyweight Division stands and bangs as opposed to taking the fight to the ground. It's very possible Curtis could be right, that's why most believe Jon Jones will have his way with the Heavyweight division. Due to his ability to grapple with the best. I believe Blaydes is one of the best fighters in the Heavyweight Division, but the way Pavlovich ends his fights so fast is just scary.
It'll be a test of styles when it comes to Blaydes vs Pavlovich. Will Blaydes's wrestling ability be an equalizer to the hands of Sergei Pavlovich? Is Curtis Blaydes the Pavlovich kryptonite he believes he is? Or will Pavlovich prove that he is a wrecking force not to be messed with? We'll find out on April 22nd!
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