The Ultimate Fighting Championship has refreshed its heavyweight rankings following UFC Fight Night 222. Russian fighter Sergei Pavlovich has climbed a spot, moving ahead of Croatia’s Stipe Miocic to rank second, while Cyril Gane remains at the top.
The rise comes on the back of Pavlovichs victory over American Curtis Blaydes on April 23. The match concluded in the first round when Pavlovich delivered a knockout, tipping the scale in his favor and earning a notable win on the path to the title picture.
<pEarlier in the year, Pavlovich appeared on the UFC Fight Night card broadcast on ESPN 42. He faced Australian contender Tai Tuivasa. The bout, arranged for three rounds, finished in a breathtaking 55 seconds in the opening frame as Pavlovich dropped Tuivasa and seized the victory in swift fashion.
Across his professional run, Pavlovich has fought 19 times and has emerged victorious in 18 of those appearances, underscoring his rising trajectory within the heavyweight division.
In related chatter within the sport, Dmitry Kudryashov has voiced support for Pavlovich as the next Russian heavyweight champion, highlighting the strong performance and potential of the Russian fighter on the world stage.