Sergei Pavlovich, an accomplished heavyweight fighter with a 15-1 record, has stirred up controversy by calling out UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Many fans and analysts believe that before considering a shot at the title, Pavlovich should first face the number one contender, Ciryl Gane.
Gane, who remains unbeaten in the UFC with a 9-0 record, is widely regarded as the top fighter in the heavyweight division. Following his impressive victory against Derrick Lewis in his last fight.
As the number one contender for the heavyweight championship, many fans feel that Pavlovich should have to defeat Cyril before challenging for the title.
Although Sergei is currently on a three-fight winning streak, including a recent victory against Tai Tuivasa at UFC 278. He has yet to face the caliber of opponents that Cyril has faced in the octagon.
Fight Gane. Jon has to retire Stipe first. You'll be waiting a year or longer if you don't. Def looking forward to the fight in the future though!
— Justus (@Str33tJustus) April 28, 2023
Gane’s impressive grappling skills and overall technical ability would make him a formidable opponent for any fighter, and a true test of Pavlovich’s abilities.
Therefore, it is widely argued by fans that Sergei should prove himself against Cyril before considering a title challenge against Jones.
You must 1st fight @ciryl_gane . I’m sure he will beat you since he has no problem facing boxers https://t.co/78ofW3lb5l
— Kleptomania (@Kleptocracy_) April 28, 2023
Sergei Pavlovich gets advice from Daniel Cormier
In the main event of UFC Vegas 71 this past weekend, Russia’s Pavlovich achieved his most significant victory to date. He was pitted against perennial top contender Curtis Blaydes, a formidable wrestler.
But Pavlovich dominated him, securing the win by TKO just eight seconds over the three-minute mark. As a result, Sergei has climbed to the No. 2 spot in the official UFC rankings. Surpassing Stipe Miocic and eyeing further progress.
Former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who used to train with Pavlovich. He believes that it is now time for his old sparring partner to bide his time and wait for a well-deserved title shot.
“Here’s the thing about those backup fighters. In most cases, especially at heavyweight. If he’s scheduled to fight as a backup, and Stipe and Jon are fighting, if Jones falls out, the fight will be off. If Miocic falls out then they will just slide him in, so he’s not gonna fight Stipe for the belt. He would fight Jones for the belt, so he could prepare as if he’s getting ready to fight Jon Jones and have himself ready to fight him in case he gets the call.”
The newly crowned champion, Jones, has expressed his desire for a future showdown with the legendary heavyweight, Miocic. Although the originally targeted UFC 290 date during International Fight Week was not possible. It seems that the promotion is still intent on pairing the two greats for a fight.
