Breaking: Massive encounter between two top-5 ranked UFC heavyweights booked for April event
It appears that a massive encounter is set to headline a UFC Fight Night event that is being scheduled for April 25.
Heavyweight contenders Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes will clash in the main event, which could have future title implications. Both fighters are ranked No.3 and No.4 respectively and could set themselves up nicely for either the winner of Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane or a title eliminator bout.
ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto tweeted and confirmed that the bout will serve as the main event, writing:
"Main event, April 22. No. 3 ranked Sergei Pavlovich vs. No. 4 ranked Curtis Blaydes. High stakes at heavyweight. Early predictions?"
Main event, April 22.
No. 3 ranked Sergei Pavlovich vs. No. 4 ranked Curtis Blaydes. High stakes at heavyweight. Early predictions? https://t.co/Xsyhup4YxZ
Both heavyweights have been on an impressive run in the UFC as of late. 'Razor' is riding a three-fight winning streak that includes wins over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Chris Daukaus, and Tom Aspinall.
Meanwhile, Pavlovich is currently riding a 5-fight winning streak with each win coming via first-round KO/TKO against the likes of Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa. His power has been on full display and his first-round finishes have resulted in him earning three Performance of the Night bonuses in his last 5 fights.
It will be interesting to see whether Pavlovich can continue his first-round stoppage streak or if Blaydes will be able to impose his will with his wrestling.
New heavyweight champion to be crowned at UFC 285
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There is plenty of anticipation surrounding UFC 285 as the promotion will crown a new heavyweight champion as Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones will fight for the vacant title in the main event. The title was vacated after Francis Ngannou declined the promotion's contract offer in favor of becoming a free agent.
Jones will be competing in his first bout since 2020, when he successfully retained his light heavyweight championship against Dominick Reyes. Following the bout, 'Bones' relinquished the title and announced that he would be moving up to heavyweight for the first time in his career.
'Bon Gamin' will look to capture the heavyweight championship in his second attempt as he lost a unanimous decision to Ngannou when they fought last year. The winner might not have to wait very long to find out who their first challenger will be as Stipe Miocic is believed to be getting the next title shot.