UFC on ESPN 42: Tai Tuivasa vs. Sergei Pavlovich Preview, Betting Odds and Prediction - December 3
After enduring a three-fight skid in the UFC, Tai Tuivasa made a hero's comeback by knocking his next five opponents out, including longtime fan favorite Derrick Lewis. 'Bam Bam's journey to a potential heavyweight title shot was brutally halted in September when Ciryl Gane sent him crashing to the mat in round three.
Tonight, the Australian brawler will look to bounce back against fellow knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich. The No.5-ranked heavyweight is coming off his own knockout win over Derrick Lewis back in July. The win put his knockout streak at four, one off the hot streak Tuivasa had enjoyed until UFC Paris. A win here for either man could launch them near or even at a title shot down the road in 2023.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Sergei Pavlovich Fight Details
Date & Time: Saturday, December 3, 10:20p.m. EST (approx)
Venue: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
Tai Tuivasa vs. Sergei Pavlovich Betting Odds
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet
Tai Tuivasa vs. Sergei Pavlovich Tale of the Tape
Sergei Pavlovich will enjoy a minor one-inch height advantage and a whopping nine-inch reach advantage over his opponent tonight. Tuivasa, meanwhile, outweighs his Russian foe by approximately seven pounds, which is hardly enough to count as a potentially threatening size difference.
Both fighters are renowned for their deadly striking and knockout artistry. Should the fight go to a clinch or to the ground, Pavlovich will likely have the advantage due to his extensive experience in wrestling and combat sambo. On the feet, however, it's difficult to ever count out 'Bam Bam's explosive punches and elbows.
Tuivasa vs. Pavlovich Prediction
Considering the scary levels of power and explosiveness that'll be on display here, it's very difficult to imagine this heavyweight clash going the distance. Any strike from either of these behemoths could spell doom for the recipient.
While Tuivasa will likely enjoy a slight speed advantage on the feet, Pavlovich's colossal reach will pose major danger whenever 'Bam Bam' moves in for the kill. Worse still for the western Sydney star, Pavlovich is a more complete fighter with a variety of grappling and takedown techniques at his disposal. The big man grew up training in Greco-Roman wrestling before transitioning to combat sambo as an adult, making him dangerous no matter where the fight goes.
Tuivasa can end any fight at any moment with his hand speed and aggression, but he's a notable underdog heading into tonight.
Prediction: Pavlovich by knockout
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet