Heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Tallison Teixiera faced off as part of the UFC Macau main card at the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China on Saturday.
Pavlovich entered ranked #3 in the heavyweight division and having competed for an interim title in 2023; the towering Teixeira had entered the rankings in the #15 spot and was taking a big step up.
Teixeira learned a hard lesson about taking big steps up in competition on Saturday. Almost immediately, the Russian landed a right hand that had a lot on it. Teixeira stayed upright, but was clearly hurt. A second right hand wobbled, a third connected more on the forearm, but Teixeira went down anyway. The follow-up punches, a series of left hands, were enough for the ref to move in and wave things off.
Teixeira didn’t look thrilled with the stoppage after the fact, but it was hard to argue given how bad the visual was. Pavlovich wasn’t about the stop, and while he has been overlooked with Tom Aspinall out, Ciryl Gane fighting Alex Pereira, and Josh Hokit’s quick rise, he made a statement at UFC Macau, reminding heavyweights that he remains a player in the weight class.
“Dana, give me the title shot, or at least give me a contender fight,” Pavlovich said following the win, addressing UFC CEO and President Dana White.
Official Result: Sergei Pavlovich def. Tallison Teixeira by KO (punches), Round 1, 0:39