Sergei Vladimirovich Pavlovich Bio
Sergei Vladimirovich Pavlovich is a Russian professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC Heavyweight division. Born on May 13, 1992, Pavlovich is a former Fight Nights Global heavyweight champion and a one-time Russian Combat Kung Fu champion. Known for his orthodox fighting style and exceptional reach, he trains with Eagles MMA Moscow and ranks among the top UFC heavyweights as of 2025.
Early Life and Background
Sergei Pavlovich was born in Orlovsky, Rostov Oblast, Russia. He began training in Greco-Roman Wrestling at the age of five under coach Alexander Fedorovich Aloyan and continued wrestling until completing the 12th grade. After serving in the army, Pavlovich transitioned to Combat Sambo, where he won most of his competitions. He was invited to train for the Russian Olympic team but declined due to commitments to Sambo tournaments.
Pavlovich is noted for having one of the largest ape indexes among active UFC fighters, with a reach of 213 cm (84 inches) compared to his height of 191 cm (6 ft 3 in). He currently resides in Moscow, Russia, where he trains with Eagles MMA Moscow.
Path to MMA
Starting his professional MMA career in 2014, Pavlovich quickly made a name for himself in the Russian MMA scene. His background in wrestling and Combat Sambo provided a strong foundation for his transition to mixed martial arts. Early in his career, he competed under the Fight Nights Global promotion, where he remained undefeated through his first 12 fights.
His success in Fight Nights Global, including winning the heavyweight title, paved the way for his entry into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier MMA organization globally. His early achievements and skill set positioned him as a promising heavyweight contender on the international stage.
Sergei Pavlovich Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Pavlovich began his professional MMA career in 2014 with Fight Nights Global. He amassed an undefeated streak of 12 wins, showcasing his striking power and wrestling ability. On June 2, 2017, he won the Fight Nights Global heavyweight championship by defeating Mikhail Mokhnatkin via unanimous decision. Later that year, he successfully defended his title against Kirill Sidelnikov.
During this period, Pavlovich established himself as a dominant heavyweight in Russia, gaining valuable experience and recognition that would lead to his UFC debut.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Sergei Pavlovich made his UFC debut on November 24, 2018, against veteran Alistair Overeem but suffered a first-round TKO loss. He rebounded with a knockout victory over Marcelo Golm in April 2019, earning his first Performance of the Night award. Later that year, he secured another first-round knockout against Maurice Greene.
Despite some setbacks due to injuries and visa issues that caused fight cancellations, Pavlovich continued to build momentum. In 2022, he earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses with quick finishes against Shamil Abdurakhimov, Derrick Lewis, and Tai Tuivasa. His aggressive striking and finishing ability have made him a feared competitor in the heavyweight division.
In 2023, Pavlovich defeated Curtis Blaydes via first-round TKO, earning his fourth Performance of the Night award. However, he faced a setback in November 2023, losing to Tom Aspinall by first-round knockout in a bout for the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship. In 2024, he lost a unanimous decision to Alexander Volkov but returned to winning ways in 2025 with unanimous decision victories over Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
Eagles MMA Moscow Era (Present)
Training with Eagles MMA Moscow, Sergei Pavlovich has refined his striking and conditioning, contributing to his recent success in the UFC. His team has played a key role in preparing him for high-level competition and maintaining his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Pavlovich fights with an orthodox stance and is known for his exceptional reach, which he uses effectively to control distance and deliver powerful strikes. His wrestling and Combat Sambo background provide a solid grappling base, but his primary strength lies in his knockout power and aggressive striking approach. His ability to finish fights quickly has earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Pavlovich’s career include winning the Fight Nights Global heavyweight title, earning multiple UFC Performance of the Night awards, and competing for the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship. His rapid knockouts of top contenders have marked him as one of the most exciting heavyweights in the UFC.
Sergei Pavlovich Career Wins
Sergei Pavlovich has compiled a professional MMA record of 20 wins and 3 losses, with the majority of his victories coming by knockout. His ability to finish fights decisively has been a hallmark of his career.
Fight Nights Global Highlights
During his time with Fight Nights Global, Pavlovich won 12 consecutive fights, culminating in capturing the heavyweight championship in 2017. He successfully defended the title once before moving to the UFC.
UFC Highlights
In the UFC, Pavlovich has recorded several highlight-reel knockouts, including wins over Marcelo Golm, Maurice Greene, Shamil Abdurakhimov, Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, and Curtis Blaydes. His performances have earned him four Performance of the Night awards, underscoring his impact in the heavyweight division.
Sergei Pavlovich Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Sergei Pavlovich’s family and personal life are not publicly disclosed. He maintains a private profile outside of his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Sergei Pavlovich continued to compete at a high level in the UFC heavyweight division. He secured unanimous decision victories over Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, demonstrating his ability to adapt and succeed in longer fights. These wins have kept him in contention among the top heavyweights as he aims to return to title contention. His partnership with Eagles MMA Moscow remains central to his training and preparation for upcoming challenges.