Tai Tuivasa is one tough human, so to make him look like a bloody mess is no small feat.
But that’s exactly what Russian star Sergei Pavlovich did at UFC Fight Night in Orlando inside a minute of the first round.
As many Tuivasa fights are, the Aussie cult hero’s matchup with the Russian was an all-out brawl from the get-go.
Bam Bam was keen to start swinging from the onset, and Pavlovich was more than happy to oblige.
However, as commentator Michael Bisping made clear, the Russian’s swings were just that more accurate.
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Bisping said: “That’s crisp and precise boxing.
“Devastating power. He’s clean, it’s not swinging or brawling. It’s very technical.”
Tuivasa was left an absolute mess with cuts, bruises, and blood pouring over his face in scenes that resembled a car crash.
Absolutely brutal.
Full credit to him though, you know exactly what you’re going to get from a heavyweight bout with Tuivasa, only this time he came up against a man that has been described as an ‘animal’.
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Pavlovich landed an early right, with the Aussie fighting back, however, the 30-year-old did not take his foot off the gas, forcing a referee stoppage inside one minute of the first round.
The Russian improved his record to 18 wins and one loss and surely looks like a key threat in the heavyweight division.
Cormier said on commentary: “That’s what I mean, he has so much belief in his power that he’s willing to just throw caution to the wind.
“It is amazing to watch him and his approach. Look at the face of Tuivasa. A jab took him down and then Pavlovich swarms. Tuivasa tries to swing big and misses and Sergei makes him pay. Another Sergei Pavlovich washout. Unbelievable.”
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Tuivasa knew what he was getting into as well when he accepted the challenge.
He told media earlier that week: “I suppose that’s why they offered him to me... everyone must be scared of him.”
And after what Pavlovich just did, fighters have every right to be scared.
The UFC world online was shocked by the absolute washout of a bout.
Jayden Collins