3 next opponents for Serghei Spivac

As a long-time MMA enthusiast and a connoisseur of grappling techniques, I must say that Serghei Spivac‘s performance at UFC Vegas 95 was nothing short of breathtaking! It’s not every day you see a heavyweight like Tybura tapped out so swiftly by a slick armbar, especially one that even white belts learn on the first day of BJJ class. Spivac’s humility after such an impressive win is also commendable; he’s definitely got his eyes set on the top dogs in the division.

In just under two minutes, Serghei Spivac (17-4), who was previously defeated by Marcin Tybura (25-9) in 2020, managed to reverse their roles in the main event of UFC Vegas 95. Spivac pulled off an armbar from behind, leading to a submission at the 1:44 mark of the first round. As the No. 9 ranked heavyweight contender, Spivac’s win sets him up well for potential advancement in the rankings and a shot at the title.

In the heavyweight division, Spivac is known as one of the most formidable grapplers due to his impressive arsenal of submission wins. He frequently initiates fights with takedowns, trips, and throws, leading to ground-fighting situations. Spivac showcases exceptional fighting skills, often providing intriguing matchups against top competitors within his division.

At UFC Vegas 95, Spivac demonstrated just how perilous it can be to underestimate his grappling abilities on the mat. His mastery of fundamental techniques is impressive, even at a high level of competition. In a swift motion, Spivac executed an armbar, a move that a beginner in Brazilian jiu-jitsu learns during their first class. This deadly guard is not frequently seen among heavyweight fighters. For Spivac, this skill serves as a deterrent, making some powerful wrestlers think twice before taking unnecessary risks when they are on top of him.

In his effortlessly triumphant victory, Spivac maintained humility during his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping in the Octagon. He resisted the urge to issue a specific challenge when asked, instead choosing to say, ” frankly, no specific contender. However, anyone ranked above me, I can assure you that’s who I’d be aiming for.”

As Spivac continues his progress, his adversaries are likely to become increasingly formidable. Here are three potential challengers he might encounter next:

1. Jailton Almeida

Currently ranked seventh in the UFC’s heavyweight division at just 21-3, Jailton Almeida showcases a formidable grappling and submission game similar to Spivac, boasting 13 submission victories. Given his position and skillset within the division, a match with Spivac seems logical due to their shared grappling prowess.

Following Spivac’s announcement about wanting an opponent ahead of him, Almeida quickly responded on X, challenging him with a post saying, “Spivac, are you looking for someone higher in the rankings? I’m ready! Let’s do it: #7 vs #8. I’d love to battle you, buddy! Glad you got that early finish; let’s make our fight happen sooner!”

Almeida has been an active competitor for the UFC since debuting in 2022. He’s 7-1 with the promotion and has fought twice this year, losing to Curtis Blaydes (18-5)(1) at UFC 299 and beating Alexander Romanov (17-3) at UFC 302. Spivac remained noncommittal when asked about Almeida’s callout at his post-fight press conference flatly saying, “Let him train.”

Almeida prefers using double-leg takedowns and throws, while Spivac tends towards hip throws and judo-style maneuvers. These two fighters match up exceptionally on the ground, promising intense scrambles and multiple submission attempts. Regardless of the outcome, this fight is guaranteed to showcase some top-notch heavyweight grappling techniques.

2. Curtis Blaydes

At UFC 304, Blaydes fell short in attempting to claim the interim heavyweight title from Tom Aspinall (15-3). Despite this, he remains firmly within the division’s elite and consistently secures victories that keep him prominent. Currently ranked at No. 5, while he continues to pose a threat, it seems he may need to face an opponent lower in the rankings, given his recent loss.

If a fight between Almeida and Spivac doesn’t materialize, the UFC might instead pair them up against each other, as they are both skilled grapplers within the heavyweight division. This encounter would serve as a significant challenge for both, helping to establish their current standing in the weight class, which is constantly evolving. Although Blaydes has had a successful career, he needs to demonstrate that he deserves a spot among the top five fighters. On the other hand, Spivac, who’s been with the UFC since 2019, must show that he is now a true contender at the top level.

As a gamer putting myself in the shoes of Spivac, I’d say, “Though I didn’t mention my future opponents, I did hint that I’d love to be back in action by year-end. During my post-fight press conference, when asked about timelines, I said, ‘I’m hoping for the end of the year.’ If Blaydes and I align on this return time, the UFC could be setting up an epic matchup.”

In an unusual twist for heavyweight grapplers, Spivac’s style appears to be shaped by judo fundamentals. Conversely, Blaydes is a forceful wrestler boasting many amateur accolades. The prospect of these contrasting styles squaring off is a tantalizing one for MMA enthusiasts. Should Spivac continue his winning streak, this matchup becomes increasingly inevitable.

3. Sergei Pavlovich

Sergei Pavlovich, known as one of the scariest heavyweight fighters in UFC, has seen his intimidating presence slightly fade following consecutive losses to Aspinall and more recently Alexander Volkov (38-10). Despite his power remaining formidable, his reputation has taken a hit. Currently ranked No. 4, Pavlovich is eagerly seeking a win to restore his standing in the Octagon and remind everyone of his capabilities.

If Pavlovich has suffered two consecutive losses, he might need to face an opponent who’s currently rising in the ranks instead of one at his level. In this scenario, a fight against Spivac becomes a possibility. Despite having contrasting fighting styles, their clash of will could make for an intriguing matchup.

In simpler terms, Spivac has a good chance of choosing his next opponent based on lobbying, especially if fights against Almeida or Blaydes don’t materialize. He might end up in a significant bout within the top five contenders. On the other hand, Pavlovich has limited options and will likely fight whoever the UFC assigns him due to his recent performance. Sometimes, the UFC pairs fighters regardless of their official rankings.

Pavlovich packs quite a punch, with an impressive 15 career knockout wins under his belt. His background in combat sambo and Greco-Roman wrestling adds to the difficulty Spivac faces in trying to figure him out. If Spivac can’t initiate grappling early on, he might end up on the receiving end of Pavlovich’s powerful blows. This potential matchup could significantly elevate either fighter’s status in the MMA world.

2024-08-12 01:13