Pavlovich calls for title shot after 39-second knockout of Teixeira

Sergey Pavlovich made a loud statement at UFC Macau, stopping Tallison Teixeira in just 39 seconds and immediately demanding a place in the heavyweight title picture. The Russian finisher brought his UFC knockout total to seven with the performance, then called out the winner of the upcoming bout between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira, stating he is ready to fight for the title or in a title eliminator.

Teixeira, 26, entered the fight ranked 13th in the heavyweight division and carrying genuine physical tools. The Brazilian stands six-foot-seven with an 83-inch reach and had posted a 9-1-0 record coming in. His striking accuracy of 64 percent and a rate of 5.02 significant strikes landed per minute suggested he could be dangerous, but he had no time to establish himself against Pavlovich's finishing power.

On the other side of the callout sits Ciryl Gane, the French contender ranked second in the division. The 36-year-old out of MMA Factory carries a 14-2-0 record, stands six-foot-four, and lands 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy, making him one of the most technically refined strikers in the division. He is set to collide with Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion who holds a 13-4-0 record. Pereira, also 38 and six-foot-four, averages 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy and has built his reputation as one of combat sports' most dangerous knockout artists.

Why it matters

• Pavlovich's seventh UFC knockout reinforces his claim as one of the division's most dangerous finishers and keeps him relevant in title conversations.
• A win over either Gane or Pereira would be a landmark result; Pavlovich is positioning himself as the logical next challenger.
• The potential style matchup pits Pavlovich's raw knockout threat against the technical striking of Gane or the fight-ending power of Pereira.