Sergei Pavlovich has returned to sparring less than two weeks after his fight against Teixeira, impressing training partners with his physical strength. Heavyweight Walker described taking a brutal throw from Pavlovich during a six-round sparring session, noting that Pavlovich picked him up and slammed him head-first into the mat using sheer force rather than technique.
Sergei Pavlovich is already back on the mat. Less than two weeks after his bout against Teixeira, the Russian heavyweight returned to the gym for a six-round sparring session — and made an immediate impression on his training partners.
Heavyweight Walter Walker was on the receiving end of Pavlovich's notorious physical strength during the session, describing being picked up and slammed head-first into the mat. Walker noted the throw came not from refined technique but from raw, overwhelming force — the kind of power that has defined Pavlovich's reputation inside and outside the cage.
Pavlovich, 34, sits ranked third in the UFC heavyweight division and holds a professional record of 20-3-0. The six-foot-three southpaw out of Russia trains with Eagles MMA and carries one of the more imposing physical frames in the division, with an 84-inch reach that stretches to 213 cm. His striking output averages 4.43 significant strikes per minute at 44 percent accuracy — numbers that reflect a fighter who pursues finishes rather than points.
Why it matters
- Pavlovich returning to hard sparring this quickly signals he came through the Teixeira fight in good physical condition.
- Ranked third at heavyweight, he remains firmly in the title conversation, and an active camp keeps him positioned for a marquee booking.
- The throwdown incident highlights his underrated grappling threat — a fighter known primarily for his hands is reminding teammates he can impose his will on the ground as well.
