Alex Pereira vs Sergei Pavlovich: UFC 335 Heavyweight Clash Announced

The UFC 335 card has received another major heavyweight matchup as former two-division champion Alex Pereira is set to face Sergei Pavlovich in a five-round co-main event on December 12, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight will be Pereira’s second appearance at heavyweight after his unsuccessful debut against Ciryl Gane.

Alex Pereira vs Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335

Alex Pereira vs Sergei Pavlovich is one of the most dangerous heavyweight matchups on the UFC 335 card. Pereira, better known as “Poatan,” enters the fight with a 13-4 professional record and 11 knockout victories according to his current UFC profile. He is a former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion and is continuing his pursuit of becoming a three-division champion.

Pereira’s most recent fight came against Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, where he suffered a knockout defeat while competing for the interim heavyweight title. Rather than returning to light heavyweight, Pereira has chosen to remain at heavyweight and face another elite knockout threat in Pavlovich.

Sergei Pavlovich’s Heavyweight Power

Sergei Pavlovich brings one of the most frightening knockout records in the UFC heavyweight division. The Russian heavyweight currently holds a 21-3 record, with 16 victories coming by knockout or TKO. He has also recorded 16 first-round finishes.

Pavlovich has rebuilt momentum with three consecutive victories. His latest performance came against Tallison Teixeira on May 30, 2026, when he stopped his opponent just 39 seconds into the first round.

That combination of size, power and fast starts makes Pavlovich a particularly dangerous opponent for Pereira.

Why This Fight Matters

For Pereira, UFC 335 represents an opportunity to prove that he can compete with the biggest heavyweights in the UFC. A victory over Pavlovich could put him back into the heavyweight title conversation and keep his historic three-division championship ambition alive.

For Pavlovich, defeating a former two-division champion would provide another major statement in his heavyweight career. The Russian contender has already fought for the interim heavyweight championship and is now looking to move closer to another title opportunity.

The matchup is also compelling stylistically. Both fighters are renowned primarily for their striking and knockout power, meaning the fight could become a high-level stand-up battle where one mistake can end the contest.

UFC 335 Main Event

The UFC 335 main event will feature Charles Oliveira defending the BMF title against Diego Lopes. The event is scheduled for December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Pereira vs Pavlovich serving as the five-round co-main event.

With Oliveira vs Lopes and Pereira vs Pavlovich already announced, UFC 335 is shaping up as one of the biggest cards of the final part of 2026.

Alex Pereira vs Sergei Pavlovich: What to Expect

This is a fight where neither competitor can afford a slow start. Pereira has championship experience, elite kickboxing and proven knockout power, while Pavlovich has built his reputation around heavyweight power and first-round finishes.

The biggest question will be whether Pereira’s technical striking can overcome Pavlovich’s physical advantages and heavyweight punching power.

Alex Pereira vs Sergei Pavlovich is therefore more than another UFC heavyweight fight. For Pereira, it is another step toward a historic third UFC title. For Pavlovich, it is a chance to defeat one of the biggest names in MMA and strengthen his position among the heavyweight elite.