TLDR
- Joe Rogan called Sergei Pavlovich a tough opponent for Alex Pereira during the UFC 332 broadcast
- Pereira and Pavlovich will fight December 12 at UFC 335 in Las Vegas as the co-main event
- Pereira lost to Ciryl Gane in June but refuses to return to light heavyweight
- Pavlovich enters with a three-fight win streak and a 9-3 UFC record
- The winner likely moves closer to a heavyweight title shot against champion Ciryl Gane
Sources: yardbarker.com | lowkickmma.com
Joe Rogan believes Sergei Pavlovich presents a serious challenge for Alex Pereira in his quest to become a three-division UFC champion. The UFC commentator addressed the upcoming heavyweight bout during Saturday’s UFC 332 broadcast.
Pereira and Pavlovich will meet in a five-round co-main event on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight is scheduled for UFC 335.
Alex Pereira'nın rakibi Sergei Pavlovich'in son maçı 👀 pic.twitter.com/vkYrzqINkD
— Fight Digitale (@fightdigitale) October 4, 2026
“Pavlovich is a huge, huge heavyweight with gigantic power and fantastic boxing,” Rogan said during the broadcast. He described the Russian fighter as a tough obstacle in Pereira’s path back toward a title shot.
Pereira, 39, has already won UFC championships at middleweight and light heavyweight. He vacated his light heavyweight title in February to pursue the heavyweight belt.
The Brazilian lost his first heavyweight attempt in June when Ciryl Gane stopped him in the second round at UFC Freedom 250. That fight was for the interim heavyweight title at the White House in Washington, DC.
Pereira Refuses to Return to Light Heavyweight
Despite the loss to Gane, Pereira has decided to stay at heavyweight. Rogan noted that the former champion is determined to get another chance at facing Gane, who is now the undisputed heavyweight champion.
“‘Poatan’ again at heavyweight, he’s determined to try to win a title at heavyweight, and the man won’t go back to light heavyweight,” Rogan explained. “He’s like, ‘I want another shot at Ciryl Gane.'”
Pereira enters UFC 335 without a win in the heavyweight division. The December fight gives him an opportunity to prove he can compete with top contenders at 265 pounds.
Pavlovich brings a 20-3 MMA record and a 9-3 UFC record into the bout. The 34-year-old Russian has won three straight fights after losses to Alexander Volkov and Tom Aspinall.
Physical Matchup Favors Pavlovich
Rogan’s assessment focused on the physical differences between the two fighters. Pavlovich is a career heavyweight known for fast starts and powerful punching.
Pereira carries elite kickboxing experience from his combat sports background. However, he has only fought once at heavyweight compared to his extensive runs at 185 and 205 pounds.
The UFC 335 bout is not a title fight, but the stakes remain high. A win over Pavlovich would strengthen Pereira’s case for a rematch with Gane.
For Pavlovich, defeating a former two-division champion would extend his winning streak to four. It would also boost his standing in the crowded heavyweight division.
The UFC 335 card also features Diego Lopes against Charles Oliveira at lightweight. Pereira and Pavlovich will serve as the evening’s co-main event at T-Mobile Arena.
