Tai Tuivasa (15-5) has suffered his second consecutive defeat in the UFC, going down in the first round to Russian Sergei Pavlovich (17-1).
Make that FIVE straight finishes, and an undefeated record in the UFC for Sergei Pavlovich!! #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/oaV2ARy6E1
— UFC (@ufc) December 4, 2022
The Australian entered the fight as an unlikely underdog, looking to return to the winner’s circle after narrowly going down to former interim champion Cyril Gane in September.
Tuivasa started the fight off in a usual, respectful style, hugging Pavlovich after walking to the ring with a confident stride.
The 29-year-old was quickly in danger as Pavlovich wasted little time loading up on his opponent, rocking him in the opening seconds.
Pavlovich connected with a powerful overhand to drop Tuivasa at the 30 second mark before going for the finish with a flurry of follow-up shots.
Tuivasa regathered himself and gave it his all, but one further shot from Pavlovich signalled the beginning of the end, flooring the Australian a further two times.
Pavlovich seized the opportunity and forced the referee to stop the fight at a surprising 54 seconds of the first round.
PAVLOVICH KNOCKS OUT TAI TUIVASA EARLY IN ROUND ONE #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/QLVzB6aCQC
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 4, 2022
The Russian will likely skyrocket up the rankings as he continues his run towards an eventual title fight.
Tuivasa now sits on a two-fight losing streak and will need a good string of wins if he is any chance to return to the championship picture in the heavyweight division.