Tag: Sergei Pavlovich

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik joins UFC Fight Night lineup Feb. 1 in Riyadh

Top-10 heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik will throw down in February.

A pair of top-10 heavyweights will throw down in February as [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] takes on [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] on Feb. 1 at a UFC Fight Night event from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the booking to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. MMA Mania was first to report the news.

Pavlovich (18-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will look to snap a two-fight skid after back-to-back losses to Tom Aspinall for the interim title and most recently Alexander Volkov at UFC on ABC 6 in June. Prior to that, Pavlovich had knocked out six opponents in a row, all in the first round.

Rozenstruik (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) is on his first winning streak since 2019. “Bigi Boy” is coming off two straight wins over Shamil Gaziev in March, followed by Tai Tuivasa at UFC 305 in August.

With the addition, the current UFC Saudi Arabia lineup incldues:

  • Ikram Aliskerov vs. Andre Muniz
  • Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Video: Does Robert Whittaker deserve a title shot after his KO win at UFC on ABC 6?

Robert Whittaker continues to prove he’s still elite. What should be next for him? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

[autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] looks to be undergoing a renaissance in his fighting career.

The former UFC middleweight champion proved once again that he’s still a threat with his vicious knockout of [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] in the main event of Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6. Also on that card, [autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] in a unanimous decision, and [autotag]Kelvin Gastelum[/autotag] got back in the win column, but with plenty of controversy.

Does Whittaker deserve the next title shot? What’s going on with Pavlovich?

MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura, Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom, and host “Gorgeous” George Garcia react to the key results from the UFC’s debut event in Saudi Arabia.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube or in podcast form.

https://youtube.com/live/Q5u51oxRGxE

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Sergei Pavlovich reflects on ’emotional and tough’ UFC on ABC 6 loss

Sergei Pavlovich opened up about losing two fights in a row for the first time in his career.

[autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] opened up on his second consecutive  loss at UFC on ABC 6.

Pavlovich (18-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) lost a unanimous decision to Alexander Volkov (37-10 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in Saturday’s co-main event at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Volkov tried to pay his respects after the fight, but a visibly upset Pavlovich shoved him away. The former interim heavyweight title challenger took to social media to reflect on the disappointing outcome.

“It wasn’t my day, nothing went according to plan. I was ready for anything, but I was too focused on getting a knockout and took too many unnecessary hits. The result was a loss by points. This was very emotional and tough for me, especially knowing that I didn’t meet your expectations. Thank you all for your support! I promise to come back stronger and wiser..”

Tensions flared during the weigh-ins faceoff when Volkov confronted fellow Russian Pavlovich for allegedly accepting to fight him first. Pavlovich was under the impression that it was the other way around.

Pavlovich has lost back-to-back bouts for the first time in his career – to Tom Aspinall by knockout for the interim title at UFC 295 and now Volkov.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Conor McGregor’s injury, Paul vs. Perry, UFC 303 preview, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel discusses the biggest MMA results from the weekend, Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry, and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • UFC’s debut event in Saudi Arabia was host to several important results. UFC on ABC 6 saw former middleweight champion [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] knockout [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] in the main event, and [autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag] improve his winning streak to four in a row by picking apart [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag]. We discuss those results and others from Saturday’s event.
  • UFC wasn’t the only show this past weekend. PFL continued its 2024 season with lightweights and light heavyweights competing in their last season bout. Bellator Championship Series was also at play, as they had a show in Dublin that was headlined by a welterweight championship fight. We highlight some of the results.
  • YouTube star [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag] is fighting a Mike on July 20th after all – but it won’t be Mike Tyson. Paul will be boxing former UFC fighter and BKFC star [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag]. We react to the news of the matchup on the show.
  • It was a broken pinky toe that got [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] out of his UFC 303 fight against [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag]. We discuss McGregor’s injury and comments on a timeline for his return, along the heat he’s caught from some of his fellow UFC fighters.
  • To wrap up the show, the panel previews the upcoming UFC 303 card on June 29. We discuss the championship rematch between [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] and [autotag]Jiri Prochazka[/autotag], [autotag]Brian Ortega[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Diego Lopes[/autotag], and more relating to the UFC’s International Fight Week event.

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Alexander Volkov surprised Sergei Pavlovich accepted UFC on ABC 6 fight: ‘I’m a terrible matchup for him’

Alexander Volkov reacts to his victory over Sergei Pavlovich in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6.

[autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag] was surprised to find himself standing across the octagon of fellow countryman and former teammate [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag].

The two Russian heavyweight contenders clashed in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6, which went down at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Volkov (37-10 MMA, 11-4 UFC) defeated Pavlovich (18-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in a dominant unanimous decision – something he expected, which is why he was surprised Pavlovich took the fight.

“I’m stylistically a very bad matchup for Sergei, so his manager should be more honest with him about the fights that he should or shouldn’t accept,” Volkov told reporters at the UFC on ABC 6 post-fight press conference.”I didn’t spar this way with Sergei when we used to spar together, and what I mean is that unorthodox way. There were other things that we prepared in camp that I think they would’ve worked, as well.

“I think this was an attempt from his side to get a fight quick and fight after a loss. Like I said before, stylistically, I’m a terrible matchup for him.”

Volkov and Pavlovich didn’t end on the best terms. There was bad blood heading into the fight as both fighters felt slighted that the fight was accepted by both parties. Volkov claims he was told that Pavlovich accepted the fight first, which he didn’t take kindly, and the inverse is said from Pavlovich’s perspective. After the fight, Volkov tried to shake Pavlovich’s hand, but got a shove instead.

As far as what’s next, Volkov said there’s been talk about getting a title eliminator bout now that he’s on a four-fight winning streak. However, nothing is set on stone and his willing to flow with whatever the UFC decides to do with the division.

“I would really like to fight for the title, but I’m also an employee of the UFC, and I’m going to have to not go with my wishes, but go with what they say is right,” Volkov said. “There’s been kind of an unwritten agreement that that’s going to be the case, but who is it going to be or where is it going to be, we don’t really know yet.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

UFC on ABC 6 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Ikram Aliskerov gets $4,000 in main event save

UFC on ABC 6 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $186,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC on ABC 6 took place Saturday at Kingdom Arena. The main card airs on ABC following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The full UFC on ABC 6 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Kelvin Gastelum[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Daniel Rodriguez[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Antonio Trocoli[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Volkan Oezdemir[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Johnny Walker[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Nasrat Haqparast[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Jared Gordon[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Felipe Lima[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Muhammad Naimov[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Rinat Fakhretdinov[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Nicolas Dalby[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Muin Gafurov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Kyung Ho Kang[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Magomed Gadzhiyasulov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Brendson Ribeiro[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]ChangHo Lee[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Xiao Long[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $40,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-40 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $3,637,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $26,374,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

UFC on ABC 6 play-by-play, live results

Check out live play-by-play and official results from UFC on ABC 6 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

UFC on ABC 6 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie provided live play-by-ply and official results. UFC on ABC 6 (ABC/ESPN/ESPN+) took place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Former middleweight champion [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] (26-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC) took on short-notice replacement opponent [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) in the main event. [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] (18-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) took on former Bellator heavyweight champ [autotag]Alexander Volko[/autotag]v (38-10 MMA, 12-4 UFC) in the co-feature.

Below, you can find the play-by-play, official results and more details from UFC on ABC 6.

ChangHo Lee vs. Xiao Long

Round 1 – They start brawling right off the bat. Lee connects with two right hands. Long closes the distance and presses Lee against the cage. Nice elbow by Long on the break. Long closes the distance again on Lee. Long is cut from his left eyelid. Long gets the takedown. We’re halfway through the round. Lee gets back up, but still being presses against the cage. Good knees by Lee from the clinch. They keep reversing each other against the cage. They break free. They’re in the middle of the cage clinching and hitting each other on the body. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Long.

Round 2 – Right back in the clinch.  They break free. They’re clinching again. Long presses Lee against the cage. They keep hitting each other with body shots from the clinch, neither seems to be doing too much damage. They keep fighting for position, but with Long doing most the controlling. Very solid knees by Lee. Long controlling here. Odd fight. Lee reverses the position. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lee.

Round 3 – They’re back in the clinch. Short punches from both. A couple of good knees to the body by Lee. They clinch against the cage. A scramble breaks out and Lee takes the back. Lee looking to set up an armbar from the back. Three minutes left. Lee loses the back control and Long now takes Lee’s back. Lee escapes and presses Long against the cage. Long reverse the position. Non-stop clinching from both. Both connect with short shots. The bell rings. Very lackluster fight that can go either way.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Long. Overall 29-28, Long.

Result: ChangHo Lee def. Xiao Long via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Lee (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), Long (26-9 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Thomas Fan
Judging: Vitolo Paolillo, Clemens Werner 29-28. Anders Ohlsson 28-29.

Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Round 1 – Gadzhiyasulov putting on the pressure on Ribeiro. Leg kicks from both. Ribeiro shoots, almost gets the takedown, but a clear fence grab from Gadzhiyasulov stops it. Herzog adjusts Gadzhiyasulov and the fight resumes. Ribeiro working for the takedown. He has Gadzhiyasulov tied up, and pulls off mat returns, but no takedowns. Robeiro controlling Gadzhiyasulov against the cage. We’re halfway through the round. Gadzhiyasulov reverses the position and now controls Riberio against the cage. Robeiro breaks free. One minute left. Good jab by Ribeiro. Leg kick from Robeiro buckles Gadzhiyasulov. Ribeiro goes for a head kick but gets taken down. Gadzhiyasulov controls, doesn’t land anything in the final second. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Ribeiro.

Round 2 – They trade leg kicks. More kicks by Ribeiro. Gadzhiyasulov’s leg is banged up. Gadzhiyasulov shoots, but gets caught in a guillotine! It looks tight! Gadzhiyasulov is struggling. And he’s out! Gadzhiyasulov working form half guard. Three minutes left. Not much damage from Gadzhiyasulov, just controlling. Good elbow by Gadzhiyasulov. Gadzhiyasulov goes for an arm-triangle, but Ribeiro gets out. Good control here by Gadzhiyasulov.  The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gadzhiyasulov.

Round 3 – Both testing each other’s range. Ribeiro shoots, but gets reversed and Gadzhiyasulov ends on top. Pure control here by Gadzhiyasulov. Ribeiro is looking to scramble, but unable to get Gadzhiyasulov off him. Gadzhiyasulov is not doing much damage here, just working hard to maintain position. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gadzhiyasulov. Overall 29-28, Gadzhiyasulov.

Result: Magomed Gadzhiyasulov def. Brendson Ribeiro via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Gadzhiyasulov (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Ribeiro (15-7 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Mark Collett, David Lethaby 29-28. Vito Paolillo 28-28.

Muin Gafurov vs. Kyung Ho Kang

Round 1 – Oh, nasty calf kick by Gafurov. Again, Gafurov is targeting those legs. Oh! Gafurov drops Kang with a leg kicks. These are doing damage early. Kang shoots for a takedown, tries to transition to a throw, and ends on the bottom. Gafurov with pure control here, he has Kang pinned down. Not much damage from Gafurov, just control. Kang scrambles out and presses Gafurov against the cage. Kang jumps on Gafurov’s back. Gafurov slams him and the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gafurov.

Round 2 – Good front kick to the body by Kang. Kang ducks under a punch from Gafurov, and takes him down. Kang controlling from half guard. Kang moves to mount. Great top control. Gafurov tries to scramble out, but gets caught in a reverse triangle. Gafurov gets out, and now he’s on top of Kang. We’re halfway through the round. Kang gets up, but is being controlled by Gafurov against the cage. Gafurov lets him free. Nice combo by Gafurov! Kang shoots and Gafurov gets him in a front choke. Gafurov now pressing Kang against the cage. He lets him free. Gafurov buckles Kang with a leg kick. Oh! They’re both brawling. Kang shoots, but fails. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gafurov.

Round 3 – Nice right hook by Gafurov, as Kang closes the distance. Kang gets a takedown. Nice grappling here by Kang. He mounts Gafurov. Short shots land for Kang. Gafurov gets back to his feet. Kang shoots and takes him down again, but they immediately scramble and Gafurov ends up pressing Kang against the cage. Just control by Gafurov, no damage. Kang takes him down. Forty-five seconds left. Gafurov scrambles out. Oh! Spinning wheel kick wobbles Kang. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gafurov. Overall 30-27, Gafurov.

Result: Muin Gafurov def. Kyung Ho Kang via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Gafurov (19-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Kang (19-11 MMA, 8-5 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Anders Ohlsson, Clemens Werner 30-27.

Nicolas Dalby vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov

Round 1 – Big leg kick by Fakhretdinov early. Dalby closes the distance and presses Fakhretdinov against the cage. Knees to the legs from Dalby. Fakhretdinov breaks free. Fakhretdinov pressing Dalby. Leg kick by Dalby. Fakhretdinov tries to take down Dalby, fails, but presses Dalby against the cage. Dalby reverses and presses Fakhretdinov against the cage. Good right gand by Fakhretdinov on the break. Oh! Dalby gets dropped. He’s back up, but Fakhretdinov going in for the kill. Fakhretdinov presses Dalby against the cage. Nice elbow by Fakhretdinov on the break. Oh! Knee to the head by Fakhretdinov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Fakhretdinov.

Round 2 – Big takedown early by Fakhretdinov. Dalby gets back up, but being pressed against the cage. Dalby reverses. They break free. Dalby presses Fakhretdinov against the cage. They break free. Nice combo by Dalby. Body kick by Fakhretdinov. It seems like Fakhretdinov is slowing down. Head kick partly lands for Dalby. Dalby presses Fakhretdinov against the cage. They break. Fakhretdinov shoots and gets the takedown. Fakhretdinov controlling Dalby legs by the cage, has yet to flatten him down. Dalby gets up. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dalby.

Round 3 – Fakhretdinov closes the distance and presses Dalby against the cage. Good control by Fakhretdinov. Fakhretdinov gets the takedown, but only controlling the legs by the cage. Daly’s back hasn’t hit the canvas. Fakhretdinov just controlling here. We’re halfway through the round. Dalby gets free, but Fakhretdinov gets him back down seconds later. Dalby back up. Dalby hits the switch and gets on top of Fakhretdinov. Fakhretdinov back up and they’re striking. Fakhretdinov presses Dalby against the cage. Dalby breaks free. Oh! Dalby wobbles Fakhretdinov with a head kick. Fakhretdinov presses Dalby against the cage, but Dalby reverses. Good uppercut by Dalby. They’re brawling it out! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dalby. Overall 29-28, Dalby.

Result: Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Nicolas Dalby via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Fakhretdinov (23-2-1 MMA, 4-0-1 UFC), Dalby (23-5-1 MMA, 7-4-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Thomas Fan
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, David Lethaby 29-28. Anders Ohlsson 28-29,

Felipe Lima vs. Muhammad Naimov

Round 1 – Big leg kick by Lima. Lima looking very explosive. Push kick from Lima sets Naimov off balance. Oh! Flying knee by Lima. Lima presses Naimov against the cage. They break free. Leg kick by Naimov. Two hard leg kicks by Lima. Crazy speed from Lima. Naimov trying to tie up Lima, but unable to. Nice combo by Lima. Man, he’s looking good. Naimov clinches Lima, and Lima goes for a leg lock. Lima lets it go and ends on bottom. Elbows from bottom by Lima. Naimov controlling, but not doing much damage. Naimov maintains top control. Lima pushes him off, and the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lima.

Round 2 – Lima is crazy explosive in his striking and takedown defense. He’s giving Naimov a tough time. Lima is walking down Naimov. Leg kick by Lima. Naimov with a leg kick if his own. They briefly clinch and Naimov lands a knee to the body. The striking output has slowed down here. Naimov presses Lima against the cage. One minute left. Lima breaks free. Good combo by Lima, but a one, two lands for Naimov. Naimov is doing most of the pressing here. Leg kick by Lima. The bell rings. Very close round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Naimov.

Round 3 – Leg kicks for Naimov early in the round. Lima seems to have a sense of urgency, as he presses Naimov. Lima clinches Naimov and presses him agaisnt the cage. He gets the takedown and takes Naimov’s back He sinks in the rear-naked choke out of nowhere! It’s tight. It’s all over! What a debut by Lima.

Result: Felipe Lima def. Muhammad Naimov via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:15
Recap: Felipe Lima shocks Muhammad Naimov with late finish on short notice
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Lima (13-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Naimov (11-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Thomas Fan

Jared Gordon vs. Nasrat Haqparast

Round 1 – Nice combo by Gordon to start off the round. Haqparast answers back with a body shot. Gordon shoots, grabs a leg and backs Haqparast against the cage. Haqparast gets oout immediately. Two big lefts for Haqparast. Gordon pressuing Haqparast. Another left by Haqparast. Jab by Gordon. Gordon shoots and presses Haqparast against the cage. Haqparast defending well so far. Haqparast gets out. Haqparast has a cut underneath his left eye. Two minutes left. Gordon shoots and presses Haqparast against the cage. Haqparast gets out again. Good left again by Haqparast. Gordon presses Haqparast against the cage, he’s working for the takedown. Good dirty boxing now by Gordon by the cage. Oh! Nice combo by Haqparast. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Haqparast.

Round 2 – Again, Gordon with the pressure here and so far Haqparast with good counter striking. Good left by Haqparast. Gordon presses Haqparast against the cage. Crazy pace and pressure by Gordon. They break apart. Good combo by Haqparast that ends with a body shot. Jab by Gordon. One, two by Gordon. A series of right hands connect for Gordon. Haqparast is fading, he seems to be caving in with Gordon’s pressure. Gordon non-stop pressure. Clean righthand by Haqparast. They trade jabs. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gordon.

Round 3 – Very close fight here. Solid jab and combo by Haqparast. Gordon with some solid jabs, too. Gordon continues to pressure Haqparast. They broth trade jabs. They keep exchanging shots, as Gordon presses and Haqparast counters. We’re half wat through the round. Good right hand by Gordon. Jabs by Gordon. Good combo by Haqparast. Oh! Clean right by Haqparast. Gordon’s left eye is shut. They’re slugging it out. Bight right by Haqparast. Jabs by Gordon. The bell rings. Very close fight.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Haqparast. Overall 29-28, Haqparast.

Result: Nasrat Haqparast def. Jared Gordon via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Haqparast (17-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Gordon (20-7 MMA, 8-6 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Ritch Mitchell
Judging: Mark Collett, Sal D’Amato 29-28. Clemens Werner 28-29.

Volkan Oezdemir vs. Johnny Walker

Round 1 – Oezdemir pressuring Walker. Big leg kick by Walker. Now leg kick by Oezdemir. Huge leg kick by Walker. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Walker now with a leg kick. Walker seems content backing up and countering. Kick heavy approach by both. Another leh kick by Oezdemir. Oh! Nice combo connects clean for Oezdemir. It looks like it stunned Walker. Oh! Walker is wobbled! Oezdemir all over him. It’s over! Vicious KO by Oezdemir.

Result: Volkan Oezdemir def. Johnny Walker via KO (punches) – Round 1, 2:28
Recap: Volkan Oezdemir leaves Johnny Walker stiff after terrifying knockout
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Oezdemir (20-7 MMA, 8-6 UFC), Walker (21-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Shara Magomedov vs. Antonio Trocoli

Round 1 – Leg kick by Magomedov. Another one. Oh! Trocoli with a right hand. He now presses Magomedov against the cage. Short punches by Trocoli. God control here by Trocoli. Nothing going on really. Referee breaks them up and resumes the fight on the feet. We’re halfway through the round. Magomedov with many leg kicks, while staying on the outside. Two more leg kicks by Magomedov. Trocoli shoots and presses Magomedov against the cage.Control here by Trocoli. Nothing going on. Just control. Short arm shots land for Trocoli. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Magomedov.

Round 2 – Again, Magomedov with a kick heavy attack. Trocoli tries to take down Magomedov and fails. More leg kicks by Magomedov. Another one. Another leg kick lands for Magomedov. Very lackluster fight. Body shot by Magomedov. Trocoli is not throwing much if anything. Big right for Magomedov. Leg kick by Magomedov. Trocoli is just chasing. Trocoli presses Magomedov against the cage. Two minutes left. Short shots land for Trocoli. Trocoli goes for a takedown, but Magomedov does a clear fence grab. No point taken, just a warning given. They break apart. Trocoli shoots and Magomedov stuffs it. Leg kick by Magomedov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Magomedov.

Round 3 – Head kick by Magomedov that partly lands. Leg kick by Magomedov. Again. More kicks by Magomedov. And now a left by Magomedov. Trocoli is just standing there. One, two lands for Magomedov. More leg kicks by Magomedov. Head kick by Magomedov, but not witha ton of power. Three minutes left. More leg kicks by Magomedov. A righthand connects clean for Magomedov. Trocoli is hurt! Magomedov all over him! Trocoli goes down and it’s over!

Result: Shara Magomedov def. Antonio Trocoli via KO (punches) – Round 3, 2:27
Recap: Shara Magomedov blitzes Antonio Trocoli for first UFC stoppage
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Magomedov (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Trocoli (12-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez

Round 1 – Gastelum pressing Rodriguez. Leg kicks by Gastelum. Good jab by Rodriguez. Hard leg kick by Gastelum. Another one. Good jabs by Gastelum. Jab by Gastelum and then a low kick. We’re halfway through the round. Hard hooks connect for Gastelum. Gastelum looking good so far. Oh! Brilliant combo by Rodriguez, Gastelum eats that well. Two big lefts. connect for Gastelum. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gastelum.

Round 2 – They trade leg kicks. Sound defense by Gastelum. Rodriguez having a tough time connecting clean. One, two lands for Gastelum. And a nice left lands for Rodriguez. Jab by Gastelum. Nice combo by Rodriguez. Gastelum shoots and gets the takedown. We’re halfway through the round. Rodriguez gets back up. Jabs then body shots by Gastelum. Nice combo by Rodriguez. Left lands for Gastelum. Rodriguez is bleeding from his nose. Hard leg kick and then a right hook by Gastelum. What a fight here. Hard leg kick for Gastelum. Big one, two for Rodriguez. Gastelum gets a takedown in the final second. Close round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gastelum.

Round 3 – Leg kick by Gastelum. Another one. One, two lands by Rodriguez. The pace has slowed down a bit. Hard jab by Gastelum. Another one. Leg kick by Gastelum. Rodriguez with a good counter left. Jab by Gastelum. Gastelum closes the distance and takes down Rodriguez. We’re halfway through the round. Gastelum working from side control. Short elbows by Gastelum. Rodriguez pulls Gastelum into guard. One minute left. Gastelum now in half guard. Ground-and-pound by Gastelum. Gastelum lets Rodriguez back up. Gastelum shoots and takes down Rodriguez. Elbows by Gastelum. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gastelum. Overall 30-27, Gastelum.

Result: Kelvin Gastelum def. Daniel Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: Kelvin Gastelum apologizes to Dana White after beating Daniel Rodriguez
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Gastelum (19-9 MMA, 13-9 UFC), Rodriguez (17-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Ritch Mitchell
Judging: Mark Collett, Clemens Werner 30-27. Ben Cartlidge 29-28.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov

Round 1 – Leg kick byVolkov. Volkov staying on the outside, as expected. Leg kick by Volkov. Pavlovich being reserved here. Big body kick by Volkov. Jab by Pavlovich. legkick by Volkov. Leg kick by Volkov. Three minutes left. Volkov is looking good. Jab by Volkov. Pavlovich is having a tough time with the range. Jab by Volkov, but Pavlovich answers with a right hook. Great fight management by Volkov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Volkov.

Round 2 – Leg kicks lands for Volkov. Pavlovich is bleeding a bit from his nose. Pavlovich is chasing, but not landing. Volkov is using tons of movement and landing long range shots. More leg kicks by Volkov. We’re half way through the round. Pavlovich is just chasing here. Leg kick then jab by Volkov. Big shot by Pavlovich. Leg kick by Volkov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Volkov.

Round 3 – Leg kick by Volkov. Pavlovich needs to do something different because he’s getting picked apart. Leg kick, jab by Volkov. Pavlovich is more agressive now. He throws a couple of big shots, but Volkov blocks. We’re half way through the round. Pavlovich is bleeding a lot from his nose and mouth. Starightleft connects for Volkov. Jabs by Volkov. Pavlovich is getting picked apart. Side kick by Volkov. Body shot by Pavlovich. Head kick then jab by Volkov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Volkov. Overall 30-27, Volkov.

Result: Alexander Volkov def. Sergei Pavlovich via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Volkov (38-10 MMA, 12-4 UFC), Pavlovich (18-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Anders Ohlsson, Clemens Werner 30-27. Vito Paolillo 29-28.

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov

Round 1 – Leg kicks by Whittaker. Whittaker in and out in his attacks. Oh! Whittaker wobbles Aliskerov with a right hand! Uppercut by Whittaker! It’s over! What a KO by the former champion.

Result: Robert Whittaker def. Ikram Aliskerov via KO (uppercut) – Round 1, 1:49
Recap: Robert Whittaker blasts Ikram Aliskerov for quick knockout
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Whittaker (26-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC), Aliskerov (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

UFC on ABC 6 results: Tempers flare after Alexander Volkov outpoints Sergei Pavlovich

Sergei Pavlovich was frustrated after Alexander Volkov picked up a unanimous decision in the UFC on ABC 6 co-feature in Saudi Arabia.

Former training partners [autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag] and Sergei Pavlovich met in the cage, and tempers flared after 15 minutes of action.

Volkov (37-10 MMA, 11-4 UFC) outpointed Pavlovich (18-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in the all-Russia heavyweight bout, which served as the co-feature of UFC on ABC 6 co-main event at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Judges scored the contest 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 in favor of the 6-foot-7 Volkov.

After Volkov led the early dance with range-finding leg kicks, Pavlovich began closing the distance, working behind a left jab to set up his powerful right hand. Volkov did well to avoid the heavier shots, firing back sharply as the round progressed, sending Pavlovich back to the stool with a bloody nose.

Pavlovich entered Round 2 for the first time in his UFC career, and was greeted with hard kicks to the body from Volkov. Pavlovich continued to stalk forward as Volkov managed the distance as he circled, trading single strikes.

Pavlovich pressed the action in the final round, heeding the calls from his corner. The striking volume from both turned up in the first half of the round, as Volkov stood in the pocket and traded for a moment, but eventually thought better of it and got back to what put him up on the scorecards.

After the final horn, Volkov walked over to Pavlovich to embrace, but was pushed away, making for a brief, but tense moment. During his post-fight interview, Volkov expressed his confusion at Pavlovich’s reaction.

Volkov extended his winning streak to four, a run that began in 2022 and includes stoppages of Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexander Romanov, and Tai Tuivasa.

The frustrated Pavlovich has now lost back-to-back fights for the first time in his career.

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Up-to-the-minute UFC on ABC 6 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC on ABC 6

Can Sergei Pavlovich get back on track, or will Alexander Volkov potentially seal a heavyweight title shot at UFC on ABC 6?

[autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] and [autotag]Alexander Rodriguez[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 6 from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.  

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov UFC on ABC 6 preview

Pavlovich (18-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) returns to the cage for the first time since being finished just 69 seconds into his interim heavyweight title fight with To Aspinall last November at UFC 295. Prior to that, Pavlovich had been on a tear with six consecutive wins by knockout/TKO. … Riding a three-fight winning streak, Volkov (37-10 MMA, 11-4 UFC) could secure a title shot as he’s finished Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexndr Romanov and Tai Tuivasa in that span.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov UFC on ABC 6 expert pick, prediction

The co-main event in Saudi Arabia features a heavyweight showdown between Russian powerhouses, [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] and [autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag].

Between their towering statures and the fact that these two used to be fast friends, this fight has a Kane vs. Undertaker-like setup that feels like it’s straight out of WWE’s “Attitude Era.”

In MMA, however, dramatic meetings between former training partners tend to unfortunately result in lackluster affairs. For that reason, no one should be shocked if we get stuck with a tentative staring contest this Saturday.

Although Pavlovich is more than powerful enough to end anyone’s night early, Volkov has traditionally done well opposite big punchers who aren’t named Derrick Lewis.

Add in the fact that most of Volkov’s troublesome moments come from his opponent’s countering kicks (something that seems vacant from Pavlovich’s game), and I can’t help but take a flier on the underdog in this spot.

The pick is Volkov by decision.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov UFC on ABC 6 odds

The oddsmakers and the public are slightly favoring the former title challenger, listing Pavlovich (-245) and Volkov (+186) via FanDuel.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov UFC on ABC 6 start time, how to watch

As the co-main event, Pavlovich and Volkov are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 4:45 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ABC and streams on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

UFC on ABC 6: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6 odds between Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round heavyweight bout on the main card, Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov meet Saturday at UFC on ABC 6 — also known as UFC Saudi Arabia — at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ABC 6: Pavlovich vs. Volkov odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at noon ET and can be viewed on ESPN/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 3 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+.

Records: Pavlovich (18-2-0) | Volkov (37-10-0)

The 32-year-old Pavlovich made his first attempt for the heavyweight championship belt against Tom Aspinall at UFC 295 in mid-November 2023, but he was knocked out in Round 1 by the Englishman. In fact, all 8 of his fights at the UFC level have resulted in KO/TKO, each in Round 1, with 6 victories and 2 setbacks.

The veteran Volkov streaks in with 3 straight victories, all with a finish. He submitted Tai Tuivasa in Round 2 at UFC 293 last time out in Sept. 2023, while posting a pair of Round 1 KO/TKO wins over Alexandr Romanov and Jairzinho Rozenstruik since June 2022. His last loss came against Aspinall in the main event March 19, 2022.

Each of Volkov’s past 4 fights have finished inside the distance, while Pavlovich hasn’t had a decision since winning the belt at FNG: Fight Nights Global 68 against Mikhail Mokhnatkin in June 2017.

Pavlovich holds a 4-inch reach advantage, and the southpaw has an 8.21-to-5.10 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Volkov is much more accurate with those strikes at 62.16%, while Pavlovich lands just 49.51% of those strikes.

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UFC on ABC 6: Pavlovich vs. Volkov odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:22 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Pavlovich -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Volkov +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over +120 | Under -160)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -225 | No +165)

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UFC on ABC 6: Pavlovich vs. Volkov picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Pavlovich (-250) will set you back 2½ times your potential return, and that’s too much risk for not enough reward in this battle of Russian fighters.

The veteran Volkov (+195) is tempting at this price for the chance to nearly double up. However, in this battle of Russian fighters, Pavlovich should use his tremendous reach advantage to push and pull Volkov out at his leisure, picking and choosing his spots to deliver blows, before backing it out and keeping himself from incurring a lot of unnecessary damage.

Let’s get a little more specific. PAVLOVICH IN ROUND 1 (+100) at even-money is a strong play in the round betting department. He hasn’t been past the 4:21 mark of Round 1 in any of his 8 bouts, and that happened in his UFC debut back in Nov. 2018 against veteran Alistair Overeem.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (-160) has a rather moderate price tag, but it’s worth playing. Pavlovich has never been to Round 2 at the UFC level, and this bet could see this fight end at 2:30 of Round 2 or earlier and still cash.

No (-450): Will the fight go the distance? is not a recommended play, as you must risk 4½ times your potential return. That’s way too much risk, and you likely won’t be able to fold it into a multi-leg parlay to mitigate the risk.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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