Sergei Pavlovich vs Curtis Blaydes Prediction UFC Fight 4/22

Sergei Pavlovich vs Curtis Blaydes Prediction UFC Fight 4/22

© Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

 

Fight Preview: Sergei Pavlovich vs Curtis Blaydes

Two of the heavyweight division's top fighters are set to clash at UFC Fight Night on April 22, 2023, as Sergei Pavlovich takes on Curtis Blaydes. Pavlovich holds a record of 17-1-0, while Blaydes boasts a record of 17-3-0 (1NC). Pavlovich is a hard-hitting southpaw standing at 6'3" and weighing in at 257lbs. He has a significant striking rate of 8.07 strikes landed per minute, with a striking accuracy of 51%. Pavlovich also has a takedown defense rate of 66%. On the other hand, Blaydes is an orthodox fighter standing at 6'4" and is the bigger man, weighing in at 265lbs. He has a takedown average of 6.05 takedowns landed per 15 minutes and a takedown accuracy of 53%. Blaydes also has a significant strike defense rate of 59%. This fight promises to be an explosive battle between two heavy hitters with different skill sets. Will Pavlovich's striking be enough to overcome Blaydes' grappling and takedown ability, or will Blaydes dominate on the ground and secure the victory? Tune in to find out on April 22, 2023.

 

SergeiPavlovich Striking

Sergei Pavlovich is known for his incredible striking ability. With a record of 17-1-0, he has shown time and time again that he has the power and precision to knock out his opponents. His striking statistics speak for themselves, with a SLpM (significant strikes landed per minute) of 8.07 and a Str. Acc. (significant striking accuracy) of 51%. Pavlovich's striking defense is also impressive, with a Str. Def. (significant strike defense) of 48%. He is able to avoid many of his opponents' strikes, making him a difficult target to hit. His average takedowns landed per 15 minutes is 0.00, indicating that he prefers to stand and strike rather than take the fight to the ground. Pavlovich has showcased his striking skills in several high-profile fights, including his knockout victories over Derrick Lewis, Shamil Abdurakhimov, and Maurice Greene. His most recent win came against Tai Tuivasa at UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Holland in December 2022. Pavlovich's next opponent is Curtis Blaydes, who is also known for his striking ability. The two will face off at UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs. Blaydes in April 2023. It will be a highly-anticipated matchup between two top heavyweight contenders.

Sergei Pavlovich Wrestling

Sergei Pavlovich is a dominant striker in the heavyweight division with impressive knockout power. However, his wrestling is also a significant asset in his arsenal. Pavlovich has displayed solid takedown defense, successfully defending 66% of his opponents' takedown attempts. In addition to his defensive wrestling, Pavlovich has also shown an ability to take down opponents, averaging 0.00 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. While this may not seem like an impressive statistic, it's important to note that Pavlovich prefers to keep the fight on the feet, where he can utilize his striking power. In his upcoming matchup against Curtis Blaydes, Pavlovich's wrestling will be put to the test. Blaydes is known for his wrestling prowess, averaging 6.05 takedowns landed per 15 minutes with a takedown accuracy of 53%. It will be interesting to see if Pavlovich can defend Blaydes' takedown attempts and keep the fight standing. Overall, while Pavlovich's wrestling is not his primary weapon, it's certainly a skill that he has developed and can utilize when necessary. Against a strong wrestler like Blaydes, Pavlovich will need to remain disciplined and focused to avoid being taken down and neutralized on the ground.

 

Curtis Blaydes Striking

Curtis Blaydes is primarily known for his exceptional wrestling skills, but he has also developed his striking game over the years. His striking statistics may not be overwhelming, as he lands an average of only 3.54 significant strikes per minute with a 51% accuracy. However, his striking defense is impressive, with a 59% success rate of avoiding his opponents' strikes. Blaydes also possesses noteworthy power in his strikes, as showcased in his recent victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, where he knocked out the heavyweight contender with a single punch. His size and strength also allow him to mix in powerful punches with devastating elbows and knees, making him a threat in the striking department. In his upcoming fight against Sergei Pavlovich, Blaydes may look to utilize his striking skills to keep the fight standing and avoid the Russian's grappling game. With his improved striking and knockout power, Blaydes could potentially finish Pavlovich on the feet or set up his takedowns with his striking combinations.

Curtis Blaydes' Wrestling:

When it comes to Curtis Blaydes, one aspect of his game that cannot be overlooked is his wrestling. Blaydes has been known to dominate his opponents with his wrestling skills, and this has been a key factor in many of his victories. Blaydes has a TDAvg. of 6.05, which means he averages over six takedowns per 15 minutes of fighting. This is an impressive statistic, and it is a testament to his wrestling prowess. Blaydes also has a TDAcc. of 53%, which means he successfully lands over half of his takedown attempts. Blaydes' wrestling has been on full display in some of his recent fights. In his fight against Alexander Volkov in June 2020, Blaydes was able to secure 14 takedowns. This was a dominant performance by Blaydes, and it showed just how effective his wrestling can be. Another notable performance by Blaydes was in his fight against Alistair Overeem at UFC 225 in June 2018. Blaydes was able to take Overeem down repeatedly, and he eventually finished the fight with a series of brutal elbows. Blaydes' wrestling has helped him become one of the top heavyweights in the UFC, and it is something that his opponents must always be aware of. His ability to take opponents down and control them on the ground is a major advantage, and it is something that he will likely continue to utilize in his future fights.

 

How Sergei Pavlovich can Win: 

Sergei Pavlovich is a formidable fighter with an impressive record of 17-1-0 and a fighting style that combines an aggressive striking game with a strong takedown defense. To win against Curtis Blaydes, Pavlovich will need to use his range and striking skills to keep Blaydes at bay, while also being able to defend against Blaydes' takedowns and ground-and-pound game. Pavlovich's significant striking accuracy of 51% and his ability to land significant strikes at a rate of 8.07 per minute will be crucial in this matchup. He will need to use his jab and leg kicks to keep Blaydes at a distance, while also landing powerful shots that could potentially knock Blaydes out. However, if Pavlovich finds himself in a grappling exchange with Blaydes, he must be able to defend against Blaydes' takedowns and ground-and-pound game. Pavlovich has a strong takedown defense of 66%, but Blaydes is known for his wrestling skills and his ability to control his opponents on the ground. Pavlovich will need to rely on his grappling skills and quickly scramble back to his feet if he is taken down. Overall, Pavlovich has the striking skills and takedown defense to potentially edge out a win against Blaydes. He will need to use his range and his striking accuracy to keep Blaydes at bay, while also being able to defend against Blaydes' grappling attacks. If Pavlovich can stay on his feet and land powerful strikes, he could potentially earn a knockout victory.

How Curtis Blaydes Can Win

Curtis Blaydes can win against Sergei Pavlovich by utilizing his superior wrestling skills. Blaydes has a very high takedown accuracy and average of 6.05 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. He should look to take Pavlovich down and control him on the ground, as Pavlovich has shown weakness in defending against takedowns with a 66% takedown defense. Blaydes should also use his striking to set up his takedowns and keep Pavlovich on the defensive. He has a 59% significant strike defense and can avoid Pavlovich's powerful punches. Blaydes should be patient and look for openings to take down Pavlovich while avoiding any significant strikes. If Blaydes can implement this game plan effectively, he can win a decision victory or even finish Pavlovich with ground and pound or submissions. His superior wrestling and striking defense should give him the edge over Pavlovich in this matchup.

 

Prediction: 

While Sergei Pavlovich has an impressive record and significant striking accuracy, Curtis Blaydes' wrestling and takedown accuracy should give him the advantage in this matchup. Blaydes has also faced tougher opponents and his experience in the octagon should help him secure a decision victory. However, this is a close matchup and Pavlovich has the power to end the fight at any moment, so taking him as an underdog pick is not out of the question. 

 

Pick: Curtis Blaydes ML -150

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