The UFC’s inaugural event in Saudi Arabia on June 22 will feature a clash between heavyweight titans, Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov as the co-main event! But the fight almost didn’t happen due to both men being apprehensive about facing each other due to their history as long-time training partners. In fact, Volkov even shared an image of the fight announcement on his social media page with the caption, “When the prank goes too far.”

According to a report shared by Ringside24, both teams tried to decline the fight but Volkov stepped up when he claimed, “my refusal limits are over”. Now, as the two former training partners get ready to put everything on the line inside the Octagon, let’s take a look and explore all we know about Sergei Pavlovich’s weight, reach, and more!

How much does Sergei Pavlovich weigh?

Sergei Pavlovich currently holds the no. 3 spot in the heavyweight division and last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 295 in 2023 where he came up short against Tom Aspinall for the interim UFC heavyweight championship.

The two replaced Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic on the card as Jones had to pull out of the fight due to sustaining a pectoral tendon tear shortly before the event. During the weigh-ins for the bout, Pavlovich stepped on the scale and registered a weight of 259.8 lbs.

The UFC heavyweight limit stands at 265 lbs, so for Pavlovich to come in comfortably under the weight limit indicates that his walk-around weight must be close to 260 – 262 lbs.

However, it’s important to note that the figure is an estimation based on information from his Aspinall fight and not an accurate representation. However, what sets Pavlovich apart from other UFC heavyweights is his impressive reach which is believed to be the highest amongst active UFC fighters!

What is the UFC HW star’s height and reach?

Prior to his loss against Tom Aspinall at UFC 295, Sergei Pavlovich was on a tear through the UFC heavyweight division with a record-setting streak of 6-finishes in the first round! In a division known for heavy hitters, Pavlovich’s knockout power stands out, but it’s not just his power that has set him apart.

According to a report shared by MMA Channel, Pavlovich boasts the highest Ape Index in UFC history even when compared to renowned fighters like Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Generally, a person’s arm span matches their height, resulting in a neutral Ape Index. In boxing and MMA, fighters with longer arms often have a higher Ape Index, providing a reach advantage that can be crucial in fights.

As such, the report by MMA Channel revealed that Sergei Pavlovich stands at 6’3 tall and has a reach of 84 inches, giving him a staggering Ape Index of +9.0! This is higher than Jon Jones’s +8.5 and Francis Ngannou’s +7.5 Ape Index ratings.

Although Jones is taller than Pavlovich by an inch, standing at 6’4, and also boasts a longer reach at 84.5 inches, the Russian’s Ape Index rating highlights his impressive reach which may be a factor in his spectacular knock-out streak. As he gears up to take on Alexander Volkov on June 22, it remains to be seen if Pavlovich can bounce back and continue his run towards the top of the heavyweight division!