👊 Curtis Blaydes Vs. Sergei Pavlovich Pick & Prediction 👀 Early Look

Ladies and gentlemen, fight enthusiasts, and all you adrenaline junkies out there, get ready to mark your calendars because April 22nd is about to bring you a battle of epic proportions. The stage is set at the Apex, the cage is smaller, and the anticipation is electric. Curtis Blades and Sergey Pavlovic, two heavyweight juggernauts, are about to unleash their fury, and you better believe that sparks will fly.

Curtis Blades: The Takedown Maestro

Let's start with the man, the myth, the takedown maestro - Curtis Blades. He's 32 years young, stands tall at 6 foot 4, with arms that reach out an impressive 80 inches. With a record of 17-3 (and one no contest), Blades is ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, and he's got the stats to back it up. This guy is no pushover.

Blades has a reputation for delivering decisive victories, boasting 12 knockouts, zero submissions, and five decision wins. He's a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, and he sharpens his skills with the elite Elevation Fight Team. Some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division have tasted the canvas at his hands, including Mark Hunt, Alistair Overeem, and Junior dos Santos.

What sets Curtis Blades apart is his ability to execute takedowns. In fact, he holds the record for the most takedowns in UFC heavyweight history with a staggering 14. Not only that, but he's been remarkably consistent, with his recent layoff being just 273 days leading up to this fight. He's practically the poster child for staying injury-free in this brutal sport.

But it's not just about quantity; it's about quality. Blades boasts a 51% significant striking accuracy, a 59% significant strike defense, and a 53% takedown accuracy. These numbers don't lie. This man is a force to be reckoned with.

Sergey Pavlovic: The Dark Horse

Now, let's talk about the dark horse in this race - Sergey Pavlovic. He's not one to be taken lightly, with a formidable record of 17-1 and a zero in the submission column. Ranked third in the heavyweight division, at the tender age of 30, Sergey has a slight reach advantage over Blades, making this matchup even more intriguing.

What's even more fascinating is Pavlovic's experience in the octagon. He's danced for five rounds before, putting to rest any concerns about his cardio. Three times, he's walked away with the "Performance of the Night" bonus, proving that he knows how to steal the spotlight.

While Curtis Blades kicked off his professional career seven months earlier than Sergey, the crucial difference lies in their UFC debuts. Blades had already graced the UFC stage seven times before Pavlovic made his debut in November 2018. That's a hefty experience gap.

Sergey Pavlovic has had his share of wins and losses, notably defeating fighters like Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa, but also facing defeats against Alistair Overeem and Marcelo Golem. The interesting twist is that Marcelo Golem is now strutting his stuff in Bellator.

The Showdown: Blades vs. Pavlovic

So, here we are, standing at the crossroads of this epic showdown. Who's going to walk away with their hand raised in victory? The predictions are buzzing with excitement. Most are placing their bets on Pavlovic, with a whopping 70% in his favor, but 42% are still keeping the faith in Curtis Blades.

Experience is one of the critical factors in this matchup, with Blades having seven more UFC fights under his belt. But it's not just about the quantity of fights; it's the quality. Blades has locked horns with some of the toughest fighters out there, going the distance with opponents known for their knockout power. That's a testament to his resilience.

There's also the question of Curtis Blades' susceptibility to knockout losses. Is it due to his opponents' knockout power, or does he have a chink in his armor? It's a question that adds a layer of intrigue to this already tantalizing fight.

One more thing to consider is the training camp. Curtis Blades hones his skills at the Elevation Fight Team, which is located at a higher elevation. This could give him a significant advantage in the cardio department, and as we know, stamina is often the deciding factor in the later rounds.

The odds for this upcoming clash of titans might be elusive at the moment, but some sources are leaning towards Blades as the favorite. It's still up in the air, and that's what makes this fight so thrilling.

As the clock ticks down to April 22nd, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow. Curtis Blades and Sergey Pavlovic are ready to put it all on the line, and it's anyone's guess who will emerge victorious. One thing's for sure, though - this is a fight you won't want to miss. It's a battle that has all the elements of a classic showdown, and it's sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats. So, get ready for the rumble in the octagon, where two giants collide, and history is in the making.