Heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Sergei Pavlovich threw down at UFC 277, with “The Black Beast” looking to snap a rough patch in his native Texas.
5-2 in his last seven fights, Lewis was undoubtedly still a top heavyweight — but had lost two fights in Houston within the past 12 months.
Things didn’t go any better for Lewis on Saturday, no thanks to a seemingly quick stoppage by the ref.
Needless to say, the crowd in Dallas did not greet Russia’s Pavlovich warmly. Lewis, meanwhile, got a hero’s welcome, but it was Pavlovich getting the better of Lewis in an early exchange. A right, then a left behind the ear, rocked Lewis. Pavlovich chased, and landed a few more right hands. Lewis went to his knees, but immediately got back up, only to be greeted by ref Dan Miragliotta, who had waved the fight off.
THE BIGGEST WIN OF SERGEI PAVLOVICH'S CAREER 🤯 #UFC277 pic.twitter.com/rEwrTzfPTl
— UFC (@ufc) July 31, 2022
Fans in the arena immediately voiced their displeasure, and Lewis instantly protested, with both not about to get anywhere with their complaints. Fans still drowned out Pavlovich with boos during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
“How do you like that boxing?” Pavlovich asked Rogan. “I did my job, I’m very happy with my performance,” he added, much to the displeasure of the Texas faithful.
As stoppages go, that one was certainly quick, though the win will almost certainly stand, giving Pavlovich the biggest win of his career.
Official Result: Sergei Pavlovich def. Derrick Lewis by TKO, Round 1, 0:55
