After a difficult 2025 that halted his rise in the heavyweight rankings, Serghei Spivac heads into UFC Houston determined to start the new year on the right foot. Standing opposite Ante Delija in a pivotal showdown, Spivac is looking to steady the ship and avoid the dreaded three-fight skid.
“2025 was kind of a year of defeat for me so to speak,” Spivac told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.
“Every defeat is also a great victory. This is a way for you to kind of look at your mistakes, work on your mistakes improve yourself. Obviously I’m coming here for the win, but I always prepare to come out and show the best of myself and to win. Every fight is very important.”
Spivac (17-6) was measured in his assessment of Delija, showing respect for the veteran’s résumé and longevity in the sport. While the stakes are high, he made it clear he views this matchup as a meaningful challenge rather than just another opponent.
“He’s a good guy. He’s got a lot of experience. He’s been fighting for a long time. I think he’s a good fighter and a good test for myself,” he said.
Asked whether the recent roster cuts, namely Jailton Almeida, in the heavyweight division added any extra weight to his upcoming fight, Spivac remained composed. While he acknowledged the business side of the sport can be unforgiving, he emphasized that his focus remains firmly on what he can control
“I saw the news. Saw that he was cut, it’s unfortunate, I’m not happy about something like that happening. I don’t feel any added pressure (off of that) because I’m a fighter. I work and improve myself as a fighter. Those are the variable I can work on specifically improving my skills,” he told Cageside Press.
“I can’t worry or feel pressure from things that are outside my control.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Serghei Spivac above. He faces Ante Delija at UFC Houston on Saturday night.
