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UFC 335 has added a major heavyweight clash, with former two-division champion Alex Pereira set to face Sergei Pavlovich in a five-round co-main event on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC CEO Dana White announced the matchup during the UFC 332 broadcast on Saturday night. The bout gives Pereira an immediate opportunity to re-establish himself in the heavyweight title picture after a difficult setback against Ciryl Gane earlier this year.
UFC 335 Delivers a Powerful Heavyweight Collision
Pereira, known as “Poatan,” enters the fight with a professional record of 13-4. The Brazilian moved up to heavyweight with the ambition of becoming the first fighter in UFC history to win championships in three divisions. That goal was put on hold after Gane stopped him in the second round at UFC Freedom 250.
The loss was particularly frustrating for Pereira because he argued that Gane landed illegal strikes to the back of the head. Pereira publicly pushed for an immediate rematch, but the UFC chose a different direction for the heavyweight championship.
Gane is scheduled to defend the undisputed heavyweight title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on November 14. With that contest already booked, Pereira will now have to work his way back toward another championship opportunity through one of the division’s most dangerous knockout artists.
Alex Pereira Seeks a Critical Rebound
A victory at UFC 335 could quickly restore Pereira’s momentum. Although he fell short against Gane, his striking ability, championship experience and proven power make him one of the most significant names in the division.
Pereira has already captured UFC titles at middleweight and light heavyweight. His willingness to compete at heavyweight has added another intriguing chapter to his career, but the challenge against Pavlovich will require patience and discipline. One clean exchange could change the entire fight.
The five-round format also adds an important tactical element. Pereira will need to manage his energy while dealing with Pavlovich’s explosive offense. If the fight reaches the championship rounds, experience could become a deciding factor.
Sergei Pavlovich Brings Explosive Momentum
Pavlovich enters the contest with a 21-3 record and a three-fight winning streak. The Russian heavyweight most recently scored a spectacular 39-second knockout of Tallison Teixeira in May.
Before that finish, Pavlovich earned decision victories over Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Those performances showed that he can win without relying solely on an early knockout, although his devastating power remains his biggest weapon.
Pavlovich previously challenged Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight championship in November 2023. He was stopped by knockout in just 69 seconds, but his recent run has placed him firmly back among the division’s leading contenders.
- Alex Pereira: 13-4 professional record and former two-division UFC champion
- Sergei Pavlovich: 21-3 record and three consecutive victories
- Event: UFC 335
- Date: December 12
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
- Format: Five-round heavyweight co-main event
A High-Stakes UFC 335 Card Takes Shape
The Pereira-Pavlovich matchup is only one of several notable fights announced for UFC 335. Charles Oliveira will headline the event against Diego Lopes in a BMF title bout, adding another high-profile contest to the Las Vegas card.
Joe Pyfer will also meet Bo Nickal in a closely watched middleweight fight. Together, those matchups give UFC 335 a strong mix of championship stakes, elite prospects and heavyweight firepower.
The heavyweight division remains unsettled because of Tom Aspinall’s extended injury absence and the changes surrounding the title. Gane’s fight with Hokit could reshape the championship picture, while a decisive win for Pereira or Pavlovich would create another serious contender.
For Pereira, the assignment is clear: defeat a dangerous heavyweight and begin another climb toward UFC gold. For Pavlovich, beating a former champion would provide the biggest victory of his recent run and potentially place him directly in line for a title opportunity.
With two elite strikers sharing the cage, UFC 335 now has a co-main event capable of producing an explosive finish. The fight’s outcome could have major consequences for the future of the UFC heavyweight division.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is UFC 335?
UFC 335 is scheduled for December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Who is Alex Pereira fighting at UFC 335?
Alex Pereira will face Sergei Pavlovich in a five-round heavyweight co-main event.
What is Alex Pereira’s professional record?
Pereira enters the matchup with a 13-4 professional record and is a former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion.
What is Sergei Pavlovich’s record?
Pavlovich has a 21-3 record and enters UFC 335 on a three-fight winning streak.
Who is headlining UFC 335?
Charles Oliveira will face Diego Lopes for the BMF title in the UFC 335 main event.
