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In the world of mixed martial arts, one name that has been on the lips of many fans and analysts is Jon Jones. He is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, with a record that speaks for itself. Jones is set to take on Ciryl Gane in the highly anticipated UFC 285, which is scheduled to take place on March 25th.
However, it seems that the UFC is taking no chances when it comes to this fight. Reports have emerged that Sergei Pavlovich will be the backup fighter for Jones vs. Gane. Pavlovich is a formidable fighter in his own right, with an impressive record of 17 wins and only 1 loss. He will be ready to step in if either Jones or Gane is unable to compete on the night of the fight.
This move by the UFC shows the importance of having backup fighters in high-profile matches. Injuries can happen at any time, and it is crucial to have someone ready to step in at a moment's notice. This is not the first time the UFC has used backup fighters, and it certainly won't be the last. It is a smart move that ensures the show goes on even if something unexpected happens.
Pavlovich, who has won five straight fights, has knockout victories over Marcelo Golm, Maurice Greee, Shamil Abdurakhimov, Derrick Lewis, and most recently, Tai Tuivasa in December 2022. The 30-year-old suffered his only defeat in November 2018 when Alistair Overeem submitted him through technical knockout.
For the official weigh-ins on Friday morning, Pavlovich must meet the weight requirement for heavyweights, which is 265 pounds. He won't be qualified to take the place of Jones or Gane until after that.
The addition of Pavlovich as the backup fighter adds an extra layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated fight. Fans will be curious to see how he performs if he is called upon to step into the octagon. It also raises the question of whether he might be in contention for a future title shot if he performs well.
Regardless of what happens, UFC 285 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night for MMA fans. With two of the best fighters in the world set to face off, and a formidable backup fighter waiting in the wings, anything can happen. It is sure to be a night filled with excitement, drama, and the kind of action that only the UFC can provide.