Sergei Pavlovich should be the next man in line for the UFC heavyweight title shot, not Alex Pereira. The argument is straightforward: Pavlovich has already done the hard work at heavyweight, while Pereira is still only making his second appearance above 205 pounds.
That distinction matters in a division that should be rewarding merit, not just headline value. Pavlovich has built a heavyweight resume against ranked opposition, and the UFC should recognise that before looking elsewhere for a bigger narrative.
Pavlovich has already earned his place
In 2023, Pavlovich stopped Tai Tuivasa in 54 seconds and then beat Curtis Blaydes in under four minutes. Those were not warm-up fights or easy bookings. They were statement wins over established heavyweight names, and they showed exactly why Pavlovich belongs at the front of the queue.
He also has a loss to Tom Aspinall on his record in November 2023, but that should not be held against him too heavily when the wider body of work is considered. The key point is that Pavlovich has already tested himself against the division's better fighters and remained part of the elite conversation.
Why Pereira should not jump the queue
Alex Pereira deserves credit for what he has done at light heavyweight, and beating Stipe Miocic at UFC 335 only added to his profile. But moving him straight into a heavyweight title opportunity would send the wrong message if the division is supposed to be judged by results rather than reputation.
Pereira is a light heavyweight making his second appearance above 205 pounds. That is not the same as going through the full heavyweight ladder. Pavlovich has already done that work, and he has done it against men who were meant to be genuine tests.
This is where the UFC's tendency to favour storylines over sport becomes an issue. Heavyweight often sells itself on star power and narratives, but a title shot should still be earned first.
The next call should reward the heavyweight resume
Pavlovich has one more win in the kind of fight that matters most: the sort that proves he can stay at the top of the division. He has already beaten ranked contenders, he has already taken the tougher route, and that should count for more than a fresh headline.
If the UFC wants the heavyweight title picture to make sense, Pavlovich should get the next shot. Anything else would feel like a shortcut around the division rather than a proper reward for the man who has already done the job.
