Alex Pereira Faces Sergei Pavlovich in Five-Round Co-Main Event at UFC 335

Former two-division champion Alex Pereira is scheduled to return to the heavyweight division to face Sergei Pavlovich. The bout is scheduled for UFC 335 on December 12, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The matchup has been designated as a five-round non-title co-main event, a rare distinction that typically signals a title eliminator. This booking marks Pereira’s second appearance in the 265-pound class following his heavyweight debut on June 14, 2026, where he suffered a TKO loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.

The bout pits Pereira's technical precision against Pavlovich's knockout power.

Heavyweight Contention and the Five-Round Designation

Despite speculation that Pereira (13-4) might return to the light heavyweight division for a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev, the Brazilian has opted to remain at heavyweight. Currently ranked No. 3, Pereira faces the No. 2-ranked Pavlovich (21-3) in a clash of the division’s most prolific finishers.

The five-round duration is particularly significant for a non-title heavyweight bout. Pavlovich enters the contest on a three-fight winning streak, most recently securing a 39-second TKO victory over Tallison Teixeira in May 2026. Pavlovich has built a reputation as the division’s most dangerous knockout artist.

Analysis of the heavyweight landscape suggests the winner will be positioned for a shot at the undisputed title. The belt was recently consolidated by Ciryl Gane after Tom Aspinall vacated the undisputed championship due to injury. With Gane now recognized as the undisputed champion, the Dec. 12 co-main event likely determines the next challenger in a division that has seen significant turnover in the latter half of 2026.

The Road to UFC 335

Pereira’s decision to stay at heavyweight underscores a commitment to conquering a third weight class, even after the setback against Gane. His striking precision will be tested against the raw power of Pavlovich, whose recent streak has revitalized his standing following earlier career losses.

will anchor the promotion's final major pay-per-view schedule for 2026.

The UFC 335 card is headlined by a BMF title defense, where Charles Oliveira will face Diego Lopes. In addition to the Pereira-Pavlovich co-main event, the main card is expected to feature a high-profile middleweight bout between Bo Nickal and Joe Pyfer.

For Pereira, the five-round format offers more time to utilize his leg kicks and technical counter-striking, though Pavlovich’s history of early finishes suggests the extra rounds may only come into play if Pereira can navigate the Russian’s initial pressure. The event serves as the promotion’s final major pay-per-view of 2026, anchoring a year defined by Pereira’s ambitious multi-division campaign.

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