Blaydes came into the fight with an incredible 12-3 record in the UFC, including winning seven of his last eight, with only a shocking knockout defeat to Derrick Lewis in a fight he was otherwise dominating. Since that loss, he had won three in a row, showing much improved standup in winning a decision over top contender and world-class striker Jairzinho Rozenstruik, knocking out Chris Daukaus and defeating Tom Aspinall due to an unfortunate leg injury.
Pavlovich for his part was riding a five-fight winning streak, but what was more impressive is that all were knockout triumphs in the first round, many within 90 seconds. That included a 55-second demolition of Lewis, which he then improved upon with a 54-second destruction of Tai Tuivasa.
Blaydes entered as the betting favorite due to concerns about Pavlovich's takedown defense and ground game, but he may have been too enamored with his striking, only going for a single takedown attempt and standing for too long with the dangerous Russian. Pavlovich clobbered him with punches, knocking him out in just over three minutes.
There was only one other fight on the card featuring ranked contenders, and it was on the prelims, as Norma Dumont edged out fellow Brazilian Karol Rosa two rounds to one in a women's featherweight contest that may determine the next title challenger.
Here are several interesting bouts that come to mind in the aftermath of "UFC Vegas 71":
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jon Jones-Stipe Miocic winner
This is a no-brainer. Pavlovich is head and shoulders above every other contender and has already established himself as one of the most fearsome knockout artists the heavyweight division has ever seen. The Russian facing either Jones or Miocic would be a fantastic pay-per-view main event. Either would be an exciting battle and generate a lot of buzz and sales.
Curtis Blaydes vs. Ciryl Gane
I don't think Blaydes’ standing should be hurt much by losing to a monster in Pavlovich; having him face two-time title challenger and former interim champion Gane, also coming off a loss, makes perfect sense. This will answer a lot of questions about both men. Has Gane improved his takedown defense and ground skills enough to neutralize the best grappler at heavyweight today? Can Blaydes avoid being knocked out by a highly skilled striker like Gane? It would be a highly intriguing, riveting showdown one can't turn away from. Additionally, the loser remains a top contender while the winner is thrust back into the title picture.
Norma Dumont vs. Amanda Nunes
Yes, Nunes would be an enormous favorite, but Dumont has clearly established herself as the best featherweight challenger and has solid wins over previous title challenger Felicia Spencer as well as Aspen Ladd and now Rosa. Nunes last defended her featherweight crown all the way back in March of 2021 and is set to face Pena for a third time in a row (why?) in June 2023, but Dumont should be her next opponent. At the very least, Dumont is tough and well-rounded, and will likely neutralize Nunes in the grappling. That may seem like a long shot, but then again, no one expected Pena to defeat Nunes the first time, either.