‘For me, this is the legit title’

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NEW YORK – Sergei Pavlovich is prepared to vie for the championship at UFC 295. He’s determined to claim the title, with absolute certainty.

Set to fight for an interim championship at Madison Square Garden, Pavlovich (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) exudes an air of confidence as he expresses, “For me, this is the legit title,” during an interview with MMA Junkie and other reporters at a news conference on Wednesday.

Initially chosen to be a backup fighter for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic matchup, Pavlovich was subsequently scheduled to face Tom Aspinall (13-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC).

Reflecting on the moment he was propositioned to fight, Pavlovich shares, “I didn’t think much. I just said yes.” His dedication shines through as he recounts, “I was training… After my second practice, I went out to the park… My manager Ali (Abdelaziz) called me and said, ‘I have great news. Here it is.’”

With a six-fight winning streak, Pavlovich is undeterred by the different challenge Aspinall presents. “If you look at me, if you look at what I do, we train hard to make sure we achieve that next goal,” he asserts.

If the hulking Russian fighter wins by knockout at UFC 295, he will tie Chuck Liddell’s record of seven consecutive fights won by knockout.

Additionally, Pavlovich is determined to establish his place among the greatest. “We don’t know what is going to happen but it’s going to be a good fight,” he states. “Then the fact that I’m tying a legend possibly on Saturday, that means I’m achieving some other goals, some other goals that I set for myself, putting myself in the ranks of the greatest.”

Looking to have more insights on the card? Visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie