Pavlovich Favored Over Pereira as UFC 335 Odds Open

Sergei Pavlovich has opened as the betting favorite over Alex Pereira for their newly announced UFC 335 co-main event, with early market numbers putting Pavlovich at roughly a 56.5 percent implied chance to win. The heavyweight bout was confirmed by the promotion, with Pereira (13-4) taking on Pavlovich (21-3) on the five-round co-main card.

The booking puts Pereira right back in the heavyweight mix after he lost to Ciryl Gane in his debut at 265 pounds. UFC commentator Joe Rogan addressed the matchup on the UFC 332 broadcast, calling Pavlovich a "huge, huge heavyweight with gigantic power and fantastic boxing" and noting that Pereira "won't go back to light heavyweight" because he wants another shot at Gane. Getting there, Rogan said, means going through Pavlovich first, which he called "a tough task."

Why Oddsmakers Have Pavlovich Favored Over Pereira

Sportsbooks opened Pavlovich as a favorite over Pereira, and public money has reportedly pushed that number further in Pavlovich's direction since the line first dropped. That's a notable market stance against a two-division former champion, but it tracks with how Pereira's heavyweight run has looked so far. He came up short against Gane in his first test at 265 pounds, and Pavlovich brings a style, length and power that Rogan flagged as a genuine problem for anyone sharing the cage with him.

For bettors, the early number reflects real skepticism that Pereira's size and knockout power translate cleanly against the heavyweight division's hardest hitters. Pavlovich has shown he can end fights with single shots, and books appear to be pricing in the possibility that Pereira needs to be sharper standing in the pocket than he was against Gane. Worth watching as fight week approaches: whether that number holds or if sharp money moves it back toward Pereira, who still carries live power and finishing ability of his own at any weight.

What a Win Means for Both Men

A win for either fighter likely puts him in position for a heavyweight title opportunity, even though UFC 335 isn't a championship fight. Pereira is chasing a third weight class title and has made clear he wants to run it back with Gane, the man who beat him. Pavlovich, meanwhile, is still looking for his first UFC gold after a run near the top of the division. Whoever comes out of this one with his hand raised walks away with real leverage in a crowded heavyweight picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is favored to win Alex Pereira vs. Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335?

Sergei Pavlovich opened as the betting favorite over Alex Pereira, with early odds giving Pavlovich roughly a 56.5 percent implied chance to win, and public money has reportedly pushed the line further in his favor since.

What are Alex Pereira's and Sergei Pavlovich's records heading into UFC 335?

Alex Pereira enters UFC 335 with a 13-4 record and Sergei Pavlovich enters at 21-3 for their heavyweight co-main event.

Why is Alex Pereira fighting at heavyweight again?

Alex Pereira is pursuing a third UFC weight class title at heavyweight after losing his debut at 265 pounds to Ciryl Gane, and he has said he wants another shot at Gane.