Sergei Spivac Shines with Quick Submission, Avenges Previous Loss to Marcin Tybura
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Sergei Spivac achieved a significant victory over Marcin Tybura, submitting his opponent in under two minutes during their highly anticipated UFC Fight Night headliner. This win not only avenged Spivac’s previous unanimous decision loss to Tybura in February 2020 but also marked a milestone moment in the UFC heavyweight division.
Spivac, whose professional record now stands impressively at 17-5, secured a textbook armbar that forced Tybura to verbally submit. The swift and decisive victory highlighted Spivac’s growth and resilience as a fighter. This was the first armbar submission in the UFC heavyweight division since Fabricio Werdum’s triumph over Alexander Gustafsson four years ago, making Spivac’s win even more noteworthy.
Reflecting on his performance, Spivac revealed the challenges he faced leading up to the fight. “I trained this a lot. To be honest, I was quite nervous because I couldn't train for the last few weeks due to injury,” Spivac said. Despite the setback, the Moldovan fighter remained focused and executed his strategy flawlessly in the octagon.
With this victory, Spivac is anticipated to take over Tybura’s No. 8 spot in the official UFC heavyweight rankings. This climb in ranking underscores Spivac’s ongoing ascent in the heavyweight division, particularly impressive given that his only losses in the past three years have come from elite competitors Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall.
Tybura, a seasoned fighter with a professional record of 25-9, entered the fight riding an impressive 8-2 run. Despite the loss to Spivac, Tybura's career remains distinguished, with his most recent victory being a first-round submission over Tai Tuivasa. Tybura's skills and experience cannot be overlooked, and his bout against Spivac was a compelling clash of heavyweights.
For Spivac, this victory symbolizes more than just a mark in the win column—it represents a culmination of hard work and perseverance. “That was his time and this is my time,” Spivac stated, capturing the essence of his journey and the significance of his triumph.
As the UFC heavyweight division continues to evolve, fighters like Spivac and Tybura push the boundaries and set new precedents. Spivac’s recent success is a testament to his relentless dedication and ability to overcome adversity, setting the stage for even greater challenges and opportunities in his career.