5 blockbuster fights to book in the UFC heavyweight division

#4. Derrick Lewis vs. Sergei Pavlovich

Derrick Lewis, despite his recent shortcomings, will always be a fan favorite. His all-action style and memorable post-fight interviews have seen his popularity skyrocket in recent years. Somewhat hilariously, 'The Black Beast' doesn't seem too keen on the title picture and five-round fights, but still has a lot to offer.

Lewis is the all-time leader for knockouts in UFC history. He is also a top-ranked contender in the heavyweight division, currently occupying a highly-coveted spot in the top five. Considering his recent losses to fellow top five contenders Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa, the American will likely have to take on a lower-ranked fighter in his next outing.

Pitting Derrick Lewis against young up-and-comers serves as a win-win scenario for the UFC. Either Lewis adds to his incredible collection of knockouts or a young star breaks into the upper echalons of the division. A potential fight against rising Russian prodigy Sergei Pavlovich is a logical next step for 'The Black Beast'.

Pavlovich boasts an impeccable professional record of 15-1. At just 29, he's part of a new wave of young and well-rounded heavyweights making their way up the rankings. Since joining the UFC in 2018, he has gone 3-1, with none of those fights going the distance. Out of his 15 career wins, 12 have come by way of KO/TKO. In fact, all of his knockout wins have come inside the first round.

Pavlovich is a very entertaining fighter to watch, just like Derrick Lewis. A potential fight between the heavyweight duo likely won't require more than a round and someone's definitely getting knocked out.

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#3. Tai Tuivasa vs. the winner of the Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Marcin Tybura fight

Tai Tuivasa's recent rise to prominence in the UFC heavyweight division has been nothing short of spectacular. The affable Australian has become hugely popular over the past year or so, largely thanks to his incredible knockouts and post-fight beer-drinking escapades.

Tuivasa is currently riding a five-fight win streak, with all five wins coming via knockout. His incredible KO win over Derrick Lewis in February 2022 saw him break into the top five of the heavyweight division.

Tuivasa was called out by Tom Aspinall following the latter's win over Alexander Volkov. However, that matchup doesn't really make sense, as both rising heavyweights are young and find themselves on incredible win streaks. They will undoubtedly cross paths at some point down the line.

The UFC knows how to control and manipulate the narrative and pecking order in every weight class. The promotion should look to give Tuivasa another favorable matchup, rather than risk his stock taking a hit with a loss to the highly-touted Aspinall. Ideally, 'Bam Bam' should take on the winner of the upcoming heavyweight showdown between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Marcin Tybura at UFC 273.

Both Rozenstruik and Tybura are stand-up fighters who have struggled for consistency. A potential matchup between either man and Tuivasa makes for a highly entertaining bout.