"They look like brothers lol" - Fans react as Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich pose for a wholesome photo ahead of their UFC Saudi Arabia fight

Sergei Pavlovich (left) and Alexander Volkov's (right) recent picture caught fans' attention on social media [Images courtesy: @sergei_pavlovich and @volkov_alex on Instagram]

Fans reacted to the heartwarming photo of UFC heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich ahead of their UFC Saudi Arabia clash. While a lot is at stake for both men this weekend, they seem to maintain a cordial relationship.

Volkov and Pavlovich are former teammates who have trained together in the past. While their quest for UFC gold has set them on a collision course, they appear to be treating the matter as professionals, and their upcoming fight is unlikely to hurt the relationship they share with each other.

In a recent picture posted on @mma_orbit X handle, the heavyweights can be seen posing together with broad smiles on both their faces.

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Fans took to the comments section and reacted to the wholesome picture:

"They look like brothers lol," @AbelKing238 commented.

"It's upsetting that one of them has to lose,' @fanofFightin commented.

"Champs! Didn't want to see them against each other but good luck to both of you and may the best win," @Ashurian83 commented.

Going by the sense of camaraderie coupled with the lack of intensity on display in the picture, some fans wondered if the same attitude would follow in the cage this Saturday and potentially ruin the fight.

Catch more reactions below:

"I hope they're not planning a boring fight," @zachorama_ commented.

"This fight is gonna be the next Lewis vs. Ngannou, trust me," @Deez07736693 commented.

"Are they going to throw the fight," @Martyude commented.

Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich's recent career trajectories

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov was one of the first few fights announced for the UFC Saudi Arabia card. The fight has big title implications, as Pavlovich is currently the No.3-ranked UFC heavyweight, while Volkov is right behind him, occupying the No.5 spot.

After starting his UFC career with the first loss of his professional MMA career against Alistair Overeem, the 32-year-old Pavlovich amassed a six-fight win streak, finishing every opponent via first-round knockout in the process. In his last outing at UFC 295, Pavlovich suffered a first-round KO loss against Tom Aspinall in what was an interim heavyweight title fight.

Meanwhile, Volkov has been a mainstay in the heavyweight division for nearly eight years. Like Pavlovich, his most recent loss came against Aspinall in March 2022. Since then, the towering Russian has secured three straight wins, defeating Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexander Romanov and Tai Tuivasa.

Pavlovich and Volkov will fight in the co-main event of UFC Saudi Arabia. At the time of writing, Pavlovich is the -210 favorite while Volkov is the +175 underdog.