Sergei Spivac delivered a performance for the ages when he submitted Marcin Tybura in under two minutes during their UFC Fight Night headliner. This triumph not only showcased Spivac's technical prowess but also served as sweet revenge for his previous unanimous decision loss to Tybura back in February 2020.
A Quick Finish
It was a memorable night for the Moldovan fighter, who swiftly enacted a textbook armbar that left Tybura with no choice but to verbally submit. This submission marked the first armbar victory in the UFC heavyweight division since Fabricio Werdum's win over Alexander Gustafsson four years ago, a testament to the rarity and difficulty of executing such a move in this weight class.
"I trained this a lot," Spivac revealed. "To be honest, I was quite nervous because I couldn't train for the last few weeks due to injury." Despite these challenges, Spivac's dedication to refining his skills bore fruit in emphatic fashion.
Avenging the Past
This victory changes the narrative of their rivalry significantly. Spivac now stands with a professional record of 17-5, a number that shines brighter in light of his impeccable form in recent years. His only setbacks in the last three years came at the hands of elite competitors Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall. In vanquishing Tybura, Spivac not only avenged his prior loss but also laid a strong claim to his rival's No. 8 spot in the official UFC heavyweight rankings.
A Relentless Ascent
For Tybura, the defeat halts a promising run that saw him reel off an 8-2 record leading up to this encounter. It also adds a blemish to his professional record, which now stands at 25-9. Tybura's most recent victory was an impressive first-round submission over Tai Tuivasa, showcasing his own grappling credentials prior to his encounter with Spivac. Unfortunately for Tybura, this fight belonged to his opponent.
The Tale of Two Fighters
“That was his time and this is my time,” Spivac confidently stated post-fight, encapsulating the shift in momentum between the two athletes. Indeed, the bout serves as a symbolic passing of the torch, with Spivac poised to climb higher in the heavyweight division's crowded hierarchy.
As Spivac continues his ascent, his renewed focus and recent performances hint at his potential to become a fixture among the division's elite. Tybura, while suffering a setback, remains a formidable force with the capability to rebound swiftly.
The immediate futures of both fighters may lie in different directions, but their encounter will be remembered as a defining moment. For now, the spotlight shines brightly on Sergei Spivac, a fighter who overcame both past defeats and recent injuries to secure a spectacular victory.