Sergei Pavlovich Blitzes Teixeira in Quick KO Saturday

Sergei Pavlovich (21-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) entered this weekend's UFC Macau from Galaxy Arena in search of a third consecutive win. He came into Saturday night's card as the No. 3-ranked fighter in the heavyweight division.

In order to take the next step toward another shot at a UFC championship, he needed to wow the fans in the arena and those watching at home. Ahead of UFC Macau, Pavlovich had not recorded a knockout victory in his last five contests.

No. 15 contender Tallison Teixeira (9-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) stood across Sergei Pavlovich for the heavyweight fight at Galaxy Arena. While some United States-based MMA fans were still snug in their beds in the midst of their slumber during UFC Macau early Saturday morning, Sergei Pavlovich was busily completing his latest assignment.

Sergei Pavlovich Quickly Goes on Offensive en Route to Flawless Victory

Right after the command to fight was given by referee Lukasz Bosaki in the middle of the fabled Octagon, Sergei Pavlovich stalked his adversary. He quickly moved in and uncorked a nasty overhand right to wobble Teixeira and knock him down. A barrage of punches forced Bosaki to intervene.

Time of the stoppage win for Sergei Pavlovich: 39 seconds.

"That's why Sergei Pavlovich is the boogeyman of this division," said Laura Sanko, who was working the UFC Macau telecast for Paramount Plus on Saturday night. 

Sergei Pavlovich On Quick Finsh in UFC Macau

Upon Octagon announcer Joe Martinez making Sergei Pavlovich's first-round knockout victory official, the No. 3 contender at 265 lbs was interviewed by Michael Bisping. During the interview, Pavlovich acknowledged the crowd inside Galaxy Arena

"Oh, China, I feel your support!," Sergei Pavlovich began, translated to English. "Thank you so much!"

Bisping mentioned that Pavlovich informed him in production meetings that he'd take a metered approach to fighting Tallison Teixeira Saturday night, adding "You lied! You smoked this guy really quick!" in the interview.

"Remember we talked to you, and I said to you: 'First, let me knock him out,'" Pavlovich said through his translator. "Then, we'll talk about the belt."

Sergei Pavlovich with Lofty Goals in Mind for Next Trip to Octagon

With the knockout victory over the No. 15 contender now in the rearview mirror, Sergei Pavlovich turns his attention to his next fight. He used his airtime on the telecast with Michael Bisping to advocate for a high-stakes bout next time in the cage.

"This is the time now," he continued. "I'd like to Dana Dana, give me the title shot, or at least give me a contender fight." The request was met with applause from the audience.

UFC Heavyweight Championship Picture in Flux Ahead of UFC Freedom 250 Co-Main Event

Currently, the UFC Heavyweight Championship is held by Tom Aspinall, who's been on hiatus from competition since suffering an eye poke in his first defense of the title against Ciryl Gane last October in UFC 321. With Aspinall unable to fight for the moment, the UFC ordered an interim heavyweight championship fight matching Gane against Alex Pereira.

This contest will serve as the co-main event of the evening during the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 on The White House grounds in Washington, DC, a rare Sunday night event from the UFC.