Serghei Spivac: Is the ground his only salvation?

Serghei Spivac is a tough nut to crack. When he isn't pinning you against the cage to smother your game, he’s getting schooled by modern kickboxing. Caught between being a pure grappler with a 66.7% finish rate and a heavyweight who absorbs way too much damage, the Moldovan is walking a tightrope. Against Vitor Petrino, it’s either a climb back to the top or the exit door.

🥊 Quick Stats

Name: Serghei Spivac
Record: 17-5-0
Signature: A grappler who prefers a submission over the chaos of striking.

The High-Five Block

Last 5 results:

• ✅ Ante Delija — Unanimous decision UFC Fight Night
• ❌ Waldo Cortes Acosta — Unanimous decision UFC 316
• ❌ Jailton Almeida — KO/TKO (R1) UFC 311
• ✅ Marcin Tybura — Submission (R1) UFC Fight Night
• ❌ Ciryl Gane — KO/TKO (R2) UFC Fight Night

The Origin Story

Spivac isn't here to put on a circus show. His DNA is pure, gritty wrestling. Averaging 3.8 takedowns per 15 minutes, he isn't looking to trade pleasantries in the center of the octagon. He’s built his career on one obsession: the ground. To him, every second spent standing is a waste of time. He’s a monolithic fighter, a grappling metronome who, once he finds his rhythm, turns the fight into an exhausting wrestling grind where his opponent eventually suffocates under his pressure.

The Turbulence Zone

The problem with Spivac is his durability. In the UFC, he absorbs 4.2 strikes per minute while only landing 3.6. That’s a dangerous ratio for a heavyweight. His losses to Gane and Almeida exposed a gaping hole: as soon as he’s forced to stay in the pocket, his lack of defensive movement (52.2%) makes him a sitting duck. He’s proven he can dismantle Tybura, but he’s also shown he can crumble under the pressure of elite strikers.

Useless Trivia

• He boasts a 66.7% finish rate, proving he rarely leaves his fate in the hands of the judges.
• He lands 59.3% of his takedown attempts, making him one of the most persistent wrestlers in the division.

The MMX Take

This fight against Petrino is a survival test. If Spivac wants to stay in the Top 15, he absolutely must lock in his grappling from the opening bell. If he tries to play kickboxer, he’s heading for disaster. The key? His ability to secure the takedown before Petrino finds his range. It’s a double-edged sword: either he dominates through attrition, or he gets caught by a more explosive opponent. For your picks, proceed with caution: Spivac is a technical favorite, but his striking defense remains a risky bet.

Serghei Spivac remains a dangerous grappler, capable of submitting anyone if he dictates the wrestling. Do you think he’ll win his next fight? Head over to MMX to make your picks and challenge your buddies.

📋 On the same card: Check out all the profiles for UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Rodrigues