Serghei Spivac explains refusal to challenge opponents

LAS VEGAS – You can ask him a million times, but you probably won’t get an answer.

To put it simply, Serghei Spivac has no interest in challenging anyone – even after what is widely considered one of his biggest wins to date, when he submitted Marcin Tybura in the main event of UFC on ESPN 61 on Saturday.

“When people ask me what's next, it's very difficult to say because a lot of things can change very quickly in the heavyweight division,” Spivac said through an interpreter at the post-fight press conference. “So for me, it's really good if the UFC says who's next instead of me having to decide. I understand that the (events) are every Saturday, every week, so I'll wait and see. We'll see what's next.”

Although Spivac didn't mention any names, a possible next opponent, Jailton Almeida, challenged him on Saturday. Spivac decided not to get into an in-depth discussion with Almeida, instead making a simple demand.

“Let him train,” Spivac said.

Spivac revealed that he sustained an injury in training camp for the fight and almost pulled out, but declined to elaborate on what the injury was. With the healing period remaining and the impending birth of a new family member, Spivac said he isn't entirely sure about his timeline, although late 2024 sounds appealing.

“The end of the year would be great,” Spivac said. “I would come out at the end of the year. As long as I stay healthy, I will fight at the end of the year.”

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC on ESPN 61.