Ali Akbar Rosady
The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) heavyweight division witnessed the triumphant arrival of two promising contenders at UFC Vegas 112, as Guilherme Pat and Steven Asplund both secured victories, concluding the promotion’s calendar with memorable performances. Following their respective wins over Allen Frye and Sean Sharaf, Brazilian prospect Pat has already set his sights on a future showdown, proposing a matchup against Asplund in 2026, believing it to be a logical progression for both burgeoning careers.
Guilherme Pat, now boasting an unblemished professional record of 7-0, navigated a challenging debut to secure a unanimous decision victory over a previously undefeated Allen Frye. The fight, contested at the UFC APEX facility, saw Pat face a resilient opponent whose defensive tactics and durability extended the bout to the judges’ scorecards. Pat’s ability to maintain composure and execute his game plan under the bright lights of his first UFC appearance underscored his potential in the heavyweight landscape.
In stark contrast to Pat’s decision win, Steven Asplund delivered a dominant and swift performance, stopping Sean Sharaf via technical knockout (TKO). Asplund’s aggressive approach was evident from the outset, as he unleashed a staggering 170 significant strikes in just under nine minutes of combat. This relentless offensive output not only secured the TKO victory but also earned Asplund an additional $50,000 "Performance of the Night" bonus, marking his second consecutive impressive finish. His UFC debut followed an equally remarkable 16-second knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series in September, signaling his arrival as an exciting, high-finishing threat in the heavyweight ranks.
Speaking to MMA Fighting after his victory, Pat articulated his rationale for targeting Asplund as a future opponent. "He’s not a very experienced guy either," Pat noted, acknowledging the relatively nascent professional careers of both fighters. "Asplund, who also fought there, is an interesting guy, someone who’s on the same track as me. I think he’s the one on the card who’s closest to my level so it would be interesting to make that next fight. I think the promotion would be interested in matching that fight up. Let’s see what their next steps are." This statement highlights Pat’s strategic thinking, identifying a peer whose trajectory aligns with his own, suggesting a compelling narrative for the UFC matchmakers.
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While Pat admitted he had not yet had the opportunity to watch Asplund’s entire fight, he had seen highlights and expressed admiration for his American counterpart’s style. "He has a very interesting pace, different for a heavyweight," Pat observed, commenting on Asplund’s uncharacteristic high-volume attack for the division. "He doesn’t stop throwing, keeps moving forward all the time, turns it into a hell of a war in there. It’s going to be good. His pace makes for a very open fight, no hugging. It’s going to be a real brawl, and you’ve got to be well prepared." Pat’s assessment points to a potential clash of styles that could captivate audiences, promising an action-packed encounter devoid of prolonged grappling exchanges, a common criticism in heavyweight bouts.
Reflecting on his own debut, Pat acknowledged the psychological pressures inherent in competing on the sport’s biggest stage. Despite securing a decision win, the Brazilian fighter expressed a desire for a finish to cap off what would have been a perfect first night as a UFC athlete. He attributed the fight going the distance to a combination of his opponent’s resilience and his own "octagon jitters."
"I really wanted it, wanted it like hell, but every time I hit that guy he would come in and grab me," Pat recounted, detailing Frye’s grappling-oriented defensive strategy. "He was very resilient, he took some shots that made me think, ‘that’s over.’ But he would bend over, curl up, and keep taking shots to the head. I also noticed that, maybe because of the nerves, a lot of my punches were just grazing him. That’s why his face got pretty cut up too." This insight provides a glimpse into the tactical adjustments and mental fortitude required during a live fight, particularly for a debutant. The "octagon jitters" Pat described are a common phenomenon among fighters making their first appearance in the UFC, often impacting timing, power, and overall performance.
Despite the challenges, Pat expressed satisfaction with his overall performance. "I’m very satisfied with what I was able to show there," he stated. "I managed to keep it together even though I was very nervous. Debuting is really tough, a lot of new things. When I was watching the screen there in the warm-up area, [Jamey-Lyn Horth] finished [Tereza Bleda] really fast and I thought, ‘man, it’s almost time to go in.’ My heart started pounding. All that anxiety and nervousness is part of it. I managed to do what needed to be done in the fight and I’m very happy with the performance, and I’m sure I still have a lot, a lot to improve." This candid reflection offers a valuable perspective on the emotional rollercoaster experienced by fighters on debut night, from pre-fight anxiety to the satisfaction of overcoming adversity.
The heavyweight division in the UFC has historically been a proving ground for explosive power and knockout artists. Fighters like Pat and Asplund, both undefeated and demonstrating distinct yet effective approaches, represent the new wave of talent vying for supremacy. Pat’s calculated pressure and developing striking, coupled with Asplund’s high-volume, aggressive style, offer intriguing possibilities for future matchups.
Asplund’s path to the UFC was accelerated by his dominant performance on the Contender Series, a platform designed to identify and fast-track promising fighters into the promotion. His ability to deliver quick, decisive finishes has immediately positioned him as a fighter to watch. The $50,000 bonus for "Performance of the Night" not only provides a significant financial incentive but also serves as a strong endorsement from the UFC for his entertaining fighting style.
The proposed 2026 timeline for a potential clash between Pat and Asplund suggests a strategic long-term vision for both fighters. This allows each competitor to gain further experience, refine their skills, and build their respective fan bases before engaging in a high-stakes encounter. Such a fight, featuring two undefeated and exciting prospects, would undoubtedly garner significant attention from both the media and fight enthusiasts, potentially serving as a pivotal moment in the careers of both athletes and a major draw for the UFC.
The UFC APEX, a smaller, more intimate venue, has become a regular site for UFC events, particularly during periods requiring stricter health and safety protocols. The venue’s setup often provides a unique atmosphere, amplifying the sounds and intensity of the fights for broadcast audiences. For debutants like Pat, performing in such an environment can present its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Both Guilherme Pat and Steven Asplund have successfully navigated the challenging landscape of their UFC debuts, establishing themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Pat’s call for a "real brawl" with Asplund in 2026 sets a compelling narrative for the coming years, promising an exciting future for a division constantly seeking its next dominant champion. The progression of these two fighters will be closely monitored as they aim to climb the ranks and potentially meet in what could be a highly anticipated clash of undefeated talents.
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