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| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Tai Tuivasa at UFC 234
| caption = Tuivasa at UFC 234 in 2019
| birth_name = Tai Anthony Tuivasa<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tai Tuivasa ("Bam Bam") {{!}} MMA Fighter Page |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/120884-tai-tuivasa-bam-bam |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|3|16|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|3|16|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
| birth_place = [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
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| reach = 75 in
| reach = 75 in
| style =
| style =
| fighting_out_of = Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| martial_art =
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| stance = Orthodox<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-225-main-card-breakdown-chicago-holly-holm-megan-anderson-cm-punk-predictions/2|title=UFC 225 main-card breakdown: Will Holly Holm spoil Megan Anderson's UFC debut?|date=9 June 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=9 June 2018}}</ref>
| stance = Orthodox<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-225-main-card-breakdown-chicago-holly-holm-megan-anderson-cm-punk-predictions/2|title=UFC 225 main-card breakdown: Will Holly Holm spoil Megan Anderson's UFC debut?|date=9 June 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=9 June 2018}}</ref>
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| mma_subloss = 3
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| mma_decloss = 1
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'''Tai Tuivasa''' (born 16 March 1993)<ref>{{cite web |title=Tai "Bam Bam" Tuivasa |url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Tai-Tuivasa-133745 |publisher=Sherdog}}</ref> is an Australian professional [[mixed martial artist]]. He currently competes in the [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]] division in the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] (UFC). As of 14 May 2024, he is #11 in the [[List of current UFC fighters#Rankings|UFC heavyweight rankings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=UFC Rankings {{!}} UFC.com |url=https://www.ufc.com/rankings |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=www.ufc.com}}</ref>
'''Tai Anthony Tuivasa''' (born 16 March 1993) is an Australian professional [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]]. He currently competes in the [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]] division of the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] (UFC). As of 19 November 2024, he is #11 in the [[List of current UFC fighters#Rankings|UFC heavyweight rankings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions {{!}} UFC.com |url=https://www.ufc.com/rankings |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=www.ufc.com}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Tuivasa was born in [[Sydney]] to an [[Indigenous Australians|Indigenous Australian]] ([[Wiradjuri]]) mother and a Samoan father.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-03/tai-tuivasa-tattoo-journey-ufc-209-paris/101395772|title=UFC 209: Tai Tuivasa's Samoan tattoo journey one of worst, and best, experiences of his life|date=3 September 2022|author=Ali Almond|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref> He grew up in the western Sydney suburb of [[Mount Druitt]] with 11 siblings,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.athletesvoice.com.au/tai-tuivasa-white-kid-from-mt-druitt/|title=Tai Tuivasa: The cage or a prison cell|date=30 May 2018|website=athletesvoice.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/other-sports/trying-to-pay-back-my-heart-aussie-ufc-fighter-tai-tuivasas-path-to-redemption-ng-bef3c4600a76f2153500c090f2e4232a|title='Trying to pay back my heart': Aussie UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa's path to redemption|date=17 November 2017|author=Huw Bonello|work=[[Perth Now]]}}</ref> and predominantly played [[rugby league]] in his youth. He was signed by the professional [[Sydney Roosters]] rugby league club in 2010 but gave up playing the sport when he developed a [[Problem gambling|gambling addiction]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/former-rooster-tai-tuivasa-gambled-away-20k-in-one-night-before-quitting-nrl-for-ufc-career/news-story/1d86980f19ea15315f1bd277e7cf1e78|title=Gambling addiction that prompted the star to quit NRL|access-date=19 November 2017}}</ref>
Tuivasa was born in [[Sydney]] to an [[Indigenous Australians|Indigenous Australian]] ([[Wiradjuri]]) mother and a Samoan father.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-03/tai-tuivasa-tattoo-journey-ufc-209-paris/101395772|title=UFC 209: Tai Tuivasa's Samoan tattoo journey one of worst, and best, experiences of his life|date=3 September 2022|author=Ali Almond|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref> He grew up in the western Sydney suburb of [[Mount Druitt]] with 11 siblings,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.athletesvoice.com.au/tai-tuivasa-white-kid-from-mt-druitt/|title=Tai Tuivasa: The cage or a prison cell|date=30 May 2018|website=athletesvoice.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/other-sports/trying-to-pay-back-my-heart-aussie-ufc-fighter-tai-tuivasas-path-to-redemption-ng-bef3c4600a76f2153500c090f2e4232a|title='Trying to pay back my heart': Aussie UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa's path to redemption|date=17 November 2017|author=Huw Bonello|work=[[Perth Now]]}}</ref> and predominantly played [[rugby league]] in his youth. He was signed by the professional [[Sydney Roosters]] rugby league club in 2010, but gave up playing the sport when he developed a [[Problem gambling|gambling addiction]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/former-rooster-tai-tuivasa-gambled-away-20k-in-one-night-before-quitting-nrl-for-ufc-career/news-story/1d86980f19ea15315f1bd277e7cf1e78|title=Gambling addiction that prompted the star to quit NRL|access-date=19 November 2017}}</ref>


==Mixed martial arts career==
==Mixed martial arts career==
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Tuivasa made his professional MMA debut in August 2012 in his native Australia. He fought sporadically over the next four years, with all of his wins ending in knockouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Tai-Tuivasa-133745|title=Tai|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref>
Tuivasa made his professional MMA debut in August 2012 in his native Australia. He fought sporadically over the next four years, with all of his wins ending in knockouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Tai-Tuivasa-133745|title=Tai|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref>


Tuivasa also fought a couple MMA mixed rules bouts with Combat 8 promotions. Tuivasa fought Australian former [[rugby league]] representative [[John Hopoate]] on 1 December 2012 in the Newcastle Panthers FC arena at Combat 8:02, the second Combat 8 event, winning the fight by TKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightnewsaustralia.com/combat8-02-main-event-tai-tuivasa-vs-john-hopoate-video/|title=Combat8:02 Main Event: Tai Tuivasa vs John Hopoate Video|date=2 April 2013|website=fightnewsaustralia.com}}</ref> Tuivasa later fought kickboxer [[Peter Graham (fighter)|Peter Graham]] at Combat 8:03, in a back and forth brawl that seemed as if Tuivasa would finish his opponent early on. Yet as the fight went on, Graham rallied and Tuivasa tired, leading to an eventual loss for Tuivasa via TKO in the second round due to punches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://universalcombatnews.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/cage-warriors-54-results/|title=Cage Warriors 54 Results|date=4 May 2013|website=Universal Combat News|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/11/14/16649878/welcome-to-the-ufc-tai-tuivasa-nadia-kassem|title=Welcome to the UFC: Tai Tuivasa and Nadia Kassem|last=Davies|first=Ryan|date=14 November 2017|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref>
Tuivasa also fought a couple of MMA mixed rules bouts with Combat 8 promotions. Tuivasa fought Australian former [[rugby league]] representative [[John Hopoate]] on 1 December 2012 in the Newcastle Panthers FC arena at Combat 8:02, the second Combat 8 event, winning the fight by TKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightnewsaustralia.com/combat8-02-main-event-tai-tuivasa-vs-john-hopoate-video/|title=Combat8:02 Main Event: Tai Tuivasa vs John Hopoate Video|date=2 April 2013|website=fightnewsaustralia.com}}</ref> Tuivasa later fought kickboxer [[Peter Graham (fighter)|Peter Graham]] at Combat 8:03, in a back-and-forth brawl that seemed as if Tuivasa would finish his opponent early on. Yet as the fight went on, Graham rallied and Tuivasa tired, leading to an eventual loss for Tuivasa via TKO in the second round due to punches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://universalcombatnews.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/cage-warriors-54-results/|title=Cage Warriors 54 Results|date=4 May 2013|website=Universal Combat News|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/11/14/16649878/welcome-to-the-ufc-tai-tuivasa-nadia-kassem|title=Welcome to the UFC: Tai Tuivasa and Nadia Kassem|last=Davies|first=Ryan|date=14 November 2017|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref>


===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
In November 2016, it was announced that Tuivasa had signed a four-fight contract with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]. According to Tuivasa, he had to sit out for an extended period due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery.<ref name="TuivasaUFC">{{cite web |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/ufc-sydney-heavyweight-tai-tuivasa-slated-to-fight-american-rashad-coulter-in-november/news-story/85af8f9589c6d7d196ba84be3781485a|title=UFC: Sydney heavyweight Tai Tuivasa slated to fight American Rashad Coulter in November|publisher=couriermail.com.au|author=Alex Oates|date=5 August 2017|access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>
In November 2016, it was announced that Tuivasa had signed a four-fight contract with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]. According to Tuivasa, he had to sit out for an extended period due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery.<ref name="TuivasaUFC">{{cite web |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/ufc-sydney-heavyweight-tai-tuivasa-slated-to-fight-american-rashad-coulter-in-november/news-story/85af8f9589c6d7d196ba84be3781485a|title=UFC: Sydney heavyweight Tai Tuivasa slated to fight American Rashad Coulter in November|publisher=couriermail.com.au|author=Alex Oates|date=5 August 2017|access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>


Tuivasa would make his UFC debut against [[Rashad Coulter]] on 19 November 2017 at [[UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/former-roosters-star-tai-tuivasa-set-to-make-ufc-debut-in-sydney/news-story/4e9f8e9544933ce7010255e73fb1df7e|title=Gone in 96 seconds: UFC rookie's record|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref> Tuivasa won the fight via knockout due to a flying knee in the first round and became the first indigenous Australian to win a UFC fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cairnspost.com.au/sport/former-sydney-roosters-player-tai-tuivasa-delivers-spectacular-ko-on-ufc-debut/news-story/e41f829d79beace96fcb2c213586e461|title=Former Sydney Roosters player Tai Tuivasa delivers spectacular KO on UFC debut}}</ref> This win also earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] bonus.<ref name="mazique1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/11/19/ufc-fight-night-121-werdum-vs-tybura-results-bonus-winners-highlights-analysis-attendance-gate/#6475ef9af8da|title=UFC Fight Night 121 Werdum Vs. Tybura Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights, Analysis, Attendance, Gate|last=Mazique|first=Brian|work=Forbes|access-date=19 November 2017}}</ref>
Tuivasa made his UFC debut against [[Rashad Coulter]] on 19 November 2017 at [[UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/former-roosters-star-tai-tuivasa-set-to-make-ufc-debut-in-sydney/news-story/4e9f8e9544933ce7010255e73fb1df7e|title=Gone in 96 seconds: UFC rookie's record|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref> Tuivasa won the fight by knockout after a flying knee in the first round, and became the first Indigenous Australian to win a UFC fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cairnspost.com.au/sport/former-sydney-roosters-player-tai-tuivasa-delivers-spectacular-ko-on-ufc-debut/news-story/e41f829d79beace96fcb2c213586e461|title=Former Sydney Roosters player Tai Tuivasa delivers spectacular KO on UFC debut}}</ref> This win also earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] bonus.<ref name="mazique1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/11/19/ufc-fight-night-121-werdum-vs-tybura-results-bonus-winners-highlights-analysis-attendance-gate/#6475ef9af8da|title=UFC Fight Night 121 Werdum Vs. Tybura Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights, Analysis, Attendance, Gate|last=Mazique|first=Brian|work=Forbes|access-date=19 November 2017}}</ref>


Tuivasa faced [[Cyril Asker]] on 11 February 2018 at [[UFC 221]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/australian-phenom-tai-tuivasa-finally-lands-fight-at-ufc-221-after-six-fighters-run-scared/news-story/44271f73ac66408229c72ff7694d5dd5|title=UFC fighters ducking Aussie phenom|access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref> He won the fight via technical knock out in the first round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/02/ufc-221-results-tai-tuivasa-destroys-cyril-asker-with-first-round-tko|title=UFC&nbsp;221 results: Tai Tuivasa destroys Cyril Asker with first-round TKO|date=11 February 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=11 February 2018}}</ref> On 13 February 2018 Tuivasa entered the UFC's official rankings for heavyweight fighters, coming in at position 15.<ref>[http://www.fightnewsaustralia.com/tai-tuivasa-breaks-into-ufc-heavyweight-rankings/ Tai Tuivasa breaks into UFC heavyweight rankings]</ref>
Tuivasa faced [[Cyril Asker]] on 11 February 2018 at [[UFC 221]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/australian-phenom-tai-tuivasa-finally-lands-fight-at-ufc-221-after-six-fighters-run-scared/news-story/44271f73ac66408229c72ff7694d5dd5|title=UFC fighters ducking Aussie phenom|access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref> He won the fight via technical knock out in the first round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/02/ufc-221-results-tai-tuivasa-destroys-cyril-asker-with-first-round-tko|title=UFC&nbsp;221 results: Tai Tuivasa destroys Cyril Asker with first-round TKO|date=11 February 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=11 February 2018}}</ref> On 13 February 2018 Tuivasa entered the UFC's official rankings for heavyweight fighters, coming in at position 15.<ref>[http://www.fightnewsaustralia.com/tai-tuivasa-breaks-into-ufc-heavyweight-rankings/ Tai Tuivasa breaks into UFC heavyweight rankings]</ref>
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Tuivasa faced [[Serghei Spivac]] on 6 October 2019 at [[UFC 243]].<ref name="UFC243">{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/tuivasa-vs-spivak-en-kassem-vs-kim-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-243-in-melbourne/|title=Tuivasa vs. Spivak en Kassem vs. Kim toegevoegd aan UFC 243 in Melbourne|author=Marcel Dorff|language=nl|access-date=14 July 2022|website=mmadna.nl|date=23 July 2019 }}</ref> He lost the fight via arm-triangle choke in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|title=UFC 243 results: Serghei Spivac chokes out Tai Tuivasa to silence rowdy Australian crowd|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/10/5/20900889/ufc-243-results-serghei-spivac-chokes-out-tai-tuivasa-to-silence-rowdy-australian-crowd|date=5 October 2019|access-date=5 October 2019|publisher=MMA Fighting}}</ref>
Tuivasa faced [[Serghei Spivac]] on 6 October 2019 at [[UFC 243]].<ref name="UFC243">{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/tuivasa-vs-spivak-en-kassem-vs-kim-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-243-in-melbourne/|title=Tuivasa vs. Spivak en Kassem vs. Kim toegevoegd aan UFC 243 in Melbourne|author=Marcel Dorff|language=nl|access-date=14 July 2022|website=mmadna.nl|date=23 July 2019 }}</ref> He lost the fight via arm-triangle choke in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|title=UFC 243 results: Serghei Spivac chokes out Tai Tuivasa to silence rowdy Australian crowd|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/10/5/20900889/ufc-243-results-serghei-spivac-chokes-out-tai-tuivasa-to-silence-rowdy-australian-crowd|date=5 October 2019|access-date=5 October 2019|publisher=MMA Fighting}}</ref>


Tuivasa was scheduled to face [[Jarjis Danho]] on 6 June 2020 at [[UFC 251]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightnewsaustralia.com/tai-tuivasa-vs-jarjis-danho-official-for-ufc-251-in-perth/|title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Jarjis Danho official for UFC 251 in Perth – Fight News Australia|date=6 March 2020 |language=en|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> However, on 9 April, [[Dana White]], the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed to a future date.<ref name="Postpone">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=9 April 2020|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref>
Tuivasa was scheduled to face [[Jarjis Danho]] on 6 June 2020 at [[UFC 251]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightnewsaustralia.com/tai-tuivasa-vs-jarjis-danho-official-for-ufc-251-in-perth/|title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Jarjis Danho official for UFC 251 in Perth – Fight News Australia|date=6 March 2020 |language=en|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> However, on 9 April, [[Dana White]], the president of UFC, announced that this event was postponed to a future date.<ref name="Postpone">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=9 April 2020|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref>


Tuivasa faced [[Stefan Struve]] on 24 October 2020<!-- DO NOT CHANGE UAE Local date (October 24, 2020) as per [[MOS:TIMEZONE]] Wikipedia guideline - This event takes place in local prime-time, therefore it's not on Sunday! --> at [[UFC 254]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/stefan-struve-treft-tai-tuivasa-tijdens-ufc-254/|title=Stefan Struve faces Tai Tuivasa at UFC 254|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Jamal Boussenaf|date=24 September 2020|access-date=14 July 2022}} {{in lang|nl}}</ref> He won the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=24 October 2020|title=UFC 254 Results: Tai Tuivasa Crumples Stefan Struve with Uppercut|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/24/ufc-254-results-tai-tuivasa-vs-stefan-struve/|access-date=25 October 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Tuivasa faced [[Stefan Struve]] on 24 October 2020<!-- DO NOT CHANGE UAE Local date (October 24, 2020) as per [[MOS:TIMEZONE]] Wikipedia guideline - This event takes place in local prime-time, therefore it's not on Sunday! --> at [[UFC 254]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/stefan-struve-treft-tai-tuivasa-tijdens-ufc-254/|title=Stefan Struve faces Tai Tuivasa at UFC 254|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Jamal Boussenaf|date=24 September 2020|access-date=14 July 2022}} {{in lang|nl}}</ref> He won the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=24 October 2020|title=UFC 254 Results: Tai Tuivasa Crumples Stefan Struve with Uppercut|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/24/ufc-254-results-tai-tuivasa-vs-stefan-struve/|access-date=25 October 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
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Tuivasa faced [[Greg Hardy]] on 10 July 2021 at [[UFC 264]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 April 2021|title=Greg Hardy's wish granted, booked for UFC 264 fight vs. Tai Tuivasa|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/04/ufc-news-greg-hardy-booked-tai-tuivasa-ufc-264-july-10|access-date=7 April 2021|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> He won the fight via knockout in round one.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=10 July 2021|title=UFC 264 Results: Tai Tuivasa Knocks Out Greg Hardy, to Vegas Crowd's Approval|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/07/10/ufc-264-results-tai-tuivasa-vs-greg-hardy/|access-date=11 July 2021|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.<ref name="UFC 264">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/11/22572029/ufc-264-bonuses-kris-moutinho-earns-share-of-fight-of-the-night-for-gutsy-performance|title=UFC 264 bonuses: Kris Moutinho earns share of Fight of the Night for gutsy performance|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=11 July 2021|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>
Tuivasa faced [[Greg Hardy]] on 10 July 2021 at [[UFC 264]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 April 2021|title=Greg Hardy's wish granted, booked for UFC 264 fight vs. Tai Tuivasa|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/04/ufc-news-greg-hardy-booked-tai-tuivasa-ufc-264-july-10|access-date=7 April 2021|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> He won the fight via knockout in round one.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=10 July 2021|title=UFC 264 Results: Tai Tuivasa Knocks Out Greg Hardy, to Vegas Crowd's Approval|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/07/10/ufc-264-results-tai-tuivasa-vs-greg-hardy/|access-date=11 July 2021|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.<ref name="UFC 264">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/11/22572029/ufc-264-bonuses-kris-moutinho-earns-share-of-fight-of-the-night-for-gutsy-performance|title=UFC 264 bonuses: Kris Moutinho earns share of Fight of the Night for gutsy performance|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=11 July 2021|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>


Tuivasa was scheduled to face [[Walt Harris (fighter)|Walt Harris]] on 30 October 2021 at [[UFC 267]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/07/ufc-267-news-fight-card-tai-tuivasa-vs-walt-harris|title=Walt Harris vs. Tai Tuivasa added to UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=27 July 2021|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> However, Harris pulled out of the bout and Tuivasa was scheduled to face [[Augusto Sakai]] on 20 November 2021 at [[UFC Fight Night 198]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 September 2021|title=Tai Tuivasa gets Augusto Sakai as replacement opponent for UFC Fight Night on Nov. 20|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/ufc-fight-night-augusto-sakai-vs-tai-tuivasa-nov-20|access-date=29 September 2021|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> However due to visa issues for Tuivasa, the bout was scrapped.<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 November 2021|title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Augusto Sakai scrapped from UFC Fight Night 198 due to visa issues|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/11/tai-tuivasa-vs-augusto-sakai-canceled-ufc-fight-night-198-visa-issues|access-date=12 November 2021|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> The pair was rescheduled and eventually met on 11 December 2021 at [[UFC 269]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mymmanews.com/tai-tuivasa-vs-augusto-sakai-re-booked-for-ufc-269/|title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Augusto Sakai re-booked for UFC 269|author=Adam Martin|website=mymmanews.com|date=15 November 2021 }}</ref> Tuivasa won the fight via knockout in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Behunin|first=Alex|date=11 December 2021|title=UFC 269: Tai Tuivasa Puts Augusto Sakai's Lights Out, Celebrates with Shoey|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/12/11/ufc-269-tai-tuivasa-puts-augusto-sakais-lights-second-round/|access-date=13 December 2021|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The win also earned Tuivasa his third Performance of the Night bonus award.<ref name="UFC269bonus">{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/12/12/22830255/ufc-269-bonuses-dana-white-feeling-generous-8-fighters-get-50000-checks|title=UFC 269 bonuses: Dana White feeling generous, 8 fighters get $50,000 checks|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Newswire|date=12 December 2021|access-date=12 December 2021}}</ref>
Tuivasa was scheduled to face [[Walt Harris (fighter)|Walt Harris]] on 30 October 2021 at [[UFC 267]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/07/ufc-267-news-fight-card-tai-tuivasa-vs-walt-harris|title=Walt Harris vs. Tai Tuivasa added to UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=27 July 2021|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> however, Harris pulled out of the bout. Tuivasa was then scheduled to face [[Augusto Sakai]] on 20 November 2021 at [[UFC Fight Night 198]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 September 2021|title=Tai Tuivasa gets Augusto Sakai as replacement opponent for UFC Fight Night on Nov. 20|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/ufc-fight-night-augusto-sakai-vs-tai-tuivasa-nov-20|access-date=29 September 2021|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> but due to visa issues for Tuivasa, the bout was scrapped.<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 November 2021|title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Augusto Sakai scrapped from UFC Fight Night 198 due to visa issues|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/11/tai-tuivasa-vs-augusto-sakai-canceled-ufc-fight-night-198-visa-issues|access-date=12 November 2021|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> The bout was rescheduled and eventually took place on 11 December 2021 at [[UFC 269]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mymmanews.com/tai-tuivasa-vs-augusto-sakai-re-booked-for-ufc-269/|title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Augusto Sakai re-booked for UFC 269|author=Adam Martin|website=mymmanews.com|date=15 November 2021 }}</ref> Tuivasa won the fight via knockout in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Behunin|first=Alex|date=11 December 2021|title=UFC 269: Tai Tuivasa Puts Augusto Sakai's Lights Out, Celebrates with Shoey|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/12/11/ufc-269-tai-tuivasa-puts-augusto-sakais-lights-second-round/|access-date=13 December 2021|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The win also earned Tuivasa his third Performance of the Night bonus award.<ref name="UFC269bonus">{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/12/12/22830255/ufc-269-bonuses-dana-white-feeling-generous-8-fighters-get-50000-checks|title=UFC 269 bonuses: Dana White feeling generous, 8 fighters get $50,000 checks|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Newswire|date=12 December 2021|access-date=12 December 2021}}</ref>


Tuivasa faced [[Derrick Lewis]] on 12 February 2022 at [[UFC 271]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holland|first=Jesse|date=7 January 2022|title=Derrick Lewis vs Tai Tuivasa heavyweight slugfest on tap for UFC 271 in Houston|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/1/7/22872342/derrick-lewis-vs-tai-tuivasa-heavyweight-slugfest-on-tap-ufc-271-houston-mma|access-date=7 January 2022|website=MMAmania.com|language=en}}</ref> Tuivasa won the fight via knockout in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=13 February 2022|title=UFC 271: Tai Tuivasa Elbow Fells "Black Beast" Derrick Lewis|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/02/13/ufc-271-derrick-lewis-vs-tai-tuivasa/|access-date=13 February 2022|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The win earned him a Performance of the Night bonus award.<ref name="UFC271">{{Cite web|date=13 February 2022|title=UFC 271 bonuses: Tai Tuivasa, Jared Cannonier take home an extra $50,000 for violent KOs|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-271-bonuses-tai-tuivasa-jared-cannonier-take-home-an-extra-50000-for-violent-kos|access-date=13 February 2022|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref>
Tuivasa faced [[Derrick Lewis]] on 12 February 2022 at [[UFC 271]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holland|first=Jesse|date=7 January 2022|title=Derrick Lewis vs Tai Tuivasa heavyweight slugfest on tap for UFC 271 in Houston|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/1/7/22872342/derrick-lewis-vs-tai-tuivasa-heavyweight-slugfest-on-tap-ufc-271-houston-mma|access-date=7 January 2022|website=MMAmania.com|language=en}}</ref> Tuivasa won the fight via knockout in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=13 February 2022|title=UFC 271: Tai Tuivasa Elbow Fells "Black Beast" Derrick Lewis|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/02/13/ufc-271-derrick-lewis-vs-tai-tuivasa/|access-date=13 February 2022|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The win earned him a Performance of the Night bonus award.<ref name="UFC271">{{Cite web|date=13 February 2022|title=UFC 271 bonuses: Tai Tuivasa, Jared Cannonier take home an extra $50,000 for violent KOs|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-271-bonuses-tai-tuivasa-jared-cannonier-take-home-an-extra-50000-for-violent-kos|access-date=13 February 2022|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref>


Tuivasa faced [[Ciryl Gane]] on 3 September 2022 at [[UFC Fight Night 209]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Nikhil |date=15 June 2022 |title=Report {{!}} Ciryl Gane Vs. Tai Tuivasa Officially Announced For UFC Paris On 3 September |url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/ciryl-gane-vs-tai-tuivasa-ufc-paris-sep-3/ |access-date=30 June 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Despite a knockdown for Tuivasa in the second, he lost the fight via knockout in round three.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eddie |date=2022-09-03 |title=UFC Paris: Ciryl Gane Survives Tuivasa Power, Wins Via KO In Third Round |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/09/03/ufc-paris-ciryl-gane-vs-tai-tuivasa/ |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> This fight earned him the ''[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]]'' award.<ref name="UFN209">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-209-bonuses-ciryl-gane-tai-tuivasas-slugfest-takes-fotn|title=UFC Fight Night 209 bonuses: Ciryl Gane, Tai Tuivasa's slugfest takes FOTN|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matthew Wells|date=2022-09-03|access-date=2022-09-03}}</ref>
Tuivasa faced [[Ciryl Gane]] on 3 September 2022 at [[UFC Fight Night 209]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Nikhil |date=15 June 2022 |title=Report {{!}} Ciryl Gane Vs. Tai Tuivasa Officially Announced For UFC Paris On 3 September |url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/ciryl-gane-vs-tai-tuivasa-ufc-paris-sep-3/ |access-date=30 June 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Despite a knockdown for Tuivasa in the second round, he lost the fight via knockout in round three.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eddie |date=2022-09-03 |title=UFC Paris: Ciryl Gane Survives Tuivasa Power, Wins Via KO In Third Round |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/09/03/ufc-paris-ciryl-gane-vs-tai-tuivasa/ |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref> This fight earned him the ''[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]]'' award.<ref name="UFN209">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-209-bonuses-ciryl-gane-tai-tuivasas-slugfest-takes-fotn|title=UFC Fight Night 209 bonuses: Ciryl Gane, Tai Tuivasa's slugfest takes FOTN|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matthew Wells|date=2022-09-03|access-date=2022-09-03}}</ref>


Tuivasa faced [[Sergei Pavlovich]] on 3 December 2022, at [[UFC on ESPN 42]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/10/ufc-orlando-tai-tuivasa-vs-sergei-pavlovich-booked-december-3|title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Sergei Pavlovich added to UFC Fight Night in Orlando on Dec. 3|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2022-10-11|access-date=2022-10-11}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in round one.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dewar |first1=Val |title=UFC Orlando: Sergei Pavlovich Knocks Out Tai Tuivasa in Opening Minute |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/12/03/ufc-orlando-sergei-pavlovich-knocks-out-tai-tuivasa-in-opening-minute/ |website=Cageside Press |access-date=5 December 2022 |date=3 December 2022}}</ref>
Tuivasa faced [[Sergei Pavlovich]] on 3 December 2022, at [[UFC on ESPN 42]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/10/ufc-orlando-tai-tuivasa-vs-sergei-pavlovich-booked-december-3|title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Sergei Pavlovich added to UFC Fight Night in Orlando on Dec. 3|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2022-10-11|access-date=2022-10-11}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dewar |first1=Val |title=UFC Orlando: Sergei Pavlovich Knocks Out Tai Tuivasa in Opening Minute |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/12/03/ufc-orlando-sergei-pavlovich-knocks-out-tai-tuivasa-in-opening-minute/ |website=Cageside Press |access-date=5 December 2022 |date=3 December 2022}}</ref>


Tuivasa faced [[Alexander Volkov (fighter)|Alexander Volkov]] on 10 September 2023, at [[UFC 293]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-293-tai-tuivasa-vs-alexander-volkov-booked-sydney|title=Heavyweights Tai Tuivasa, Alexander Volkov tapped for UFC 293 clash in Sydney|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2023-07-06|access-date=2023-07-06}}</ref> He lost the fight via ezekiel choke in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-09-09 |title=UFC 293: Alexander Volkov Breaks Out Rarely Seen Ezekiel Choke, Subs Tai Tuivasa |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/09/09/ufc-293-alexander-volkov-vs-tai-tuivasa/ |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
Tuivasa faced [[Alexander Volkov (fighter)|Alexander Volkov]] on 10 September 2023, at [[UFC 293]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-293-tai-tuivasa-vs-alexander-volkov-booked-sydney|title=Heavyweights Tai Tuivasa, Alexander Volkov tapped for UFC 293 clash in Sydney|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2023-07-06|access-date=2023-07-06}}</ref> He lost the fight via ezekiel choke in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-09-09 |title=UFC 293: Alexander Volkov Breaks Out Rarely Seen Ezekiel Choke, Subs Tai Tuivasa |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/09/09/ufc-293-alexander-volkov-vs-tai-tuivasa/ |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>


Tuivasa was scheduled to face [[Marcin Tybura]] on 17 February 2024, at [[UFC 298]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heck |first=Mike |date=2023-12-12 |title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Marcin Tybura set for UFC 298 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/12/12/23998253/tai-tuivasa-vs-marcin-tybura-set-for-ufc-298 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> 12 January 2024, it was announced that the fight was rescheduled to headline [[UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs. Tybura|UFC Fight Night 239]] on 16 March 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |title=Tai Tuivasa vs Marcin Tybura moves from UFC 298 to headline card in March |url=https://www.fightmag.com.au/2024/01/13/tai-tuivasa-vs-marcin-tybura-moves-from-ufc-298-to-headline-card-in-march/ |work=FIGHTMAG |date=13 January 2024 |language=en-AU}}</ref> He lost the bout in the first round due to a rear-naked choke submission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2024-03-17 |title=UFC Vegas 88: Marcin Tybura Chokes Out Tai Tuivasa in Entertaining Main Event |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/03/16/ufc-vegas-88-marcin-tybura-chokes-out-tai-tuivasa-in-entertaining-main-event/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
Tuivasa was scheduled to face [[Marcin Tybura]] on 17 February 2024, at [[UFC 298]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heck |first=Mike |date=2023-12-12 |title=Tai Tuivasa vs. Marcin Tybura set for UFC 298 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/12/12/23998253/tai-tuivasa-vs-marcin-tybura-set-for-ufc-298 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> On 12 January 2024, it was announced that the fight was rescheduled to headline [[UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs. Tybura|UFC Fight Night 239]] on 16 March 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |title=Tai Tuivasa vs Marcin Tybura moves from UFC 298 to headline card in March |url=https://www.fightmag.com.au/2024/01/13/tai-tuivasa-vs-marcin-tybura-moves-from-ufc-298-to-headline-card-in-march/ |work=FIGHTMAG |date=13 January 2024 |language=en-AU}}</ref> He lost the bout in the first round due to a rear-naked choke submission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2024-03-17 |title=UFC Vegas 88: Marcin Tybura Chokes Out Tai Tuivasa in Entertaining Main Event |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/03/16/ufc-vegas-88-marcin-tybura-chokes-out-tai-tuivasa-in-entertaining-main-event/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

Tuivasa faced [[Jairzinho Rozenstruik]] on 18 August 2024 at [[UFC 305]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-21 |title=UFC 305: Tai Tuivasa Reveals Next Fight for Australian UFC PPV |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mma/news/ufc-305-tai-tuivasa-reveals-next-fight-for-australian-ufc-ppv |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=MMA Knockout |language=en-US}}</ref> He lost the fight by split decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/08/17/ufc-305-jairzinho-rozenstruik-beats-tai-tuivasa-split-decision-baffles/|title=UFC 305: Jairzinho Rozenstruik Beats Tai Tuivasa, Split Decision Baffles|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-08-17|access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> Judge Howie Booth, who scored the fight 30-27 for Tuivasa, was relieved of his duties midway through the event, and received widespread criticism from pundits, fighters and fans for his scorecard;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-18 |title=Worst UFC Scorecard of the Year? Controversy on UFC 305's Main Card |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mma/news/worst-ufc-scorecard-of-the-year-controversy-on-ufc-305-main-card |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=MMA Knockout On SI |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-18 |title=UFC Judge is removed from picking UFC 305 co-main event midway through event after turning in scandalous scorecard |url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2024/08/18/ufc-judge-is-removed-from-picking-ufc-305-co-main-event-midway-through-event-after-turning-in-scandalous-scorecard/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=bloodyelbow.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |title=Judge Removed from UFC 305 After Controversial Scorecard in Rozenstruik-Tuivasa Fight |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10132297-judge-removed-from-ufc-305-after-controversial-scorecard-in-rozenstruik-tuivasa-fight |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Al-Shatti |first=Shaun |date=2024-08-17 |title='No accountability': Fighters react to ludicrous judge's score at UFC 305 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/8/17/24222787/no-accountability-fighters-react-to-ludicrous-judges-score-at-ufc-305 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> 15 out of 15 media outlets scored the bout 30-27 for Rozenstruik.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/14939/Jairzinho-Rozenstruik-vs-Tai-Tuivasa|title=MMA Decisions - Jairzinho Rozenstruik defeats Tai Tuivasa|publisher=mmadecisions.com|author=MMA Decisions|date=2024-08-17|access-date=2024-08-27}}</ref>


==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] (four times) {{Small|vs. Rashad Coulter, Greg Hardy, Augusto Sakai and Derrick Lewis}}<ref name="mazique1"/><ref name="UFC 264" /><ref name="UFC269bonus"/><ref name="UFC271"/>
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] (four times) {{Small|vs. [[Rashad Coulter]], [[Greg Hardy]], [[Augusto Sakai]] and [[Derrick Lewis]]}}<ref name="mazique1"/><ref name="UFC 264" /><ref name="UFC269bonus"/><ref name="UFC271"/>
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (one time) {{Small|vs. [[Ciryl Gane]]}}<ref name="UFN209" />
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (one time) {{Small|vs. [[Ciryl Gane]]}}<ref name="UFN209" />
**Tied for fourth-[[List of UFC records#Most consecutive knockouts - All fighters|most consecutive knockouts in UFC history]] (5)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-vegas-97-post-event-facts-jessica-andrade-makes-history-defeat|title=UFC Fight Night 242 post-event facts: Jessica Andrade makes history in Fight of the Night defeat|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2024-09-08|access-date=2024-09-08}}</ref>
*'''[[Australian Fighting Championship]]'''
*'''[[Australian Fighting Championship]]'''
**[[Australian Fighting Championship#Australian Fighting Championship Heavyweight Championship|AFC Heavyweight Champion]] (one time)<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 July 2016|title=Tai Tuivasa fighting for UFC spot|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-standard/tai-tuivasa-want-to-emulate-mark-hunt-by-winning-a-ufc-contract/news-story/218f663238cae6a4e2c51fd92cf9c72b|access-date=12 July 2021|website=dailytelegraph|language=en}}</ref>
**[[Australian Fighting Championship#Australian Fighting Championship Heavyweight Championship|AFC Heavyweight Champion]] (one time)<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 July 2016|title=Tai Tuivasa fighting for UFC spot|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-standard/tai-tuivasa-want-to-emulate-mark-hunt-by-winning-a-ufc-contract/news-story/218f663238cae6a4e2c51fd92cf9c72b|access-date=12 July 2021|website=dailytelegraph|language=en}}</ref>
*'''[[National Dreamtime Awards 2018]]'''
*'''[[National Dreamtime Awards 2018]]'''
**National Dreamtime Awards 2018 International Sportsperson of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/digitised_collections/the_koori_mail/m0010050i690r.pdf|title=Dream of love, and success will come (pp32-34)|website=AIATSIS - The Koori Mail|page=33|access-date=7 August 2019}}</ref>
**National Dreamtime Awards 2018 International Sportsperson of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/digitised_collections/the_koori_mail/m0010050i690r.pdf|title=Dream of love, and success will come (pp32-34)|website=AIATSIS - The Koori Mail|page=33|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221020111/https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/digitised_collections/the_koori_mail/m0010050i690r.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''[[MMAjunkie.com]]'''
*'''[[MMAjunkie.com]]'''
**2021 July Knockout of the Month {{Small|vs. Greg Hardy}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/knockout-of-the-month-july-2021-tai-tuivasa-greg-hardy-ufc-264|title=MMA Junkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for July: Greg Hardy falls in 67 seconds|date=3 August 2021|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]|author=Mike Bohn}}</ref>
**2021 July Knockout of the Month {{Small|vs. [[Greg Hardy]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/knockout-of-the-month-july-2021-tai-tuivasa-greg-hardy-ufc-264|title=MMA Junkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for July: Greg Hardy falls in 67 seconds|date=3 August 2021|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]|author=Mike Bohn}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Tuivasa has one son, with Brierley Pedro who is the sister of UFC light heavyweight fighter [[Tyson Pedro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/ufc-209-tyson-pedro-out-to-hit-it-hard-in-las-vegas-just-like-the-man-he-was-named-after-mike-tyson/news-story/51f816be3cc49ab4db5fdc89cbdb60d5|title=UFC 209: Tyson Pedro out to hit it hard in Las Vegas, just like the man he was named after, Mike Tyson|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tai-tuivasa-to-join-ufc-on-threefight-deal-and-will-fight-in-heavyweight-division/news-story/5964440624364e1554613a23140ae194|title=Tai Tuivasa to join UFC on four-fight deal and will fight in heavyweight division|publisher=Herald Sun|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=#19 Tai Tuivasa chats to Robert Whittaker|url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VNScrWn4IogkmZeTss4Fo|language=en|access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref>
Tuivasa has one son, with Brierley Pedro who is the sister of former UFC light heavyweight fighter [[Tyson Pedro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/ufc-209-tyson-pedro-out-to-hit-it-hard-in-las-vegas-just-like-the-man-he-was-named-after-mike-tyson/news-story/51f816be3cc49ab4db5fdc89cbdb60d5|title=UFC 209: Tyson Pedro out to hit it hard in Las Vegas, just like the man he was named after, Mike Tyson|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tai-tuivasa-to-join-ufc-on-threefight-deal-and-will-fight-in-heavyweight-division/news-story/5964440624364e1554613a23140ae194|title=Tai Tuivasa to join UFC on four-fight deal and will fight in heavyweight division|publisher=Herald Sun|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=#19 Tai Tuivasa chats to Robert Whittaker|url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VNScrWn4IogkmZeTss4Fo|language=en|access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref>


Tuivasa currently hosts "The Halfcast Podcast" with Tyson Pedro and [[Andrew Fifita]] as co-hosts.<ref>{{Citation|last=The halfcast podcast|title=The Halfcast Podcast #1|date=30 October 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZutxj8GY6U|access-date=24 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=The halfcast podcast|title=The Halfcast Podcast #2|date=23 November 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8zszWkUps8&t=1029s|access-date=24 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=The halfcast podcast|title=The Halfcast Podcast #3|date=7 December 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRsd1D4r-RE&t=187s|access-date=24 December 2017}}</ref>
Tuivasa currently hosts "The Halfcast Podcast", with Tyson Pedro and [[Andrew Fifita]] as co-hosts.<ref>{{Citation|last=The halfcast podcast|title=The Halfcast Podcast #1|date=30 October 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZutxj8GY6U|access-date=24 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=The halfcast podcast|title=The Halfcast Podcast #2|date=23 November 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8zszWkUps8&t=1029s|access-date=24 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=The halfcast podcast|title=The Halfcast Podcast #3|date=7 December 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRsd1D4r-RE&t=187s|access-date=24 December 2017}}</ref>


Since 2018, Tuivasa has celebrated his victories by doing a [[shoey]], drinking beer from a borrowed shoe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/2/11/17000736/tai-tuivasa-upset-he-didnt-get-bonus-at-ufc-221-i-shouldve-gotten-50k-just-for-the-shoey|title=Tai Tuivasa upset he didn't get bonus at UFC 221: 'I should've gotten 50K just for the shoey'|author=Danny Segura|publisher=MMA Fighting|date=11 February 2018}}</ref> Sydney newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]'' coined the moniker "Shoeyvasa".<ref name="telegraph 2018-06-10">{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/ufc-225-chicago-robert-whittaker-defends-his-middleweight-belt-against-cuban-wreckingball-yoel-romero/news-story/a195b482e6b0ecbacf92e3232ac8b94e |title=UFC 225 Chicago: Robert Whittaker defeats Yoel Romero in fight of the year; 'Shoeyvasa' returns |last=Lamberton |first=Richard |date=10 June 2018 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-10/whittaker-wins-tuivasa-skols-a-shoey-after-ufc-victory/9855410|title=Australia's Whittaker gets split decision at UFC, Tuivasa skols a shoey after undercard win|date=10 June 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=11 June 2018}}</ref> At [[UFC 254]], he won again but was not allowed to do the shoey in the cage, but has since continued the tradition.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/mma/news/ufc-254tai-tuivasa-scores-first-round-knockout-win-over-stefan-struve/143z0s2l4bfz143nj5s3zk47r |title=UFC 254:Tai Tuivasa scores first round knockout win over Stefan Struve|author=Brendan Bradford|work= Sporting News|date=24 October 2020}}</ref>
Since 2018, Tuivasa has celebrated his victories by doing a [[shoey]], drinking beer from a borrowed shoe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/2/11/17000736/tai-tuivasa-upset-he-didnt-get-bonus-at-ufc-221-i-shouldve-gotten-50k-just-for-the-shoey|title=Tai Tuivasa upset he didn't get bonus at UFC 221: 'I should've gotten 50K just for the shoey'|author=Danny Segura|publisher=MMA Fighting|date=11 February 2018}}</ref> Sydney newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]'' coined the moniker "Shoeyvasa".<ref name="telegraph 2018-06-10">{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/ufc-225-chicago-robert-whittaker-defends-his-middleweight-belt-against-cuban-wreckingball-yoel-romero/news-story/a195b482e6b0ecbacf92e3232ac8b94e |title=UFC 225 Chicago: Robert Whittaker defeats Yoel Romero in fight of the year; 'Shoeyvasa' returns |last=Lamberton |first=Richard |date=10 June 2018 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-10/whittaker-wins-tuivasa-skols-a-shoey-after-ufc-victory/9855410|title=Australia's Whittaker gets split decision at UFC, Tuivasa skols a shoey after undercard win|date=10 June 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=11 June 2018}}</ref> At [[UFC 254]], he won again but was not allowed to do the shoey in the cage, but has since continued the tradition.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/mma/news/ufc-254tai-tuivasa-scores-first-round-knockout-win-over-stefan-struve/143z0s2l4bfz143nj5s3zk47r |title=UFC 254:Tai Tuivasa scores first round knockout win over Stefan Struve|author=Brendan Bradford|work= Sporting News|date=24 October 2020}}</ref>


Tuivasa is co-owner of Drink West Brewery with [[Tyson Pedro]] and [[Nathan Cleary]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Drink West Becomes the Official Beer Partner of UFC in Australia|url=https://us.ufcespanol.com/news/drink-west-becomes-official-beer-partner-ufc-in-australia|website=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]|date=4 May 2022|access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref>
Tuivasa is co-owner of Drink West Brewery with [[Tyson Pedro]] and [[Nathan Cleary]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Drink West Becomes the Official Beer Partner of UFC in Australia|url=https://us.ufcespanol.com/news/drink-west-becomes-official-beer-partner-ufc-in-australia|website=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]|date=4 May 2022|access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref>

Tuivasa won the [[The Amazing Race Australia 8|2024 edition]] of ''[[The Amazing Race Australia]]'' (celebrity edition) with his brother Logan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Madison |date=2024-09-09 |title=Meet The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition 2024 Teams |url=https://www.who.com.au/entertainment/reality-tv/the-amazing-race-australia-2024-contestants/ |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=WHO |language=en-AU}}</ref>


== Mixed martial arts record ==
== Mixed martial arts record ==
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{{MMA record start}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|14–8
|[[Jairzinho Rozenstruik]]
|Decision (split)
|[[UFC 305]]
|{{dts|2024|August|18}}
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|align=center|5:00
|[[Perth]], Australia
|
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|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|5–0
|align=center|5–0
|Brandon Sololi
|Brandon Sosoli
|KO (elbow)
|KO (elbow)
|[[2016 in AFC#AFC 16|AFC 16]]
|[[2016 in AFC#AFC 16|AFC 16]]
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[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
[[Category:Australian male kickboxers]]
[[Category:Australian male kickboxers]]
[[Category:Australian podcasters]]
[[Category:Australian sports podcasters]]
[[Category:Kickboxers from Sydney]]
[[Category:Kickboxers from Sydney]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
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[[Category:Australian company founders]]
[[Category:Australian company founders]]
[[Category:Drink company founders]]
[[Category:Drink company founders]]
[[Category:The Amazing Race winners]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 08:57, 19 November 2024

Tai Tuivasa
Tuivasa at UFC 234 in 2019
BornTai Anthony Tuivasa[1]
(1993-03-16) 16 March 1993 (age 31)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Other namesBam Bam
ResidenceSt Marys, New South Wales, Australia
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight266 lb (121 kg; 19 st 0 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Reach75 in (191 cm)
Fighting out ofSydney, New South Wales, Australia
TeamBangtao Muay Thai & MMA[3]
Tiger Muay Thai & MMA
American Kickboxing Academy (2020–present)[4][5]
TK MMA & Fitness (2021–present)[5][6][7]
Years active2012–present
Professional boxing record
Total7
Wins5
By knockout3
Losses2
Kickboxing record
Total16
Wins14
By knockout10
Losses2
Mixed martial arts record
Total22
Wins14
By knockout13
By decision1
Losses8
By knockout3
By submission3
By decision2
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Tai Anthony Tuivasa (born 16 March 1993) is an Australian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of 19 November 2024, he is #11 in the UFC heavyweight rankings.[8]

Early life

[edit]

Tuivasa was born in Sydney to an Indigenous Australian (Wiradjuri) mother and a Samoan father.[9] He grew up in the western Sydney suburb of Mount Druitt with 11 siblings,[10][11] and predominantly played rugby league in his youth. He was signed by the professional Sydney Roosters rugby league club in 2010, but gave up playing the sport when he developed a gambling addiction.[12]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Tuivasa made his professional MMA debut in August 2012 in his native Australia. He fought sporadically over the next four years, with all of his wins ending in knockouts.[13]

Tuivasa also fought a couple of MMA mixed rules bouts with Combat 8 promotions. Tuivasa fought Australian former rugby league representative John Hopoate on 1 December 2012 in the Newcastle Panthers FC arena at Combat 8:02, the second Combat 8 event, winning the fight by TKO.[14] Tuivasa later fought kickboxer Peter Graham at Combat 8:03, in a back-and-forth brawl that seemed as if Tuivasa would finish his opponent early on. Yet as the fight went on, Graham rallied and Tuivasa tired, leading to an eventual loss for Tuivasa via TKO in the second round due to punches.[15][16]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

In November 2016, it was announced that Tuivasa had signed a four-fight contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. According to Tuivasa, he had to sit out for an extended period due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery.[17]

Tuivasa made his UFC debut against Rashad Coulter on 19 November 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura.[18] Tuivasa won the fight by knockout after a flying knee in the first round, and became the first Indigenous Australian to win a UFC fight.[19] This win also earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.[20]

Tuivasa faced Cyril Asker on 11 February 2018 at UFC 221.[21] He won the fight via technical knock out in the first round.[22] On 13 February 2018 Tuivasa entered the UFC's official rankings for heavyweight fighters, coming in at position 15.[23]

In March 2018, Tuivasa signed a new, four-fight contract with UFC.[24] Tuivasa faced Andrei Arlovski on 9 June 2018 at UFC 225.[25] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[26]

Tuivasa faced former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos on 2 December 2018 at UFC Fight Night 142.[27] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[28]

Tuivasa faced Blagoy Ivanov on 8 June 2019 at UFC 238.[29] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[30]

Tuivasa faced Serghei Spivac on 6 October 2019 at UFC 243.[31] He lost the fight via arm-triangle choke in the second round.[32]

Tuivasa was scheduled to face Jarjis Danho on 6 June 2020 at UFC 251.[33] However, on 9 April, Dana White, the president of UFC, announced that this event was postponed to a future date.[34]

Tuivasa faced Stefan Struve on 24 October 2020 at UFC 254.[35] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.[36]

Tuivasa was scheduled to face Don'Tale Mayes on 20 March 2021 at UFC on ESPN 21.[37] However, Mayes was removed from the fight during the week leading up to the event for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Harry Hunsucker.[38] Tuivasa won the fight via technical knockout in round one.[39]

Tuivasa faced Greg Hardy on 10 July 2021 at UFC 264.[40] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[41] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[42]

Tuivasa was scheduled to face Walt Harris on 30 October 2021 at UFC 267;[43] however, Harris pulled out of the bout. Tuivasa was then scheduled to face Augusto Sakai on 20 November 2021 at UFC Fight Night 198,[44] but due to visa issues for Tuivasa, the bout was scrapped.[45] The bout was rescheduled and eventually took place on 11 December 2021 at UFC 269.[46] Tuivasa won the fight via knockout in the second round.[47] The win also earned Tuivasa his third Performance of the Night bonus award.[48]

Tuivasa faced Derrick Lewis on 12 February 2022 at UFC 271.[49] Tuivasa won the fight via knockout in round two.[50] The win earned him a Performance of the Night bonus award.[51]

Tuivasa faced Ciryl Gane on 3 September 2022 at UFC Fight Night 209.[52] Despite a knockdown for Tuivasa in the second round, he lost the fight via knockout in round three.[53] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[54]

Tuivasa faced Sergei Pavlovich on 3 December 2022, at UFC on ESPN 42.[55] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[56]

Tuivasa faced Alexander Volkov on 10 September 2023, at UFC 293.[57] He lost the fight via ezekiel choke in the second round.[58]

Tuivasa was scheduled to face Marcin Tybura on 17 February 2024, at UFC 298.[59] On 12 January 2024, it was announced that the fight was rescheduled to headline UFC Fight Night 239 on 16 March 2024.[60] He lost the bout in the first round due to a rear-naked choke submission.[61]

Tuivasa faced Jairzinho Rozenstruik on 18 August 2024 at UFC 305.[62] He lost the fight by split decision.[63] Judge Howie Booth, who scored the fight 30-27 for Tuivasa, was relieved of his duties midway through the event, and received widespread criticism from pundits, fighters and fans for his scorecard;[64][65][66][67] 15 out of 15 media outlets scored the bout 30-27 for Rozenstruik.[68]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

Tuivasa has one son, with Brierley Pedro who is the sister of former UFC light heavyweight fighter Tyson Pedro.[73][74][75]

Tuivasa currently hosts "The Halfcast Podcast", with Tyson Pedro and Andrew Fifita as co-hosts.[76][77][78]

Since 2018, Tuivasa has celebrated his victories by doing a shoey, drinking beer from a borrowed shoe.[79] Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph coined the moniker "Shoeyvasa".[80][81] At UFC 254, he won again but was not allowed to do the shoey in the cage, but has since continued the tradition.[citation needed][82]

Tuivasa is co-owner of Drink West Brewery with Tyson Pedro and Nathan Cleary.[83]

Tuivasa won the 2024 edition of The Amazing Race Australia (celebrity edition) with his brother Logan.[84]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
22 matches 14 wins 8 losses
By knockout 13 3
By submission 0 3
By decision 1 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 14–8 Jairzinho Rozenstruik Decision (split) UFC 305 August 18, 2024 3 5:00 Perth, Australia
Loss 14–7 Marcin Tybura Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs. Tybura March 16, 2024 1 4:08 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 14–6 Alexander Volkov Submission (Ezekiel choke) UFC 293 September 10, 2023 2 4:37 Sydney, Australia
Loss 14–5 Sergei Pavlovich KO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Thompson vs. Holland December 3, 2022 1 0:54 Orlando, Florida, United States
Loss 14–4 Ciryl Gane KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Tuivasa September 3, 2022 3 4:23 Paris, France Fight of the Night.
Win 14–3 Derrick Lewis KO (elbow) UFC 271 February 12, 2022 2 1:40 Houston, Texas, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 13–3 Augusto Sakai KO (punches) UFC 269 December 11, 2021 2 0:26 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 12–3 Greg Hardy KO (punches) UFC 264 July 10, 2021 1 1:07 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 11–3 Harry Hunsucker TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Brunson vs. Holland March 20, 2021 1 0:49 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 10–3 Stefan Struve KO (punches) UFC 254 October 24, 2020 1 4:59 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Loss 9–3 Serghei Spivac Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC 243 October 6, 2019 2 3:14 Melbourne, Australia
Loss 9–2 Blagoy Ivanov Decision (unanimous) UFC 238 June 8, 2019 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Loss 9–1 Junior dos Santos TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Tuivasa December 2, 2018 2 2:30 Adelaide, Australia
Win 9–0 Andrei Arlovski Decision (unanimous) UFC 225 June 9, 2018 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 8–0 Cyril Asker TKO (punches and elbows) UFC 221 February 11, 2018 1 2:18 Perth, Australia
Win 7–0 Rashad Coulter KO (flying knee) UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura November 19, 2017 1 4:35 Sydney, Australia Performance of the Night.
Win 6–0 James McSweeney TKO (corner stoppage) AFC 17 October 15, 2016 1 5:00 Melbourne, Australia Defended the AFC Heavyweight Championship.
Win 5–0 Brandon Sosoli KO (elbow) AFC 16 June 18, 2016 1 0:21 Melbourne, Australia Won the AFC Heavyweight Championship.
Win 4–0 Gul Pohatu TKO (punches) Urban Fight Night 5 December 12, 2015 1 0:44 Liverpool, Australia
Win 3–0 Erik Nosa TKO (punches) Gladiators Cage Fighting: Gladiators 3 November 9, 2012 1 0:28 Sydney, Australia
Win 2–0 Aaron Nieborak TKO (punches) Gladiators Cage Fighting: Gladiators 2 August 31, 2012 1 N/A Sydney, Australia
Win 1–0 Simon Osborne TKO (punches) Elite Cage Championships 2 July 6, 2012 1 N/A Sydney, Australia Heavyweight debut.

[85]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
7 fights 5 wins 2 losses
By knockout 3 0
By decision 1 2
By disqualification 1 0

[86]

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
7 Loss 5–2 Demsey McKean UD 3 15 April 2016

The Melbourne Pavilion, Flemington, Victoria, Australia

Frank Bianco Cup Eight Man Heavyweight tournament Final
6 Win 5–1 David Tuitupou UD 3 Frank Bianco Cup Eight Man Heavyweight tournament Semi Final
5 Win 4–1 Hamad Alloush TKO 2, (3)
1:33 		Frank Bianco Cup Eight Man Heavyweight tournament Quarter Final
4 Loss 3–1 Michael Kirby UD 3 3 April 2014 Eight man heavyweight tournament final
3 Win 3–0 Willie Nasio TKO 1, (3)
2:00 		Eight man heavyweight tournament Semi final
2 Win 2–0 Brett Smith DQ 1, (3)
3:00 		Eight man heavyweight tournament Quarter final
1 Win 1–0 Nathan McKay KO 3, (4)
2:57 		13 December 2013 Olympic Park Sports Centre, Homebush, New South Wales, Australia Professional debut

Kickboxing record

[edit]
Kickboxing record
14 wins, 2 losses[a]
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
16 October 2014 Loss Morocco Ismael Lazaar GFC Heavyweight Tournament, Semi Finals[87] Dubai, UAE TKO (punches and knees) 2 1:32
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

MMA mixed rules record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
2 matches 1 win 1 loss
By knockout 1 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 1–1 Peter Graham TKO (punches) Combat 8:03 27 April 2013 2 2:55 Big Top Sydney, Newcastle, Australia
Win 1–0 John Hopoate TKO (punches) Combat 8:02 1 December 2012 1 1:40 Wests City, Newcastle, Australia

[88][89]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Tuivasa's kickboxing record was announced at the beginning of his bout with Ismael Lazaar.[87]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Tai Tuivasa ("Bam Bam") | MMA Fighter Page". Tapology. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  2. ^ "UFC 225 main-card breakdown: Will Holly Holm spoil Megan Anderson's UFC debut?". MMAjunkie. 9 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Bam Bam goes to Paris: Tuivasa ready to 'upset the world' once more". ESPN.com. 15 June 2022.
  4. ^ "Tai Tuivasa started training at the AKA gym in California". Retrieved 6 March 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  5. ^ a b Sam Bruce (22 February 2021). "Tai Tuivasa drops home comforts for UFC Fight Night preparation". ESPN.
  6. ^ Tai Tuivasa [@bambamtuivasa] (7 February 2021). "Camp underway at @tkmmafit 😅 #bambam #FTA #westernsydney #foboriginal #sparring #ufc #k1" – via Instagram.
  7. ^ Sam Bruce (15 June 2022). "Bam Bam goes to Paris: Tuivasa ready to 'upset the world' once more". ESPN.
  8. ^ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  9. ^ Ali Almond (3 September 2022). "UFC 209: Tai Tuivasa's Samoan tattoo journey one of worst, and best, experiences of his life". ABC News.
  10. ^ "Tai Tuivasa: The cage or a prison cell". athletesvoice.com. 30 May 2018.
  11. ^ Huw Bonello (17 November 2017). "'Trying to pay back my heart': Aussie UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa's path to redemption". Perth Now.
  12. ^ "Gambling addiction that prompted the star to quit NRL". Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  13. ^ Sherdog.com. "Tai". Sherdog. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  14. ^ "Combat8:02 Main Event: Tai Tuivasa vs John Hopoate Video". fightnewsaustralia.com. 2 April 2013.
  15. ^ "Cage Warriors 54 Results". Universal Combat News. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  16. ^ Davies, Ryan (14 November 2017). "Welcome to the UFC: Tai Tuivasa and Nadia Kassem". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  17. ^ Alex Oates (5 August 2017). "UFC: Sydney heavyweight Tai Tuivasa slated to fight American Rashad Coulter in November". couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
  18. ^ "Gone in 96 seconds: UFC rookie's record". Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  19. ^ "Former Sydney Roosters player Tai Tuivasa delivers spectacular KO on UFC debut".
  20. ^ a b Mazique, Brian. "UFC Fight Night 121 Werdum Vs. Tybura Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights, Analysis, Attendance, Gate". Forbes. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  21. ^ "UFC fighters ducking Aussie phenom". Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  22. ^ "UFC 221 results: Tai Tuivasa destroys Cyril Asker with first-round TKO". MMAjunkie. 11 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  23. ^ Tai Tuivasa breaks into UFC heavyweight rankings
  24. ^ Helwani, Ariel (21 March 2018). "Tai Tuivasa signs new four-fight contract with UFC". mmafighting.com.
  25. ^ Helwani, Ariel (16 March 2018). "Andrei Arlovski vs. Tai Tuivasa slated for UFC 225". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  26. ^ "UFC 225 results: Tai Tuivasa bloodied, battered, but outslugs Andrei Arlovski over three rounds". MMAjunkie. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  27. ^ "Junior Dos Santos vs Tai Tuivasa set to headline UFC Adelaide". | BJPenn.com. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
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