In any combat sports setting, nothing stirs reactions quite as
intensely as a heavyweight getting knocked out. The spectacle gains
an extra layer of excitement with the addition of a fighter who
throws caution to the wind and forces his opponents into a
firefight.
Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight contender
Tai Tuivasa
lives by this creed, and his career is intrinsically tied to the
pursuit of pure entertainment value.
“Bam Bam” is currently enduring a three-fight losing streak. The
last time he found himself in a similar predicament, he bounced
back with a first-round knockout victory over
Stefan
Struve at UFC 254, the first of five knockout wins in a row.
Tuivasa has been longing to rediscover his ruthless edge inside the
Octagon and aims to deliver another signature finish in his third
UFC main event assignment against
Marcin
Tybura on March 16 at UFC Fight Night 239. Boasting a legion of
devoted fans, Tuivasa aims to begin his 2024 campaign with a
statement victory and build momentum for the year. With that, let’s
take a look at some of the most memorable rivalries of his career
thus far.
Tuivasa faced Octagon legend Arlovski at UFC 225 banking on an
eight-fight win streak, collecting as many KO/TKO triumphs in the
process. The Australian was fresh off two victories under the UFC
banner with signature victories over
Rashad
Coulter and
Cyril Asker.
Tuivasa would face the toughest test of his professional career
subsequently against the war-forged Arlovski. The battle left both
men bloodied and battered through three grueling rounds. Tuivasa’s
aggression and ability to push the pace proved decisive despite
Arlovski’s strategic counter and display of experience. In the end,
the judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Tuivasa and that
triumph would also become the only decision victory of his career
to date.
Tuivasa’s rivalry with Hardy extended even after the conclusion of
the bout which transpired at UFC 264. The 30-year-old won the
short-lived swinging exchange bout with a reciprocal blow that he
executed while retreating after absorbing successive combinations
by Hardy. Following the loss, Hardy would go on to claim in several
interviews that Tuivasa “cowered out of the brawl” that they agreed
upon and asserted that “Bam Bam” has a weak chin. Tuivasa
retaliated by posting a roast highlight reel to lampoon each
statement made by Hardy.
Following the victory over Hardy, Tuivasa locked horns with Sakai
at UFC 269. Both fighters started the fight cautiously, sizing each
other up in the clinch. Tuivasa quickly turned the tide in the
second round, landing a devastating counter left hook that spelled
the beginning of the end for Sakai. The Brazilian was forced to
retreat to the fence, and Tuivasa loaded up with a flurry of hooks
and uppercuts, culminating in a brutal right hook that knocked
Sakai out cold. “Bam Bam” celebrated in trademark fashion,
performing his signature “shoey” and indulging in a beer shower
with fans after that. He was also awarded the Performance of the
Night honors for the exciting encounter.
The early part of the battle of the brawlers was spent in the
clinch against the fence until referee Dan Miragliotta separated
the two when the action stalled. A brief exchange led to another
clinch punctuated by a takedown from Lewis. When the fight hit the
mats, Lewis landed several hard shots, but Tuivasa took them and
fired back as the two rose and engaged in some clinch work. As the
second round progressed, an uppercut by Lewis rattled Tuivasa in
the opening minute. After a brief clinch, both fighters engaged in
a frenzied exchange, during which Tuivasa landed a powerful elbow,
sending Lewis crashing to the mat. That victory solidified
Tuivasa’s best run in the UFC to date.