Rivalries: Tai Tuivasa

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.

Andrei Arlovski

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.

Greg Hardy

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.

Augusto Sakai

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.

Derrick Lewis

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.