Tai Tuivasa speaks softly, which is ironic, because few heavyweights made a bigger noise in the Octagon, or inspired louder cheers from fans.
For a stretch, the 32-year-old Mt Druitt housing commission product wasn’t just winning fights – he was one of the UFC’s must-see attractions.
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His walkouts were iconic, his knockouts came fast, and his “shoey” beer-skolling celebrations were as recognisable as anything in the sport.
That run hit its high point in 2022, when Tuivasa climbed to No. 3 in the rankings and earnt a crack at French title challenger Ciryl Gane.
Alas, while awarded Fight Of The Night, their stoush in Paris didn’t go his way, and “Bam Bam” hasn’t had his hand raised since.
Now, after more than a year away from MMA to clear his head and reset, Tuivasa is back on the tools – and planning another run at the heavyweight division.
“It’s been a while,” he told Fox Sports Australia.
“The break was good. I put my feet up, put the weight on and thought about a lot of stuff.
“But now I’m ready to get back to work.”
Tuivasa returns to action in just under two weeks at UFC 325 in Sydney, where he’ll square off with Brazilian wrecking ball Tallison Teixeira.
And with the UFC’s top weight class in need of both spark and direction after last year’s championship bout between No. 1 ranked Gane and belt-holder Tom Aspinall ended in an unfortunate no contest, now seems the perfect time for a revitalised Tuivasa to return.
“The losses take a toll,” admits the Sydneysider, “but now that I’ve had the break…they’re just little lessons. I think I’ve had enough time to think about what I’m gonna do next – and how I’m gonna be next.
“I’m going to get this win out of the way. Then the heavyweight division is wide open.”
During his hiatus, Tuivasa joined forces with brother Logan to win reality TV show The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition, winning more fans and donating their $100,000 first prize to the charity Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation.
The former Sydney Roosters rugby-league junior also dusted off his footy boots during the break and played in a local match. At the time, the social-media brigade noticed the extra kilos he was sporting, but those are long gone as UFC 325 approaches.
“I’m off the piss now,” jokes Tuivasa, adding, “I’m training at a gym called TRIPL3 MMA over here in Dubai.
“I’ve been living here for a while now; I think I do my best work here. I’m kind of more dialled in and more focused on the job.
“I owe this year to myself, so I’m gonna go hard.”
Tuivasa’s next opponent, Teixiera, is the tallest fighter on the UFC roster at 6’7” (or 6’8”, depending on who you ask).
The Brazilian also boasts a monster 83” reach. Is the Aussie slugger concerned about this?
“No, I fought Stefan Struve and he was 7’ tall,” he says.
“Small, tall – they all go down the same. That’s going to be the plan for [Teixeira], too.
“Plus, I’ve been training with a bunch of taller boys over here, so I’ll be ready.”
One of the big names Tuivasa has been sparring rounds with is a familiar one – former rival Gane.
“Bam Bam” says he wasn’t surprised the Frenchman looked sharp against champ Aspinall for as long as their fight lasted.
“I’m not surprised at all – Cyril’s a great fighter. I do think I belong up there as well. I’m probably a bit different to those fellas, but I definitely belong in this cage.”
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When asked for a final word on how his return bout in Sydney next month will play out, Tai’s soft-spoken answer is hugely ominous.
“I’m not going out there for three rounds – I’m going for heads.”
The heavyweight division just got a lot more interesting.