Tai Tuivasa plans to bring back one of the UFC’s most famous post-fight celebrations in Sydney this weekend, with the Australian heavyweight opening up on the motivation behind his comeback bid — and a stunning recent physical transformation.
The beloved Mt Druitt slugger has vowed the “shoey” will be back if he wins at UFC 325 in Sydney, as he makes his long-awaited return following 14 months away from competition.
UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 | SUN 1 FEB 1PM AEDT | For the first time in his storied career, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his championship in his home city of Sydney, in a rematch with Brazil’s Diego Lopes. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
“I think it’s time,” he told Fox Sports Australia.
Tuivasa faces Brazilian giant Tallison Teixeira in a pivotal bout, with the Aussie attempting to end a five-fight losing streak that placed his future with the promotion in serious jeopardy.
Now 32, Tuivasa says the extended break away from competition was necessary after the toughest stretch of his career.
“I had a really good break,” he said.
“But this is what I do, this is my bread and butter and what I’m known for and I think I just needed to miss it – and I do.
“I miss it.”
Did he have moments where he thought he’d give the game away for good?
“Well, not while I was having time off, but I was thinking that [about retiring] when I started back training, that’s for sure,” he grinned.
“I was f***ing dying in there!
“It’s easier to stay fit then get fit.”
During his time away, Tuivasa ballooned up to more than 150kg and admits shedding the excess weight proved to be the toughest challenge of his comeback.
“I shaved off a few,” he admitted.
“Thirty something kilograms.
“I’m Islander. Foboriginal. We put the weight on easy.”
Get all the latest UFC and boxing news, previews and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with our Fox Sports Combat Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
The transformation has drawn praise from longtime mate Dan Hooker, who said Tuivasa looks almost unrecognisable compared to the heavyweight fans saw drinking beers on social media late last year.
“He looks like a million bucks,” Hooker said on the Main Event Round Table.
“He’s eating blueberries and eggs!
“Who is this? And what have you done with the real Tuivasa?”
Tuivasa grinned sheepishly.
“I actually did eggs this morning,” he replied.
“It’s been a long camp but I needed it.
“Like I said, when I had a break, I really had a break. I was eating, drinking and chilling. Family time.
“But I definitely felt it once I hit the gym again.”
For Tuivasa, this fight has little to do with his opponent and more towards proving that he can still cut it against the toughest guys in the world.
Before the five-fight skid that ultimately sidelined him, Tuivasa was riding a five-bout winning streak, highlighted by a brutal knockout of Derrick Lewis in 2022 that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
It was during that run that Tuivasa’s shoey celebrations – downing beers from fans’ shoes inside the arena – turned him into one of the UFC’s most recognisable characters.
After losing his way, the Sydneysider believes the time is right to come back and make his mark again.
“I feel like the heavyweight division is s***,” he said
“So a few more wins on the run will get me back up the top with the boys.
“I’ve got a few more years of fighting at heavyweight – I don’t want to be fighting until I’m 50.”
“The heavyweight division is wide open,” he added.
“I’m super focused now.
“I’m excited to get back in there with the big fella this weekend.”
Teixeira certainly fits that description, currently the tallest fighter on the UFC roster at 6-foot-7 with a massive 83-inch reach.
Tuivasa, who once knocked out 7-foot Stefan Struve, isn’t overly worried about the size difference.
“He’s a good fighter, but I don’t think he has anything I haven’t seen before,” he said.
“When you’re fighting the big guys, closing up that range is important and not giving them much room to move.
“And also hitting them really hard.”
MORE UFC 325 NEWS
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO UFC 325: Full fight card and how to watch in Australia
‘ISN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE’: Pros turn on Aussie with shock UFC prediction
‘NOT WHAT I’D BE WANTING’: Volk warned of ‘unnecessary risk’ in huge career first
Tuivasa said he’s also taken notice of the rise of fellow heavyweight Waldo Costa-Acosta, admitting he’s been impressed by the momentum the contender has built.
Last weekend at UFC 324, the Dominican heavy-hitter continued his hot streak with an impressive stoppage of Derrick Lewis.
“He’s very good,” said Tuivasa.
“I like him. He’s definitely a good match up with me down the line.
“But first I’ve got to take care of business this weekend.
“I want to get on a roll again. I’ll be putting my hand up a lot this year.”
When asked if his fight with Texiera will be getting out of the first round, the big man shook his head.
Volk: “I cannot wait to put on a show!” | 02:45
“I really don’t want it to, but I’m ready if it doesn’t.
“I heard there’s new bonuses involved now.
“So I will be hunting them.”
Discussion about this post