Tai Tuivasa is refreshed and keen to put the worst losing skid of his career in the rear-view mirror at UFC 325.
It’s been a rough run for Tuivasa (14-8 MMA, 8-8 UFC) in recent years. He’s lost five consecutive fights dating back to September 2022, albeit against notable divisional names in Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. He was finished in all but one of those fights.
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Although he’s bee in the UFC since November 2017, Tuivasa is still just 32. “Bam Bam” didn’t want to hang up the gloves after his most recent defeat to Rozenstruik in August 2024, but he knew a substantial layoff was needed to get himself back physically and mentally where he needs to be.
“Losers stop. I don’t stop,” Tuivasa told reporters at UFC 325 media day. “I had my time off. I think it really played a big part. I just didn’t do sh*t. Ate, drank and chilled with my son. I watched a lot of people who have done very great things in this sport and then they get to the end and they don’t really know what to do, so I just needed some time off. I’ve enjoyed myself.
“My whole career I’ve enjoyed myself. I’ve got to the best sh*t, travel the world, party all around the world and fight the best people. I’m blessed.”
Tuivasa returns to action Saturday in a heavyweight showdown with Tallison Teixeira (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) on the main card of UFC 325 from Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney (Paramount+).
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For the Australian, this fight has little to do with the opponent. For Tuivasa, it’s all about performing on his end, and he’s confident this is a matchup where he can shine and show he’s still relevant.
“I missed it. I needed to miss it. That’s it. I miss winning. I’m ready for one this week,” Tuivasa said. “I’m going to show the heavyweight division that I’m still here. Don’t forget about the fat boy.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Tai Tuivasa eager to end 5-fight skid at UFC 325: ‘I miss winning’
