Tai Tuivasa, on Six-Fight Skid, Says He Must Win Saturday or Face UFC Exit

Key facts

• Tai Tuivasa, 33, has lost six consecutive UFC fights since 2022.
• He faces Louie Sutherland (10-5) on Saturday at UFC Perth at RAC Arena.
• Tuivasa has not won in the octagon for more than four years.
• 13 of his 14 career victories have come by knockout.
• He relocated from Dubai to Perth five weeks before the bout due to the war in the Middle East.
• Coach Ben Vickers of Scrappy MMA believes Tuivasa can still make a heavyweight title run.
• Tuivasa is 8-9 in the UFC, with wins over Derrick Lewis, Andrei Arlovski, Greg Hardy, and Augusto Sakai.

A Career on the Line in Perth

Tai Tuivasa steps into the octagon at RAC Arena on Saturday night knowing that a seventh straight loss will almost certainly end his UFC tenure. The 33-year-old Australian heavyweight has not had his hand raised in more than four years, a drought that has pushed even a popular, knockout-happy fighter to the brink of release. His opponent, Louie Sutherland, is 10-5 and also searching for his first UFC win after two consecutive defeats, placing both men in a similarly precarious position.

Relocation and Renewed Focus

Five weeks before the bout, Tuivasa left his home in Dubai and temporarily moved to Perth because of uncertainty created by the war in the Middle East. The scramble for flights and short-term accommodation added stress, but he said the switch has left him feeling better than he has in years. “It was a bit stressful at the start. I had to get flights, Air BnBs,” Tuivasa said. “I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in the past few years. I am not just saying that, my outside life is falling into place, and everything is going well. I just need one more win, get on a run, and I’ll be sweet. I’ll be back in there.”

Training Alongside a Main-Event Teammate

Tuivasa has been training at Scrappy MMA in Perth alongside Jack Della Maddalena, who headlines the same card against Carlos Prates. The shared environment has helped keep the work simple, Tuivasa said. “I’ve had a good time at Scrappy. The boys have been taking us on, and we’ve got some good training in. I love the Dellas. They’re good boys. When everyone gets along and everyone is cool, it makes a better workspace.” Coach Ben Vickers, who oversees the camp, said Tuivasa has impressed him despite the losing streak. “I really believe he can make another heavyweight title run,” Vickers told Southern Cross Combat. “Coming off a skid, it feels a far-fetched thing to say, but I’ve said some far-fetched things in my time, and some of them have come true. He’s a very talented heavyweight and motivated, that’s the key thing.”

The Numbers Behind the Comeback Bid

Tuivasa joined the UFC in 2018 and holds an 8-9 record in the promotion, with notable wins over Derrick Lewis, Andrei Arlovski, Greg Hardy, and Augusto Sakai. Thirteen of his 14 career wins have come by knockout, a rate that has made him a fan favorite and earned him the nickname “Bam Bam.” His signature post-fight ritual, drinking beer from a shoe — known as a “Shoey” — has further cemented his popularity. But the six-fight losing streak has tested the UFC’s patience. Most fighters are cut after three or four consecutive losses; Tuivasa’s continued presence on the roster reflects how much the organization values him and how much fans want to watch him. A seventh straight loss, however, would likely force the UFC to cut the cord.

Pressure and Motivation

Tuivasa said he wants to answer the pressure the old way — with a finish. “It’s just losing that’s s... because winners are grinners. It’s the ones who do not give up, I don’t want to go out like this. I want to make an example and show everyone I’m meant to be here,” he said. He has been training as hard as he can, he told the media, acknowledging that he needs a win to keep his UFC job. “They (expletive) bring some animals in that garage, man, I’m telling you. It’s been awesome. I’ve been training with Jack and his brother Josh and the boys at Scrappy. Perth’s been chill, not much to do here, so that’s been good. I’m in a good headspace, too. I feel good, man.”

What Comes Next for ‘Bam Bam’

Victory on Saturday would snap the longest skid of Tuivasa’s career and keep his UFC dreams alive. A loss, by contrast, would almost certainly mark the end of his time in the promotion. Coach Vickers believes Tuivasa can still make a run at the heavyweight title, a claim that may sound far-fetched given the recent record but one that Vickers insists is grounded in the fighter’s talent and renewed motivation. For now, Tuivasa is focused on one thing: winning in “Bam Bam style” and celebrating with “a big shoey at the end.” Saturday night in Perth will determine whether that celebration happens or whether the UFC finally closes the door on one of its most entertaining heavyweights.

The bottom line

• Tai Tuivasa has lost six straight UFC fights and faces Louie Sutherland on Saturday in Perth.
• A seventh consecutive loss would likely end his UFC career, as most fighters are cut after three or four defeats.
• Tuivasa relocated from Dubai to Perth five weeks before the bout due to the war in the Middle East, a move he says has improved his mindset.
• Coach Ben Vickers believes Tuivasa can still contend for the heavyweight title, citing his talent and motivation.
• Tuivasa has 13 knockout wins in 14 career victories and is known for his post-fight ‘Shoey’ celebration.
• Both Tuivasa and Sutherland are under similar pressure, each seeking their first UFC win in recent outings.