The upcoming heavyweight bout between Tallison Teixeira and Justin Tafa at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025, in Sydney, Australia, is an intriguing matchup that pits a rising prospect against an experienced but inconsistent veteran. The fight will be part of the main card, headlined by a middleweight title clash between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.
Tallison Teixeira vs. Justin Tafa – Odds
The betting odds for the bout between Tallison Teixeira and Justin Tafa have shown some consistency, with Teixeira entering as the slight favorite. As of February 6, 2025, Teixeira is listed at approximately -135 to -155, while Tafa is the underdog at around +114 to +132, depending on the sportsbook. When the odds opened earlier in fight week, Teixeira was already favored, with lines such as -135 for Teixeira and +114 for Tafa reported in February. Odds can be challenging to play, so check out casino welcome bonuses for different games.
Over the past few days, there has been minimal fluctuation in these numbers, reflecting a relatively stable betting market. The odds reflect the uncertainty surrounding Teixeira, who is making his UFC debut after a dominant run outside the promotion, and Tafa’s inconsistency in his UFC career.
Tallison Teixeira is a long and lanky striker who uses his height and reach effectively to keep opponents at bay. His striking is aggressive and powerful, averaging an impressive 14.87 significant strikes per minute in his Contender Series bout. However, questions remain about his stamina and ability to handle sustained pressure or grappling exchanges.
Teixeira is an undefeated fighter with a professional record of 7-0. Standing at 6’7″ with an 83-inch reach, he is a towering presence in the heavyweight division. All of his wins have come via first-round stoppages. This fight represents the biggest test of his career as he transitions to the UFC’s main stage
Justin Tafa is a compact powerhouse who excels at closing distance quickly despite his size. His striking is fast and explosive, often catching opponents off guard. However, he has shown vulnerabilities in takedown defense and struggles when forced into prolonged exchanges or defensive positions.
Despite his impressive striking ability, Tafa has struggled with consistency in the UFC, going 4-4 in the promotion. At 6’0″ with a 74-inch reach, he will face significant height and reach disadvantages against Teixeira.
This clash promises fireworks as both fighters are known for their knockout power. Whether Teixeira can handle the pressure of his UFC debut or if Justin Tafa can capitalize on his experience remains to be seen.