Tag: tai tuivasa

Report | Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa Targeted For UFC France Event On September 3.

Ciryl GaneA heavyweight division main event between former interim division titleholder, Ciryl Gane, and the #3 ranked knockout ace, Tai Tuivasa is currently in the works to serve as a headliner for the UFC’s premiere outing in France since the legalization of professional mixed martial arts at an event on September 3. Whilst not officially confirmed […]

Ciryl Gane

A heavyweight division main event between former interim division titleholder, Ciryl Gane, and the #3 ranked knockout ace, Tai Tuivasa is currently in the works to serve as a headliner for the UFC’s premiere outing in France since the legalization of professional mixed martial arts at an event on September 3. Whilst not officially confirmed by the organization, an event in Paris is currently earmarked per multiple reports.

Ciryl Gane, a native of La Roche-sur-Yon, has been out of action since headlining the organization’s first pay-per-view event of this year, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight championship title unification bout in the main event of UFC 270 in January.

For New South Wales native, Tuivasa, the fan-favorite striker scored his fifth consecutive knockout win back in February in a high-profile main card slot at UFC 271 against common opponent, Derrick Lewis – stopping the New Orleans knockout king with a stunning second round step-in elbow finish. 

News of the promotion’s September debut in France was initially reported by Italian reporter, Alfredo Zullino, while Ariel Helwani confirmed the targeted headliner between Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa. 

10-1 as a professional, French kickboxing talent, Gane suffered his first professional loss in the above mentioned unanimous judging defeat to brief former training partner, Ngannou at the turn of this year.

Ciryl Gane will make his first outing in France since the legalization of professional MMA

Prior to the loss, Gane had embarked on a promotional-perfect run of seven straight victories, stopping the aforenoted common foe, Lewis in the main event of UFC 265 last August with third round strikes to clinch the interim heavyweight title.

Expected to headline for the fifth time under the organization’s banner, Gane has also defeated the likes of Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexander Volkov, former champion, Junior dos Santos, and Tanner Boser.

14-3 as a professional, Sydney finisher, Tuivasa holds a whopping 13 separate knockout career victories – adding Lewis to a run of finishes against Augusto Sakai, Greg Hardy, Harry Hunsucker, and Stefan Struve. 

Report: Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa Targeted For UFC’s French Debut Sep. 3

The heavyweight division continues to heat up amidst its title stagnation. The UFC’s heavyweight division continues to be slow-moving in terms of the world-title picture, but that doesn’t mean its action has come to a halt. In fact, all signs point to a lively September, with Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic potentially facing one another…

Continue Reading Report: Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa Targeted For UFC’s French Debut Sep. 3 at MMA News.

The heavyweight division continues to heat up amidst its title stagnation.

The UFC’s heavyweight division continues to be slow-moving in terms of the world-title picture, but that doesn’t mean its action has come to a halt.

In fact, all signs point to a lively September, with Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic potentially facing one another and now, according to MMA reporters Ariel Helwani and Al Zullino, Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa will go at it in the same month.

The UFC’s arrival in France has been long anticipated, and the promotion will reportedly make its debut in the country this year with a prime example of the phrase “contrast of styles.”

Technical striker Ciryl Gane currently is ranked #1 in the UFC’s heavyweight division. He most recently experienced his first loss at the hands of undisputed champion Francis Ngannou at UFC 270.

#3-ranked brawler Tai Tuivasa has suddenly found himself in the center of the heavyweight title conversation on the heels of five consecutive wins. Most recently, he defeated fellow brawler Derrick Lewis at UFC 271 via KO.

Reigning champion Francis Ngannou is currently sidelined following knee surgery. The good news for all of the above title contenders is that he expects to return by the end of this year, with December being the most likely month.

The bad news? He expects that return to come against heavyweight boxing superstar Tyson Fury in a crossover bout and not against any UFC athlete.

MMA News will keep you abreast of all the latest updates on the reported September 3 UFC France debut as well as the promotion’s heavyweight title picture.

Who do you like in this bout between Ciryl Gane and Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa?

Continue Reading Report: Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa Targeted For UFC’s French Debut Sep. 3 at MMA News.

Sterling Asks Whittaker/Tuivasa To Apologize, Whittaker Responds

UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling is just getting started addressing his doubters, including UFC fighter Robert Whittaker. Sterling earned the split decision win over Petr Yan at UFC 273. He defied the betting odds and silenced a lot of his detractors in the process with the impressive victory. Two of those doubters were Whittaker and…

Continue Reading Sterling Asks Whittaker/Tuivasa To Apologize, Whittaker Responds at MMA News.

UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling is just getting started addressing his doubters, including UFC fighter Robert Whittaker.

Sterling earned the split decision win over Petr Yan at UFC 273. He defied the betting odds and silenced a lot of his detractors in the process with the impressive victory.

Two of those doubters were Whittaker and heavyweight contender Tai Tuivasa, who blasted Sterling leading up to the fight for how he handled getting the title via disqualification at UFC 259.

After getting the win at UFC 273, Sterling made his way back to Whittaker and Tuivasa on social media and demanded they apologize for their previous comments.

“Whats up fellas? I need this back by the morning. Enjoy the night,” Sterling tweeted at Whittaker and Tuivasa.

After getting word of Sterling’s demands, Whittaker responded in kind and seemed to poke fun at himself for doubting the 135-pound champion.

“Well isn’t there egg on my face,” Whittaker said. “Congrats mate, I have recently had a perspective change.”

Despite earning the win on the judges’ scorecards at UFC 273, some believe that Yan deserved the victory by winning three of the five rounds. The lone round that was unanimously questioned was Round 1, with Rounds 2 and 3 going to Sterling and the championship rounds to Yan.

Sterling is expected to face former champion TJ Dillashaw for his next title defense. As he still holds the UFC title, it seems that Sterling will continue defending himself against naysayers, new and old.

How did you score Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan 2 at UFC 273?

Continue Reading Sterling Asks Whittaker/Tuivasa To Apologize, Whittaker Responds at MMA News.

Aspinall Targets “UK Darling” Status After First Home-Crowd Experience

Now that UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall has got a taste of fighting in front of a home crowd, he knows where he wants to compete moving forward. At UFC London, Aspinall ticked off a number of things. First main event on MMA’s biggest stage? Check. First UFC outing in front of an arena crowd? Check….

Continue Reading Aspinall Targets “UK Darling” Status After First Home-Crowd Experience at MMA News.

Now that UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall has got a taste of fighting in front of a home crowd, he knows where he wants to compete moving forward.

At UFC London, Aspinall ticked off a number of things. First main event on MMA’s biggest stage? Check. First UFC outing in front of an arena crowd? Check. First top-10 opponent added to his record? Check. A place in the title conversation? Check.

The man who fell in order for those things to happen was Alexander Volkov. Making his sixth headline appearance in the UFC, the Russian was looking to maintain his place on the heavyweight ladder by halting the surging of England’s Aspinall.

He failed to do so in the second round after getting caught in a brutal straight armbar. The response inside London’s O2 Arena was raucous, and the celebrations outside were just as electric.

As for his next step, Aspinall has made it clear what he wants: a scrap and a shoey with the UFC’s chief entertainer, Tai Tuivasa. Where does he want that to take place, you might ask? Well, there’s only one place, isn’t there?

Aspinall: “I Want To Be The UK Guy”

During a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Aspinall, who now boasts a perfect 5-0 promotional record and sits at #6 in the UFC’s heavyweight rankings, was asked if he’d be willing to fight “Bam Bam” outside of the UK.

While his response wasn’t exactly a no, the Manchester native’s intentions moving forward are certainly clear.

“I want to be the UK guy. I want to fight in the UK,” asserted Aspinall. “I don’t want to go on a card now and just be another guy on the card, you know what I mean? I want to be the UK darling. I want to be that guy.”

After the success of UFC London, an event that marked the promotion’s first trip across the Atlantic since 2019, Dana White made it clear the region’s fans will see another event there before the end of 2022. With that in mind, Aspinall may very well get his wish.

And with the Englishman’s inside sources suggesting any negotiations for a fight between Tuivasa and Stipe Miocic are not even close to coming to a successful conclusion, perhaps the Aussie will be standing opposite Aspinall in the UFC”s next visit to the UK.

Would you like to see Tom Aspinall and Tai Tuivasa collide in the UK later this year?

Continue Reading Aspinall Targets “UK Darling” Status After First Home-Crowd Experience at MMA News.

Tai Tuivasa Gives Greg Hardy Some Career Advice: ‘Go Bloody Work At A McDonalds’

tai tuivasaTai Tuivasa has suggested his previous co-worker Greg Hardy should make a career change. Having spent 67 seconds in the octagon together, neither Tuivasa nor Hardy are fond of each other. Tuivasa made a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. When the host mentioned that Hardy was still bad-mouthing Tuivasa even after […]

tai tuivasa

Tai Tuivasa has suggested his previous co-worker Greg Hardy should make a career change.

Having spent 67 seconds in the octagon together, neither Tuivasa nor Hardy are fond of each other. Tuivasa made a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. When the host mentioned that Hardy was still bad-mouthing Tuivasa even after his defeat to Sergei Spivac at UFC 272, the Australian responded

“How can he talk smack when he just got smacked again? He’s an idiot. He should go bloody work at a McDonalds or something.” (H/T MMANews)

Tuivasa’s employment advice comes following Hardy’s third straight KO/TKO defeat. After the unfruitful performances, the UFC has decided to let the “Prince of War” walk.

Hardy took to Instagram to share his release

The heavyweight had quite the rollercoaster in the UFC compiling a record of 6-5 in the company. He was spotlighted three times on the main cards of a PPV event. The former NFL player will find himself a suitor for another MMA promotion in the future and shouldn’t have a hard time finding work, keeping himself busy from flipping burgers.

Tai Tuivasa Has Found Himself On Quite the Run

At the end of 2019, Tuivasa found himself on the same road as Hardy, coming off three consecutive losses. Since then “Bam Bam” has strung together five straight impressive knockout victories over the likes of Stefan Struve, Harry Hunsucker, the aforementioned Greg Hardy, Augusto Sakai, and most recently Derick Lewis. After moving his camp to Dubai, the Western Sydney native has revamped his career.

With the newfound momentum, the Shoey King is slated for a big fight after his victory over the ‘Knockout King’ Derrick Lewis, which he considers was the greatest moment in his career so far.

There have been recent rumblings of a potential fight with Stipe Miocic during International Fight Week in July, but nothing has been announced or confirmed yet. Tuivasa did say on the show that the Miocic fight is the one he wants next, mentioning it would be an honor to share the cage with him.

It will be interesting to see who the matchmakers pair with Tuivasa for his next bout, but regardless of who he draws there will be many excited to see him get back in the octagon as he has truly become one of the promotions fan-favorites.

You can view the full interview here

Where would you like to see Greg Hardy go next? Who should be Tai Tuivasa’s next opponent?

Tai Tuivasa Sends “Idiot” Greg Hardy Some Employment Advice

UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa recently offered his thoughts on the future of Greg Hardy following the former NFL defensive end’s third straight loss. After joining the UFC three fights into his MMA career, which came after a departure from the NFL, Hardy’s future in the cage looked promising. But since a victory over Juan Adams…

Continue Reading Tai Tuivasa Sends “Idiot” Greg Hardy Some Employment Advice at MMA News.

UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa recently offered his thoughts on the future of Greg Hardy following the former NFL defensive end’s third straight loss.

After joining the UFC three fights into his MMA career, which came after a departure from the NFL, Hardy’s future in the cage looked promising. But since a victory over Juan Adams in 2019 extended his Octagon start to 2-0, it’s been largely downhill.

2-4-1 in his last six, Hardy has tasted defeat to names like Marcin Tybura and Alexander Volkov. His two victories in that period have come against Maurice Greene and Yorgan de Castro, both of whom have since been let go after losing streaks.

It appears “Prince of War” has now met the same fate. At UFC 272 earlier this month, Hardy hoped to rebound against Sergey Spivak. Instead, the pay-per-view main card opened with another first-round stoppage loss for the 33-year-old.

This past weekend, Hardy appeared to announce his release from MMA’s premier promotion, confirming a departure many had expected following UFC 272.

But Hardy doesn’t need to fear because one man is already looking out for his future endeavors, although it’s probably not someone prepared to offer him a glittering reference…

Tuivasa Plays Headhunter For Fast Food Chain

Tai Tuivasa and Greg Hardy met inside the Octagon last July at UFC 264. In a crazy fight for as long as it lasted, the Tennessee native rocked the Australian, before being knocked out himself after rushing in to find the finish.

“Bam Bam” drew headlines for not only the KO, but his walkout music and post-fight shoeys. His popularity has since increased, as has the speed with which he’s rising the heavyweight ladder.

But despite being knocked out, Hardy continued his war of words with Tuivasa, claiming the now-#3-ranked heavyweight “cowarded” out of a brawl at UFC 264. Even as recently as UFC 272 fight week, “Prince of War” had Tuivasa’s name on his lips, this time to slam the Aussie for not wanting a rematch.

While Hardy hasn’t shied away from insulting him, Tuivasa has still been generous enough to offer his foe some employment advice, which may come in handy given the latest developments.

Prior to Hardy’s apparent release, Tuivasa encouraged his former opponent to swap the MMA gloves for a spatula, and the punching for some flipping…

“How can he talk smack when he just got smacked again?” Tuivasa said of Hardy’s pre-UFC 272 trash talk during an appearance on The MMA Hour. “He’s an idiot. He should go bloody work at a McDonalds or something.”

There we have it. Recently made redundant? Let go by your employers? In search of a new career path? Give Tuivasa a call.

Perhaps if you’re not on the wrong side of “Bam Bam,” you may do better than McDonalds. If you buy one of his Shoeyvasas, maybe he’ll even line you up for a CEO position.

What’s next for Greg Hardy following his UFC release?

Continue Reading Tai Tuivasa Sends “Idiot” Greg Hardy Some Employment Advice at MMA News.