Tai Tuivasa is fighting this Saturday and then looking forward to some much-needed time off.
The UFC heavyweight returns to action at UFC on ESPN 42 in Orlando, as he’s set to take on Sergei Pavlovich (16-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) on the main card of the event. This will be the third fight of 2022 for Tuivasa (15-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC).
“Bam Bam” plans on getting his hand raised and then enjoying life along with his family. Although the UFC is set to make a return to his part of the world in February with UFC 284 in Australia, Tuivasa has no interest in partaking in that event – even if he has a quick night on Saturday.
“Look, I’m more excited to be pissed by the side of the ring than starving myself over Christmas,” Tuivasa told reporters on Wednesday (via Mac Life). “Christmas is a time for family, and I’ve been away from home for a long time now, and I think that’s one thing I’m excited about. So, sorry Australia, I’ll be there in the crowd.”
Tuivasa is coming off a KO loss to top contender Ciryl Gane in September. Prior to the setback, Tuivasa was on an impressive five-fight winning streak, with all victories being finishes.
Tuivasa is determined to get back in the win column, and he expects a wild, brawl against Pavlovich.
“Yeah, that’s the narrative,” Tuivasa said. “I suppose that’s why they offered him to me. Everyone must be scared of him.
“I accepted the fight and I didn’t really know who it was, and I looked, and I think it’s going to be a great fight for the fans. I come to entertain the fans and put on a show, and I think that’s what me Sergei are going to do on the weekend.”
