Tai Tuivasa boasts of a phenomenal record at UFC, having won four of his last five fights via knockouts. However, the ranked four fighter was handed a reality check in his last fight against former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane, who gave Tuivasa a taste of his own medicine.
The Australian now has the opportunity to get back to the winning column on Sunday, when he fights Sergei Pavlovich, a rising prospect in the heavyweight division.
Ahead of the fight, Tuivasa spoke to media where he discussed in length about his opponent, fight against Gane, and his views on the heavyweight title.
To a question he said “I need a big break. I’m definitely looking forward to heading back home to Australia and spending Christmas and time with my son. But before that I need to finish the year off with the bang, get a win, and go enjoy some time off.”
Replying another question he said: “Obviously a strong opponent. That’s why they, they sent him my way. He’s been knocking out everyone as well. So for me, I think it’s an exciting fight and I think it’s gonna excite the fans and put on a show.
How tough will it be to beat him? To this question he said: “Definitely. You were in the top five, which is the best fighters in the world and, heavyweight divisions the most scariest division in the league. I’m going there to kill or being killed and if he gets into a battle with me on the feet, I think he might come off second.”
“No the fight against Cyril was a great one. He’s a great opponent, and he did very well and he was a better fighter that night and he beat me. And this is for me to get back up, be up there in the leagues and win Sergei. He is my main priority. And that’s where all my thought is at the moment,” he added.