UFC Heavyweight Justin Tafa Announces Break After Latest Weight Fiasco

UFC veteran Justin Tafa, with a record of ten fights, has announced a temporary hiatus from the sport after failing to make weight for the UFC Perth event, which led to the cancellation of his bout. This was one of many challenges for the Australian fight card, which saw its lineup shrink from fifteen to twelve fights.

The last scheduled heavyweight contest to be called off was between Tafa and newcomer Louie Sutherland. Sutherland stated that Tafa fell ill and was unable to cut weight, leading some fans to call for the UFC to release the fighter, given his past struggles with weigh-ins. Regardless of the promotion`s decision, “Bad Man” (Tafa`s nickname) will not be stepping into the Octagon anytime soon.

In his UFC career, Tafa secured four victories in ten appearances; all seven of his professional wins have come by knockout. Following his recent pre-fight difficulties, these statistics are likely to remain unchanged indefinitely.

Tafa`s Statement on Hiatus and Future

In an Instagram post, Tafa shared his intention to take a break from fighting after the UFC Perth incident and admitted that he might never return. He wrote:

“Taking time out of this fight game. The body and mind needs time to recover, six major surgeries in the last three years does that to you. Time to enjoy the other fruits of life for now and enjoy watching my kids grow. Thank you, UFC, we had some good times in there. God willing, if I return to fight again, I will be a lot healthier and able to show you my true potential. If not, then God has something else planned in store for me. I appreciate all the support and love, you guys pushed me on when I thought I couldn`t. What a ride #badmantafa.”

A History of Weight Struggles for the Heavyweight

Surprisingly, despite competing in the heavyweight division, Tafa`s weight issues before UFC Perth were not his first. In 2021, he became the first UFC heavyweight to miss weight, coming in at 267 pounds (one pound over the 266-pound non-title fight limit) for his clash with Harry Hunsucker at UFC Vegas 45. The Australian knockout artist still made it to the cage and quickly finished his opponent with a head kick.

A year later, Chris Barnett joined Tafa, becoming the second heavyweight to miss weight, exceeding the limit by 1.5 pounds before knocking out Jake Collier at UFC 279.

Сообщение UFC Heavyweight Justin Tafa Announces Break After Latest Weight Fiasco появились сначала на Sports News Review.