UFC President Dana White has delivered long-awaited news, unveiling a thrilling lineup for the upcoming pay-per-view card in Sydney. The UFC 293 co-main event will feature the fan-favorite heavyweight contender, Tai Tuivasa, who is set to face Alexander Volkov. Tai Tuivasa’s weight has become a focal point of attention as he prepares for fights.
Amidst the anticipation for the Sydney card, heavyweight contender Tai Tuivasa’s journey has also captured attention. In an interview, Tai Tuivasa shared his unique journey towards fight readiness. The heavyweight contender, known for his unconventional ‘shoey’ celebrations, revealed his unique approach before his fight against Ciryl Gane in 2022.
Tuivasa faced a unique challenge when he realized he had gained excess weight due to indulgent celebrations with his famous sporting companions in Sydney. In a candid admission, he revealed that his post-victory boozing after defeating Derrick Lewis prompted a ‘fat camp’ experience in Thailand, followed by intensified training in Dubai for the Gane fight.
Acknowledging his weight gain, Tuivasa explained, “I went back home and got a bit too happy and put on some extra kilos that I didn’t need, so I had to go to Thailand and just kick off the camp and lose some weight”. Describing it as a ‘fat camp,’ Tuivasa emphasized the importance of adopting the right mindset. (Via: Herald Sun)
Reflecting on his return to Sydney after the Texas victory, Tuivasa shared that he had become ‘comfortable,’ leading to overindulgence while working on his beer company, Drink West. The co-ownership with NRL star Nathan Cleary and fellow UFC fighter Tyson Pedro led to a fair share of business-related meetings and socializing, often accompanied by drinks.
Does Tai Tuivasa cut weight to make a heavyweight limit?
Tai Tuivasa’s dedication to shedding gained weight reflects his unwavering commitment to his sport. Despite the weight gain, his determination to prepare and be fight-ready highlights his professionalism and focus.
In the UFC, the heavyweight division offers more flexibility in terms of weight, with fighters often weighing in below the specified limit. For instance, during UFC Paris in September 2022, Ciryl Gane weighed in at 247 lbs for his heavyweight bout, while Tai Tuivasa, his opponent, weighed in at 266 lbs, the non-title limit for the heavyweight division.
Heavyweight fighters intentionally maintain this weight disparity to gain a slight advantage in speed or strength, depending on their fighting style. However, they can weigh up to 266 lbs in non-title bouts, while title fights necessitate a weight of 265 lbs or below.
See you in Sydney 🤩 🇦🇺
Your offical #UFC293 poster has dropped! @Sydney_Sider | @QudosBankArena | #ILoveSydney | #FeelNewSydney pic.twitter.com/L8yhE2LSus
— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) August 23, 2023
With UFC 293 getting closer, If Tai Tuivasa wins his upcoming match then he will get closer in his race for the title shot. His incredible journey is about to reach an exciting point, making the upcoming event even more thrilling for fans worldwide. With a lineup of compelling matchups, UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland promises a series of exciting bouts that will capture the attention of viewers across the globe.