Tai Tuivasa’s coach is confident that a motivated ‘Bam Bam’ can turn things around in dramatic fashion.
UFC Perth takes place this Saturday at the RAC Arena, with back-to-back heavyweight bouts opening up the main card.
Tuivasa lost his original opponent before being matched up with fellow slugger Louie Sutherland.
The 33-year-old may have been unsuccessful when making his Octagon return earlier this year, but his coach likes what he sees heading into May 2.
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Ben Vickers believes Tai Tuivasa can get back on track and push towards the title following UFC Perth
Some fans called for Tai Tuivasa to retire after his return from a long break resulted in his sixth consecutive loss earlier this year.
He’s been preparing for his next bout in Perth at Scrappy MMA alongside Jack Della Maddalena’s head coach, Ben Vickers.
Vickers, who has been impressed by Tuivasa’s skillset and dedication over the past few weeks, still thinks that ‘Bam Bam’ has it in him to completely turn his fortunes around.
“I really believe he can, I think I say a lot of s— and people go, ‘What planet is this f—— bloke on?’ But, I think Bam can make another run for the title,” Vickers told Southern Cross Combat. “Coming off a skid, it feels a far-fetched thing to say but I’ve said some far-fetched things in my time and some of them have come true.
“I think Bam can go on a run here. He’s a very talented heavyweight and motivated, that’s the key thing.”
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Tai Tuivasa walks out at UFC 325 holding a flag. Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Vickers added that while Tuivasa has won a lot of fans over thanks to his brawling style, this isn’t a true reflection of his ability.
“You want to see the guy actually box and fight and move,” he said. “He’s a phenomenal martial artist.”
Tuivasa hasn’t won a fight since he stopped Derrick Lewis over four years ago at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas.
This win, which was his fifth consecutive victory and finish inside the Octagon, earned him a potential title eliminator against Ciryl Gane that he was stopped in.
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2026-04-28 03:00:00
