Tai Anthony Tuivasa Bio
Tai Anthony Tuivasa is an Australian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on 16 March 1993 in Sydney, New South Wales, Tuivasa is known for his powerful knockouts and entertaining fight style. As of October 2025, he is ranked #12 in the UFC heavyweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Tuivasa was born in Sydney to an Indigenous Australian (Wiradjuri) mother and a Samoan father. He grew up in the western Sydney suburb of Mount Druitt with 11 siblings. During his youth, he primarily played rugby league and was signed by the professional Sydney Roosters rugby league club in 2010. However, he gave up rugby league due to developing a gambling addiction.
Path to MMA
Tuivasa transitioned from rugby league to mixed martial arts, making his professional MMA debut in August 2012 in Australia. Early in his career, he fought sporadically but earned all his wins by knockout. He also competed in MMA mixed rules bouts with Combat 8 promotions, including a notable TKO victory over former rugby league representative John Hopoate.
Tai Tuivasa Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Tuivasa began his MMA career in 2012, quickly establishing himself with knockout wins. He fought a mix of opponents in Australia, including a loss to kickboxer Peter Graham. His early performances showcased his striking power and potential in the heavyweight division.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2016–Present)
In November 2016, Tuivasa signed a four-fight contract with the UFC. He made his UFC debut on November 19, 2017, against Rashad Coulter, winning by knockout with a flying knee in the first round. This victory made him the first Indigenous Australian to win a UFC fight and earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.
Tuivasa continued to rise in the UFC heavyweight rankings with notable wins over Cyril Asker, Andrei Arlovski, Stefan Struve, Greg Hardy, Augusto Sakai, and Derrick Lewis. His aggressive striking and knockout power have made him a fan favorite. Despite some setbacks, including losses to Junior dos Santos, Blagoy Ivanov, Serghei Spivac, Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Tuivasa remains a prominent figure in the division.
Current Team Era (Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, Tiger Muay Thai & MMA, American Kickboxing Academy) (2012–Present)
Tuivasa trains with Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, Tiger Muay Thai & MMA, and the American Kickboxing Academy. These teams have supported his development in striking and overall MMA skills. His current training environment has contributed to his continued success and ability to compete at the highest level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tuivasa is known for his knockout power and aggressive striking style. He excels in stand-up exchanges, often overwhelming opponents with heavy punches and flying knees. His ability to finish fights quickly has become a hallmark of his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Tuivasa is widely recognized for his signature celebration of drinking beer from a shoe, known as the “shoey,” which has become a popular tradition among fans. He has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC and was the first Indigenous Australian to win a UFC fight.
Tai Tuivasa Career Wins
Tai Tuivasa has accumulated 14 professional MMA wins out of 22 fights, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His knockout power is a defining feature of his winning record.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Tuivasa has secured multiple knockout wins in the UFC, including his debut victory over Rashad Coulter. His most recent UFC wins include knockouts against Derrick Lewis and Augusto Sakai. He has earned several Performance of the Night awards, highlighting his exciting fighting style.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Tuivasa achieved several knockout victories in Australian regional promotions and Combat 8 events, establishing his reputation as a powerful striker early in his career.
Tai Tuivasa Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tuivasa comes from a large family with Indigenous Australian and Samoan heritage. He has 11 siblings and was raised in western Sydney.
Personal Life
Tuivasa is married to Brierley Pedro, sister of former UFC light heavyweight fighter Tyson Pedro. They have one son. Tuivasa co-hosts “The Halfcast Podcast” with Tyson Pedro and Andrew Fifita and is co-owner of Drink West Brewery alongside Pedro and rugby league player Nathan Cleary.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Tuivasa remains an active competitor in the UFC heavyweight division, ranked #12 as of October. He continues to seek victories to improve his standing and aims to return to winning form. His training with established MMA teams supports his efforts to maintain competitiveness in a stacked division. Tuivasa’s entertaining style and knockout potential keep him a fan favorite and a threat in upcoming bouts.