SYDNEY – Tai Tuivasa will look to rebound in emphatic fashion on home soil.
Tuivasa (15-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) meets Alexander Volkov (36-10 MMA, 10-4 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 293 co-main event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews/ESPN+ and early prelims on ESPN+.
Stylistically, Tuivasa thinks he can close in on the taller Volkov.
“I think he’s a great opponent. I think it’s going to be a great fight,” Tuivasa told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “Obviously, everyone knows how big he is, and I don’t think he’s going to do too well with me on his chest and coming forward.”
Tuivasa will look to snap a two-fight losing streak. He’s coming off a Fight of the Night stoppage loss to Ciryl Gane, followed by a quick knockout loss to Sergei Pavlovich.
“My last two fights, I’ve got a hiding,” Tuivasa said. “I’m coming out for heads.”
Tuivasa is content to continue taking on top-level competition. Prior to his skid, “Bam Bam” had knocked out his past five opponents – including former title challenger Derrick Lewis.
“That’s my aim,” Tuivasa said. “If I want to fight, I want to fight the best. I’ve fought the best (and) got a hiding my last two, but I’m No. 5 or whatever it is now. There aren’t easy fights up here, and I ain’t looking for any easy fights.
“They offered me Volkov and I said yes, and I think it’s going to be a great matchup. If it’s not going to be boring, we’re not going to be f*cking cuddling each other the whole (15) minutes.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 293.
