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tai tuivasa — NZ news
Sports

Tai Tuivasa Struggles in Perth with Seventh Consecutive Loss

Tai Tuivasa suffered his seventh consecutive loss in the UFC at UFC Perth on May 2, 2026. The Australian heavyweight lost to Louie Sutherland by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring it 30-26.

Sutherland, who took the fight on short notice after Sean Sharaf pulled out, marked his first victory in the UFC after two previous losses. Meanwhile, Tuivasa’s record now stands at 11 wins and 5 losses.

Tuivasa’s last victory came in 2022 when he knocked out Derrick Lewis. Since then, he has faced a challenging path, dropping six fights consecutively before this latest bout.

During the fight, Tuivasa had a point deducted for an illegal knee strike. After the match, he expressed his disappointment on Instagram: “Sorry, I tried. I felt good. I put in the work. Didn’t get the result. I feel like a shit c*nt. Let my fans down again. Back to the drawing board for me. C*nt of a sport.”

Despite these setbacks, Tuivasa remains determined. He stated emphatically, “BUT I WILL NEVER GIVE UP IM FROM WESTERN SYDNEY YOU GOTTA PUT ME OUT FOR ME TO GIVE UP.” His resilience reflects his deep connection to his roots and fighting spirit.

Louie Sutherland also shared his thoughts post-fight, saying, “I know I’m good enough to compete in the top 10 or 15 of this division.” This sentiment hints at a potential shift within the heavyweight division as new fighters emerge.

The atmosphere at RAC Arena during UFC Perth was electric, but for Tuivasa fans, it brought a sense of concern about his future in the sport. As he faces this losing streak, many wonder how it will affect his standing and opportunities within the UFC.

Observers are keenly watching to see how Tuivasa will bounce back from this defeat and whether he can reclaim his position among the contenders in the heavyweight division.