In the Clinch: Tuivasa, Tybura Both Need Big Win, UFC Vegas 88 – Tai Tuivasa’s last win in the UFC was against Derrick Lewis at UFC 271 in February 2022.
That was back when Tuivasa (14-6-0), 30, was the darling of the heavyweight division. The next big and powerful thing was taking names and drinking out of a shoe.
Tai still drinks out of a shoe, but three consecutive stoppage losses later, he needs more than his loveable personality. He needs a win.
The book is open on the No. 9 Tuivasa. He’s been finished on the ground and knocked out. He’s had his moments and has reigned in some of the aggressiveness, but it hasn’t been enough. He just needs to find a way to connect. There is no questioning his power, but as he fights better opponents, he doesn’t seem to have a plan B when that doesn’t work.
The No. 10 Marcin Tybura (24-8-0), 38, on the other hand, has a good blend of grappling and knockout power. He’s had a good run overall in the UFC since debuting in 2016. However, he hit a bump in the road losing to current interim champion Tom Aspinall. A few wins should get him close to the title shot contention.
And so, I do think someone is getting stopped. Primarily because Tuivasa is going to go for it and either walk away with a big knockout or Tybura will capitalize on the openings.
There is a bit of a logjam in the lower part of the division right now. Curtis Blaydes, with his win over Jailton Almeida at UFC 299, is now No. 5 with Almeida dropping to No. 7. Nipping at Tybura and Tuivasa’s heels is Jairzinho Rozenstruik, whose win over Shamil Gaziev at UFC Vegas 87 a few weeks ago is No. 11.
Blink during this fight and you might miss the finish.
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Tai Tuivasa
Marcin Tybura
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