UFC news: Tai Tuivasa keen to ‘bang on’ after brutal win over Harry Hunsucker in Las Vegas
Australian UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa has enjoyed a spectacular Las Vegas debut, knocking American Harry Hunsucker out in just 49 seconds.
Competing for the first time in the world’s fight capital, the Mt Druitt knockout artist opened with a leg kick, then boomed two big right hands to drop his rival before finishing with another nine punches on the ground.
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The Aussie, who celebrated the win with the Aboriginal flag draped around his shoulders, now boasts 10 first round knock out wins after the brutal UFC Fight Night finish.
Speaking afterwards, Tuivasa dedicated the win to a cousin who was killed a few weeks back and, because of his being based in Dubai for fight camp, he never got to farewell.
The fighter dubbed Bam Bam also said that because of the quick finish, he was now willing to stay Stateside, fight again quickly and “bang on” with anyone within the division’s top 15.
“I miss my son,” said Tuivasa, who has been based out of Dubai since January.
“But if there’s a fight in a few weeks or whatever, I need to know in the next few days or I’ll be going missing.
“I’m back on the board now.
American Harry Hunsucker’s (left) blow is blocked by Australia’s Tai Tuivasa in their heavyweight fight in Las Vegas. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images
“So anyone in the top 15, or whatever.
“Really anyone who wants to bang on, let’s get it on.
“I want to entertain the fans.”
Tuivasa also gave his traditional shoutout to family and friends hailing, as he has long called it, ‘From The Area’, saying: “Shoutout western Sydney baby. Eshay, FTA … all day”.
Tuivasa’s stunning Las Vegas debut represented his second finish in just five months, with the Australian having also scored a brutal KO win over Dutchman Stefan Struve at UFC 254 last October.
Australia’s Tai Tuivasa (right) clips Harry Hunsucker as he misses him in a barrage of blows which saw the American taken out in just 49 seconds. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images
Against Struve, the Sydneysider got it done with a second remaining in the first.
This time however, he was quicker again.
The result also continues a strong return to form for the fighter who after winning his first three appearances inside the Octagon — including a bloody decision over former champ Andrei Arlovski in 2018 — would then lose his next three and risk being cut.
Afterwards, Tuivasa also praised his rival out of Kentucky who took the fight on late notice after his original opponent withdrew in fight week.
“Mad love to Honeysucker (sic) too for stepping in,” he said. “Four days notice, what a soldier.”
Elsewhere, he also gave a shout out to TK MMA in Dubai, where he has been training since January with a host of world class fighters, including Dutch kickboxer great Gokhan Saki
“I’ve been watching Gokhan Saki since I was a kid,” Tuivasa had revealed to The Daily Telegraph in fight week. “The guy’s an animal.
“So to not only be in the same room as him, but to be training with him daily, to now be mates, it’s an incredible experience.”
Originally published as49-second obliteration has Aussie jumping to ‘bang on’ again
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