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UFC 254: Tai Tuivasa explains a change in gyms and a change in himself

By Nicole Bosco

Oct 5, 2019; Melbourne, AUSTRALIA; Tai Tuivasa (red gloves) before fighting Serghei Spivac during UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Melbourne, AUSTRALIA; Tai Tuivasa (red gloves) before fighting Serghei Spivac during UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tai Tuivasa spoke before the media prior to his UFC 254 bout against Stefan Struve about what’s changed since his last fight. 

Tai Tuivasa has been without a fight for one year. His last three bouts all losses, so naturally he was looking to shake things up coming into his next bout. Tuivasa is set to take on Stefen Sruve on the preliminary portion of this Saturday’s UFC 254. Before the cage door closes, Tuivasa spoke to the media about the changes he has made in his training and in himself.

“I think over my time in the UFC I’ve learned don’t be the young bull and get it all at once,” Tuivasa said. “I think I’m ready for a three-round fight not just physically but mentally. I think before I wasn’t really mentally thinking like that, you know what I mean? I’m ready to fight three fives, but you know me, once we are in there and I see the opening I’m going to definitely go for it.”

Tuivasa moved to America from Australia to join the notorious American Kickboxing Academy, the home of many UFC fighters including Daniel Cormier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Cain Velasquez.

“It was a bit of a wake-up call,” Tuivasa explained. “It kind of shows you where you’re at. My fighting’s good, I’m a good fighter but when it comes to MMA, Being in Australia you might be in a room with three killers or one killer and you walk into a room with one hundred and it opens your eyes and gives you a benchmark of where you’re at. But to be welcomed as I did at AKA by DC and by Harv and by the boys, couldn’t ask for anything better.”

As far as looking at himself, Tuivasa says he is in top shape coming into this fight. He took some time to explain what has changed for him.

“I stopped eating KFC for a but, you know, “Tuivasa said. “Just taking it a bit more professional. I’m a bit of a clown, I like to have fun but three losses will kick you in the a–.”

UFC 254 takes place on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, live from Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. Follow along with FanSided MMA, who is cage-side for the event, for all your live news and highlights.

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