Australian heavyweight Tai Tuivasa defeated Cyril Asker at UFC 221 on Saturday in an absolute mugging.
In his sophomore outing in the UFC, Australia’s Tai Tuivasa looked to build off his impressive debut at UFC Sydney last November. Getting the finish by flying knee against Rashad Coulter, how would ‘Bam Bam’ look in Perth Saturday at UFC 221? And how would France’s Cyril Asker deal with the 24-year old prospect?
The pair circled early once the bout was underway at the Perth Arena. Asker attacked, Tuivasa counterd, with both men throwing right hands. Tuivasa pushed forward, trying to cut off the cage. He came over the top with rights while tying Asker up on the fence. Tuiasa had him hurt, with huge rights and a big left. He went to the body, and then landed some hellish standing elbows for good measure. Asker showed a ton of heart just by staying on his feet, but he was being lit up and then some. Tuivasa began picking his shots, trying not to punch himself out. Asker was still rocked. Tuivasa landed a left, and another elbow. Asker was then flat out shoved to the ground by Tuivasa, face planted, and the ref had seen enough. Tai Tuivasa improved to 2-0 in the UFC with an absolute mugging.
Tai Tuivasa def. Cyril Asker by TKO, Round 1, 2:18
