Australian heavyweight Tai Tuivasa was expecting to face Don’Tale Mayes at UFC Vegas 22 on Saturday. While that was no longer happening after Mayes withdrew from the fight, “Bam Bam” was happy to stay on the card this week — even offering to buy short notice replacement opponent Harry Hunsucker a drink when all was said and done.
First up, of course, were the fisticuffs. For as long as they lasted.
The big men went right at it Saturday, but it was Tuivasa getting the better of things. The first round knockout came after a number of low kicks from Tuivasa. Hunsucker fired back, with some very fast hands at first. But after another low kick or two, Hunsucker was soon off-balance. Tuivasa landed a solid short right that rocked Hunsucker, then a second that sent him down. The newcomer and Contender Series vet did hang on a little, trying to cover up and get out of harm’s way, but Tai Tuivasa’s punishing blows were just too much.
BAM 💥 BAM 💥
🇦🇺 @BamBamTuivasa gets it done in RD 1!
[ #UFCVegas22 – LIVE on ESPN2 & #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/2JERxxKe06
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2021
By the end of the fight, the biggest commentary was on the lack of a beer, or shoe, for Tuivasa to take his traditional celebratory “shoey” out of.
Official Result: Tai Tuivasa def. Harry Hunsucker by TKO, Round 1, 0:49
