Heavyweight action at UFC 269 saw Tai Tuivasa looking to add another win to his impressive streak against Augusto Sakai, who for his part was looking to pull out of a tailspin.
While back-to-back losses against Alistair Overeem and Jairzinho Rozenstruik weren’t anything to be ashamed of, Sakai had, to that point, been on the cusp of contendership. A third consecutive loss would likely eliminate any hope of that for the foreseeable future.
Both fighters touched gloves to get the fight started— the first strike thrown, a check hook by Tuivasa that just missed. A low kick from Sakai came after Tuivasa jabbed. Both men exchanged low kicks that missed. Tuivasa hit Sakai with a body shot which made Sakai clinch. Tuivasa controlled Sakai against the fence and threw a couple of elbows. Both men broke, and Tuivasa landed an uppercut. Tuivasa then put Sakai against the fence again. Sakai tried for a trip, but Tuivasa defended. Sakai landed some knees from the clinch, and Tuivasa responded with elbows. The round ended with both fighters against the fence.
The second round started with Tuivasa landing a check left lead hook that hurt Sakai. After that, Tuivasa rushed him and landed several combos, and then a right hand that put Sakai’s lights out.
BAM BAM DOES IT AGAIN 💣
[ @BamBamTuivasa | #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/UdC0pgmVvZ
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Make it four straight wins for Tai Tuivasa. With his popularity surging, it’s likely he’s due for a step up in competition in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Especially given he’s finished all four of those wins, three KOs and a TKO among them.
Following the fight, Tuivasa celebrated with his traditional shoey, which western fans have clearly come to love.
You know the drill! 😂@bambamtuivasa hits the shoey! 👟 🍺#UFC269 pic.twitter.com/zbLUHGOgLW
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) December 12, 2021
Official Result: Tai Tuivasa def. Augusto Sakai by knockout (punch), Round 2, 0:26
