Sydney, Australia – UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa is back fighting at home in Sydney on a big pay-per-view card in a big fight for the division against Alexander Volkov at UFC 293 on Saturday night.
If you asked Tuivasa about it though you’d think you asked him about his latest walk in the park.
“I’m pumped. It’s been 6 years since I fought in Sydney. My debut,” Tuivasa told reporters on Wednesday.
“Camp’s been awesome. I trained in Sydney. I trained at home. It’s been awesome. Ready to get out there put a show on for the Aussies and get this party going.”
For his first fight back at home Tuivasa has drawn the very tall Volkov who holds a 5-inch height advantage. Tuivasa has fought and beaten taller opponents before.
“I think it’s a great opponent. I think it’s going to be a great fight. Obviously everyone knows how big he is and I don’t think he’s going to do to well with me on his chest. I’m coming forward. There ain’t really much game plan. Get in there, f*cking smack on, and then after party,” he said.
This is the first, and possibly only, fight for Tuivasa in 2023. Strange from a man who is used to fighting three times a year.
“I needed a break. The last Russian crushed my face in so I had to have a bit of time off. I missed my family, I missed home, I’m not from much you know. So family and the area means a lot to me,” he said.
“I needed home. I needed to go home. So I went home. I feel good now, and I’m f*cking ready to roll.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Tai Tuivasa above. He takes on Alexander Volkov at UFC 293 on Saturday night.
