Junior Tafa was supposed to face Chris Barnett in a fun heavyweight match-up at Saturday’s UFC Vegas 98. However, with Hurricane Milton baring down on Florida, Barnett, residing in the impacted area, was forced out of the fight – replaced by the 4-0 Sean Sharaf making his promotional debut on short notice.
When the fight started Sharaf marched forward. He caught Tafa against the cage and landed a big right hand. Another quick one-two from Sharaf as he was getting right after it. Tafa was composed and was countering. Sharaf went for a takedown but a horrible fence grab from Tafa kept it up. Another takedown attempt from Sharaf and he landed it but wasn’t able to keep it there. As things started to settle down Sharaf was picking his shots and Tafa was focused on waiting for his opportunity. He was maybe waiting around too long letting Sharaf tee off on his with combinations. Tafa would land a left hook that got the attention of Sharaf. Tafa would turn up his tempo and was getting more of a reaction when he would land. Out of nowhere Tafa just seemed to completely drain his gas tank. He let Sharaf get the takedown and ended the round with Sharaf smashing him with ground and pound. The bell definitely saved Tafa from a TKO loss.
In round two Tafa came forward with a right hand. Tafa was extremely gassed but Sharaf was tired as well. Tafa landed another right that got a big reaction out of Sharaf. Tafa went off with a barrage of punches along the cage but let Sharaf off the hook. Not long though as Tafa landed another right that backed Sharaf against the cage seeing stars. That time Tafa didn’t let off as he was relentless with punches, including uppercuts, along the cage. Sharaf never went down but wasn’t defending himself and the ref eventually stepped in.
Official Result: Junior Tafa def. Sean Sharaf by TKO (punches), Round 2, 2:15
