New Zealand’s Junior Tafa looked to snap a two-fight skid at UFC Perth when he took on Kevin Christian in light heavyweight action.
The former heavyweight was 0-2 since returning to the weight class for the first time since his very first pro fight. Christian was 0-1 in the UFC and looking for his first victory inside the octagon after losing to a shared opponent in Tafa in Billy Elekana.
Christian employed some nasty leg kicks early, which forced Tafa to change stances. He wasn’t loving those, but let his hands fly, forcing Christian to retreat. Each kick, which was being thrown naked, was followed by a Tafa flurry. More than once, he chased Christian, and finally caught him, getting on top and unleashing with smashing elbows! Before long, Christian went stiff, knocked out cold. The ref dove in, giving Junior Tafa his first victory since his October 2024 win over Sean Sharaf.
Tafa, whose brother Justin previously competed for the UFC, returns to the win column in violent fashion, and will earn at least $25,000 for the finish, depending on how the night’s 100K performance bonuses play out.
“I deserve that bonus, baby! I’m trying to get married at the end of the year,” Tafa called out following the victory.
Official Result: Junior Tafa def. Kevin Christian by knockout (elbows), Round 1, 2:42
