Tai Tuivasa moves quickly towards UFC return following six straight defeats

15 Mar 2026 • 11:19 PM MYT
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Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Tai Tuivasa is hoping to finally snap his six-fight losing streak, and he may have found the right matchup to do it.

Australian fighters do not often get the chance to compete during prime time at home, but that is changing with UFC Perth. The event will align with the local time zone, giving fans a rare opportunity to watch live without staying up late or waking up early.

Fans are in for a treat as one of Australia’s favourite heavyweights, Tuivasa, returns to the Octagon. This fight is a crucial final chance for him to remain in the UFC, as he faces Sean Sharaf.

The 32-year-old will be defending his spot in the top 15 against an opponent who has yet to secure a win in the big leagues.

Tai Tuivasa set for return at UFC Perth

image is not available
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Tuivasa is set to make his return to the Octagon at UFC Perth, where he will face Sharaf. He has been out of form with six straight losses, but it was not long ago that he had climbed all the way into the top five of the heavyweight division.

The event is set to be headlined by Jack Della Maddalena taking on Carlos Prates, a fight that marks Maddalena’s first appearance since losing his welterweight title to Islam Makhachev last November at Madison Square Garden.

In other confirmed bouts, Tim Elliott will go up against Steve Erceg, while Junior Tafa takes on Kevin Christian in what could be a crucial moment for both fighters. Jacob Malkoun vs. Gerald Meerschaert and Cam Rowston vs. Robert Bryczek round out the additions.

Tuivasa, known for his entertaining fighting style and power, has not recorded a knockout win since February 2022 when he stunned Derrick Lewis in Houston. Calls for him to step away from the sport grew louder following his recent loss in Sydney to Talison Teixeira.

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