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Filling in against Nzechukwu
Tafa will fight Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC 308 on October 26 in place of Marcos Rogerio de Lima, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
De Lima was dropped from the fight for unspecified reasons, and rather than taking the scheduled bout off the card altogether, Tafa was chosen as a replacement. The 6-foot Kiwi will head into the bout hoping to bounce back after a decision loss to Karl Williams in March. Tafa will give up a sizable height and reach advantage against Nzechukwu and will undoubtedly be hoping for an early finish, as he holds an impressive 7-1 professional record in KO/TKO finishes, as opposed to his less-than-stellar 0-3 record in decisions.
De Lima was dropped from the fight for unspecified reasons, and rather than taking the scheduled bout off the card altogether, Tafa was chosen as a replacement. The 6-foot Kiwi will head into the bout hoping to bounce back after a decision loss to Karl Williams in March. Tafa will give up a sizable height and reach advantage against Nzechukwu and will undoubtedly be hoping for an early finish, as he holds an impressive 7-1 professional record in KO/TKO finishes, as opposed to his less-than-stellar 0-3 record in decisions.
Unable to pull upset in Vegas
Tafa lost to Karl Williams via unanimous decision (27-30, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Tafa had multiple chances to legitimately win this fight, particularly in Round 3. To the surprise of absolutely no one, he was the more effective and powerful striker. Yet, his inability to defend a takedown cost him in the end. Tafa gave up 7-of-12 attempts for 10:31 worth of control time. His best chance to spring the upset came in the final frame after a few huge blows landed, but Williams just held on for dear life until he got Justin to the mat. Tafa is fun to watch because he's a huge man with elite knockout power, but in reality, he's just a one-dimensional brawler who is going to struggle every single time if he isn't able to put his opponent away. He falls to 4-4 (1NC) in his first nine UFC bouts.
Tafa had multiple chances to legitimately win this fight, particularly in Round 3. To the surprise of absolutely no one, he was the more effective and powerful striker. Yet, his inability to defend a takedown cost him in the end. Tafa gave up 7-of-12 attempts for 10:31 worth of control time. His best chance to spring the upset came in the final frame after a few huge blows landed, but Williams just held on for dear life until he got Justin to the mat. Tafa is fun to watch because he's a huge man with elite knockout power, but in reality, he's just a one-dimensional brawler who is going to struggle every single time if he isn't able to put his opponent away. He falls to 4-4 (1NC) in his first nine UFC bouts.
Takes place of brother
Tafa will now take on Karl Williams in a heavyweight matchup at UFC Vegas 89 on March 23, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Tafa was forced to withdraw from a UFC 298 fight against Marcos Rogerio de Lima, but his brother Junior stepped in to take his place on short notice. Junior happened to have an upcoming fight scheduled against Williams, so now Justin will take his place in what's basically an opponent swap. Tafa will have the edge in both experience and volume striking, but Williams is a far better wrestler, and is also 2-0 against lesser UFC heavyweights.
Tafa was forced to withdraw from a UFC 298 fight against Marcos Rogerio de Lima, but his brother Junior stepped in to take his place on short notice. Junior happened to have an upcoming fight scheduled against Williams, so now Justin will take his place in what's basically an opponent swap. Tafa will have the edge in both experience and volume striking, but Williams is a far better wrestler, and is also 2-0 against lesser UFC heavyweights.
Off UFC 298 due to injury
Tafa has withdrawn from his scheduled UFC 298 fight against Marcos Rogerio de Lima due to injury, Nolan King of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear what specific issue forced Tafa's withdrawal, but the two heavyweights will no longer throw down on the prelims. The UFC could choose to look for another opponent for Rogerio de Lima at a future date or re-book these two down the road.
It's unclear what specific issue forced Tafa's withdrawal, but the two heavyweights will no longer throw down on the prelims. The UFC could choose to look for another opponent for Rogerio de Lima at a future date or re-book these two down the road.
Next fight booked
Tafa will match up against Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 298 on Feb. 17, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Tafa emerged victorious over Austen Lane in September and he has drawn Marcos Rogerio de Lima for his next bout in February. The 29-year-old Australian is 3-0 in his last three fights (exempting a no contest in June of 2023).
Tafa emerged victorious over Austen Lane in September and he has drawn Marcos Rogerio de Lima for his next bout in February. The 29-year-old Australian is 3-0 in his last three fights (exempting a no contest in June of 2023).