Tai Tuivasa continued his dream run in the UFC after he scored another sensational KO at UFC 269. ‘Bam Bam’ caught Augusto Sakai cleanly on the chin with a barrage of strikes and knocked him out in round two. Sakai’s legs folded under him and he crumbled to the canvas after being touched on the chin.
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Sakai is known as a slower, plotting heavyweight, and many fans believed he would fall to Tuivasa’s speed. Once the Australian found his rhythm, he was able to tee off on Sakai with the utmost ease and kept finding his chin.
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HE SLEPT HIM 😱 @bambamtuivasa #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/4TpdxI3TVk
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 12, 2021
Tuivasa has knocked out his last four opponents in a row now and his popularity in the MMA community has surged. However, his uptake in fame isn’t limited to just the MMA world anymore. Thanks to his over-the-top ‘Shoey’ celebration, Tuivasa has become one of the most exciting figures in the sport.
SHOEY-VASA!!! 🍺 👟 #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/uVvXE4n27w
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 12, 2021
Following his most recent ‘Shoey’ celebration that involves chugging beer straight out of a shoe, fans truly went wild. In fact, famed WWE wrestling superstar, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, also known for his affinity for beer, commented on Tuivasa’s celebration. He provided an A+ grade for Tai Tuivasa’s celebration and it’s safe to say was more than impressed.
'Stone Cold' approved the technique by @bambamtuivasa 💯 #UFC269
(via @steveaustinBSR h/t @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/ESnT2GbxmZ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 12, 2021
Can Tai Tuivasa make a legitimate run for the belt?
Given his four-fight win streak with four knockouts, it’s becoming harder to overlook Tai Tuivasa. His affable personality and post-fight ‘Shoey’ celebrations make some fans believe he’s simply an entertaining slugger. However, said fans may have to start considering Tuivasa a real threat to become a title contender.
He has shown several improvements to his overall game, and it has translated into some legitimate success. Before beginning his win streak, he had lost three fights in a row and many fans had written him off completely.
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While he still needs to be tested against the upper echelon of the division, Tuivasa may well be on his way towards contention. His next fight booking will be a good indication as to his ceiling as a marquee contender.
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