2 months ago
2 Tai Tuivasa ended his three-fight losing streak at UFC 254 with a buzzer-beating knockout of Stefan Struve on Fight Island.
Struve, the 7ft heavyweight known as ‘Skyscraper’, struggled to deal with the constant grinding and pressure from his fatter, smaller opponent from the very first bell.
Struve was knocked out by Tuivasa at UFC 254Getty Images - GettyTuivasa unleashed a vicious uppercut on the Dutchman after a barrage of body punches as his inside fighting proved too much.
Referee Jason Herzog had no choice but to put a stop to the bout with two seconds remaining of the very first round, prompting wild celebrations from ‘Bam Bam’ and his team.
However, the Australian was denied the opportunity to perform his traditional ‘shoey’ after officials stopped the 27-year-old from getting out of the cage to celebrate in his usual manner.
The ‘shoey’ (which involves downing a pint from a shoe) was finally completed backstage, much to the delight of Tuivasa and his team.
The fight difference was clear for all to see before, during and after the heavyweight boutGetty Images - Getty“It’s been a while, been a while,” Tuivasa said after saving his UFC career. “It’s good to be back.”
Struve, the tallest fighter in UFC history, has been with the organisation for more than a decade and has now lost his last two fights in a row.
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