After a disastrous weight cut led to the cancellation of his bout at UFC Perth, a seasoned UFC fighter with ten appearances is stepping away from the sport indefinitely.
The UFC Fight Night event in Australia this September faced numerous challenges, with the fight card shrinking from fifteen to twelve scheduled bouts in the weeks leading up to the event.
The final cancellation was a main card heavyweight clash between Justin Tafa and debutant Louie Sutherland. Sutherland, the Scottish competitor, stated that Tafa became ill and couldn`t make weight, prompting some fans to demand that the UFC release Tafa due to his recurring issues with the scales.
While it`s unclear if UFC management made that decision, “Bad Man” Tafa will not be competing in the Octagon again in the near future.
Justin Tafa Announces Hiatus from Fighting Following Recent Weight Cut Troubles
Justin Tafa boasts a UFC record of four wins in ten fights. Notably, all seven of “Bad Man`s” professional victories have been secured by knockout.
Following his most recent pre-fight setback, these career statistics might very well remain unchanged permanently.
Via an Instagram post, Tafa disclosed his intention to take a break from fighting after the UFC Perth incident, even acknowledging the possibility of never returning.
“I`m stepping away from this fight game,” Tafa wrote.
He elaborated, “My body and mind require time to heal; six major surgeries in the last three years take their toll. It`s time to enjoy other aspects of life for now and watch my children grow. Thank you, @ufc, for the good times I`ve had.”
Tafa added, “God willing, if I do return to fight, I`ll be much healthier and able to showcase my true potential. If not, then God has a different path planned for me. I am grateful for all the support and love; you all encouraged me when I felt I couldn`t continue. What an incredible journey 🙏🏾❤️ #badmantafa.”
Justin Tafa`s Previous Struggles with Weight and Unwanted UFC Record
Interestingly, even as a heavyweight, Tafa`s recent weight problem before UFC Perth wasn`t his initial failure to meet the 266-pound non-title fight limit.
In 2021, Tafa became the first UFC heavyweight ever to miss weight, registering 267 pounds for his bout against Harry Hunsucker at UFC Vegas 45. Despite this, the Australian knockout specialist still competed and swiftly dispatched his opponent with a head kick.
A year after “Bad Man” Tafa established that unwelcome record, Chris Barnett became the second heavyweight to miss weight. “Beastboy” was 1.5 pounds above the limit before securing a knockout victory over Jake Collier at UFC 279.
