Struggling UFC heavyweight reveals he is over 55 lbs above division’s limit: ‘I need to get fit’

Tai Tuivasa has some work to do if he intends to continue competing in the UFC heavyweight division.

Australia’s Tuivasa, 32, has twice had the look of a future heavyweight title challenger in the UFC. He joined the UFC roster in 2017, and after wins in his first three Octagon appearances, looked like he was ready to fight the division’s elite. Unfortunately, he then lost three straight fights, and two by stoppage, which looked like the end of his title ambition.

In a miraculous twist, Tuivasa then proved he was just getting started. After three-straight losses, the Aussie rattled off five-straight wins, including stoppages of reputable names in Augusto Sakai and Derrick Lewis. After that run, fans were ready to call him a title contender again. Unfortunately, it was followed by the worst run of his UFC career. He then loss five straight fights, to Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura, and lastly, Jairzinho Rozenstruik. He was stopped in all of the losses, except for the last, his split decision defeat to Rozenstruik.

After five straight losses, most fighter would be cut from the UFC. However, Tuivasa is still part of the promotion’s roster. That’s likely due to a few factors. First and foremost: the UFC has failed spectacularly at signing heavyweights in the last few years. There are 15 fighters in the division’s rankings, and barely more than that on the roster, so you are pretty much guaranteed to be ranked if you can win a fight or two. Second, Tuivasa is both entertaining and popular, which also helped him keep his job.

Tai Tuivasa talks plans for UFC comeback

That being said, Tuivasa desperately needs a win in his next fight if he wants to stay with the UFC, and from the sounds of it, he’s not exactly “locked in” as the kids say. In fact, he’s currently almost 60 lbs over the 265-pound heavyweight limit. To be precise, he told Ariel Helwani he’s hovering around 308 lbs at the moment.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Helwani Show, Tuivasa explained how much work he has to do if he intends to return to the UFC.

“I’m aiming [to return] for the start of next year,” he said, while revealing he currently weighs 308 lbs (via Championship Rounds). “I need to get back in the gym, I need to get fit.”

Do you think Tai Tuivasa still has a championship run in him?