Fresh off his UFC 271 win against Derreck Lewis, Tai Tuivasa has set his sights on arguably the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time
Tai Tuivasa rose to stardom this February, when he knocked out the most decorated UFC knockout artist in Derrick Lewis. The already popular fighter, cemented himself in a pole position in the talent-stacked division with this monumental victory.
Having won his last five fights in a row by knockout, Tuivasa is probably a win away from getting a title shot- and he has identified Stipe Miocic as an opponent for that. Stipe Miocic, arguably the greatest heavyweight fighter of all time, is coming off a knockout loss to the champion Francis Ngannou.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Tuivasa said,
“I think the other guys around the clock, I think we’re gonna be around for a few more years and out of respect, I think I would love to share the ring with him, and I think I’m up there for a chance of it, so why not? He’s a great fighter, someone I’ve watched for many years and someone I’d definitely love to challenge myself against.”
He continued, “I’m on a five-fight streak now, and now I’m No. 3 . It’s not that hard. Stipe is in front and like I said, it’s somebody I’d love to challenge myself against, especially that it’s somebody that I’ve seen do his thing for many years. And, well, he’s still in front of me at the end of the day, someone I’d like to go against.”
Tuivasa vs Miocic makes for another fan-friendly fight, and a win against an octagon legend of this stature not just guarantees Tuivasa a title shot, but will also be an important addition to his legacy.
Rumor – Miocic vs Tuivasa in the works for July PPV
Rumors have emerged from multiple sources that a potential heavyweight bout between Tai Tuivasa and Stipe Miocic is reportedly under works for UFC 276.
Tuivasa had expressed his desire to fight Miocic, and the UFC seems to have bought the idea completely. It has been reported on various sources that the fight is in the offing, and might happen sooner than expected.
UFC 276 will take place on 2nd July at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas as part of the 10th anniversary of International Fight Week.
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