Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa last showing in the UFC octagon was in August of last year.
His hiatus from competition comes after five losses on the bounce which is easily the worst stretch of form in his professional career.
The heavyweight contender made an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show on Thursday. Speaking to Helwani, “Bam Bam” opened up about the effect his current losing streak has had on him and his team.
“It takes a toll on you, it takes a toll on your team. I needed to just get back to ground level,” he said.
Despite those defeats being against top-15 calibre opposition, Tuivasa remained adamant that he had the ability to win, but just couldn’t deliver on the night.
“After the last fight where I was like ‘I should’ve smashed him’, I was like ‘I needed a break’. I need to get back to why I want to do this,” he said.
“I feel much better now that I’ve had this break. It’s kind of grounded me in what I want to do.”
When does Tuivasa want to return?
In the time off, “Bam Bam” has been busy with multiple business ventures and is currently on tour in the United States.
However, he knows that a return to fighting is imminent and vows to take all the steps necessary to get back to the top of the division.
“We’re fighters, it’s naturally in me, I’m kind of missing it now,” he said.
“I need to get back in the gym, I need to get fit, I need to get ready,”
“I want to aim for the start of next year.”
The Western Sydney product admitted that he is not currently in the physical shape he needs to be to make a splash upon his return.
“Oh, shoot, I’d be 140 [kg] easy,” he said.
“Bam Bam” has never had a problem making the weight limit for his fights and is giving himself the runway to get back to fighting condition in early 2026.
The UFC’s heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux because current champion Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall are still yet to fight.
With nothing in the books yet, or any sign of that matchup being finalised, there is a window of opportunity for contenders to make their way into the title picture to reveal themselves as future challengers for the belt.
Tuivasa believes he has the skills to get back to the top and make a run at whoever is the champion by the time he returns.
“I’ve got something to prove. I’m not done yet,” he said.
If he can steady the ship with a win to kickoff the new year, who knows what 2026 could have in store for the Aussie.
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