Tai Tuivasa’s homecoming date is in jeopardy.
UFC Perth was supposed to feature the Australian heavyweight taking on Sean Sharaf on the main card, but Sharaf announced Wednesday via social media that he has been forced to withdraw from the May 2 bout due to injury.
See Sharaf’s post below.
“Sorry guys, I fractured my nose and won’t be able to fight May 2,” Sharaf wrote in an accompanying caption. “Going to get it fixed look forward to getting back in there soon.”
It is not yet known if the promotion will seek a new opponent for Tuivasa to stay on the UFC Perth card or if he will be re-booked for a future event.
Tuivasa (14-9) is mired in the worst slump of his career with six straight losses dating back to 2022. “Bam Bam” had previously surged into the contender picture with five straight wins, including a knockout of Derrick Lewis, but now finds himself closer to the bottom of the rankings than a title shot. He appeared to have a favorable matchup in Sharaf, who is just 4-2 and is yet to have his hand raised in two UFC appearances.
Now, if Tuivasa is to produce a highlight in his native Australia, the matchmakers will have to get to work on finding him a new opponent soon.
UFC Perth takes place May 2 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena headlines opposite Carlos Prates.
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