UFC cult hero Tai ‘Bam Bam’ Tuivasa has confirmed his return to the octagon and is currently in training ahead of UFC 325 here in Sydney on the February 1, 2026.
Over the weekend, Tuivasa also made a return to the football field for the first time in over 12 years, dusting off his boots and running out with the FTA team in the Nines Premier League 9PL, Wenty Leagues Sydney Qualifier.
The 32 year old admits he didn’t tell his MMA coaches until the last minute but says he ‘definitely got a run around, got a bit of a sweat up and had fun’.
FTA made it to the Grand Final booking a place in the 9PL tournament on the Gold Coast at the end of January.
“It was a great experience, good to put the boots on but it might be another 12 years before I put the boots on again” he laughed.
“Had to do it for the FTA team, for my community, for my people … I grew up playing football so this is something that reminds me of home”
Although Tuivasa has been on hiatus since his last fight on the UFC 305 card in August 2024, he is still ranked #12 and has stayed active in other ways.
In May 2024, the proud Samoan/Indigenous Australian fighter teamed up with his brother Logan and won the Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition 2024 donating their $100,000 prize money to their chosen charity, the ‘Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation’.
Recently he teamed up with RunNation owners to bring the latest version of the hybrid sport to life.
Trials were held at Carriageworks in Sydney for the sport which is based off the Run it Straight and RunIt Championship league competitions which first popped up in Australia and New Zealand last year.
The competition is expected to launch in early 2026.
“It’s exciting, fun and it’ll definitely leave you on the edge of your chair with two massive humans running straight at each other – I love it” he said in an interview with So Sydney.
There has been controversy relating to the collision sport and its predecessors’ events with New Zealand Rugby warning of significant risk of injury and medical professionals warning of increased risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, motor neurone disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Safety has been a huge priority for Tuivasa and the owners and they have put in place a number of safety measures for their latest venture.
Brain 4 Life, a neurological health organisation focused on concussion research and CTE prevention have come onboard, and athletes will have insurance cover for dental, broken bones, serious injury, surgery and accidental death.
Competitors will need to undergo pre-event medical clearance, a full medical assessment, injury disclosure, baseline concussion and cognitive tests and have sign-off from accredited sports medical staff.
If they are not cleared, they will not be allowed to participate.
On site there will be an on-ground medical team including doctor, paramedic-level staff, referees trained in first aid, CPR and impact assessment as well as instant injury evaluation stations.
Organisers will follow strict concussion and impact protocols including immediate stoppage for suspected concussion, on-site neurological checks, mandatory rest periods if symptoms are present, independent medical clearance required to return, and digital tracking of prior hits to prevent cumulative head trauma.
“Obviously our main care is for the runners and their safety so we’ve taken all precautions and covered all that aspect of the game” said Tuivasa in an interview with So Sydney.
“It’s impact and safety, all in one”
Recently, Tuivasa has made some moves outside of sport and teamed up with four other Indigenous businesses in the medicinal cannabis space.
He had his first product launch here in Australia by way of joint venture with the first Indigenous-owned companies approved by NSW Health to test and validate medicinal cannabis — Kaizen, and The Australian Indigenous Research Foundation.
A traditional smoking ceremony was held recently in Appin, New South Wales at the launch.
Tuivasa said he’s proud to be part of a collective of Indigenous-led companies working together the right way.
“This partnership isn’t about making medicinal claims or pushing products — that’s not my lane,” he said.
“It’s about backing local growers, supporting cultural leadership in the space and helping build a supply chain that’s respectful, transparent and community focused.”
For Tuivasa the joint venture is simple.
“Good people coming together, each bringing their strengths, keeping everything straight up and done properly.” he said
“That’s the only way I work.”
Details on Tuivasa’s return fight with the UFC are yet to be announced, but the card will feature the return of Alexander Volkanovski headlining the line-up where he’ll defend his featherweight title against Diego Lopes.
Tuivasa is expected to be among a line-up of fellow Australian and New Zealand fighters.
“I’m so excited to see what this next half of my career looks like. I’m still young … I’ve had my lil break and I’m ready for what next year’s gunna bring” he said via Instagram.
“Whoever I’m fighting next, come ready.”
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