UFC cult hero Tai ‘Bam Bam’ Tuivasa has confirmed his return to the octagon and is at the moment in coaching forward of UFC 325 right here in Sydney on the February 1, 2026.
Over the weekend, Tuivasa additionally made a return to the soccer subject for the primary time in over 12 years, dusting off his boots and operating out with the FTA group within the Nines Premier League 9PL, Wenty Leagues Sydney Qualifier.
The 32 yr outdated admits he did not inform his MMA coaches till the final minute however says he ‘positively acquired a run round, acquired a little bit of a sweat up and had enjoyable’.
FTA made it to the Grand Closing reserving a spot within the 9PL event on the Gold Coast on the finish of January.
“It was an ideal expertise, good to place the boots on however it is perhaps one other 12 years earlier than I put the boots on once more” he laughed.
“Needed to do it for the FTA group, for my neighborhood, for my individuals … I grew up taking part in soccer so that is one thing that jogs my memory of dwelling”
Though Tuivasa has been on hiatus since his final combat on the UFC 305 card in August 2024, he’s nonetheless ranked #12 and has stayed lively in different methods.
In Might 2024, the proud Samoan/Indigenous Australian fighter teamed up together with his brother Logan and received the Wonderful Race Australia Movie star Version 2024 donating their $100,000 prize cash to their chosen charity, the ‘Sydney Area Aboriginal Company’.
Lately he teamed up with RunNation house owners to deliver the newest model of the hybrid sport to life.
Trials had been held at Carriageworks in Sydney for the game which relies off the Run it Straight and RunIt Championship league competitions which first popped up in Australia and New Zealand final yr.
The competitors is anticipated to launch in early 2026.
“It’s thrilling, enjoyable and it’ll positively go away you on the sting of your chair with two huge people operating straight at one another – I adore it” he stated in an interview with So Sydney.
There was controversy regarding the collision sport and its predecessors’ occasions with New Zealand Rugby warning of serious threat of harm and medical professionals warning of elevated threat of creating neurodegenerative situations reminiscent of dementia, motor neurone illness and power traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Security has been an enormous precedence for Tuivasa and the house owners and so they have put in place various security measures for his or her newest enterprise.
Mind 4 Life, a neurological well being organisation centered on concussion analysis and CTE prevention have come onboard, and athletes may have insurance coverage cowl for dental, damaged bones, critical harm, surgical procedure and unintended loss of life.
Opponents might want to bear pre-event medical clearance, a full medical evaluation, harm disclosure, baseline concussion and cognitive exams and have sign-off from accredited sports activities medical workers.
If they aren’t cleared, they won’t be allowed to take part.
On website there will likely be an on-ground medical group together with physician, paramedic-level workers, referees educated in first assist, CPR and affect evaluation in addition to instantaneous harm analysis stations.
Organisers will observe strict concussion and affect protocols together with quick stoppage for suspected concussion, on-site neurological checks, obligatory relaxation intervals if signs are current, impartial medical clearance required to return, and digital monitoring of prior hits to forestall cumulative head trauma.
“Clearly our fundamental care is for the runners and their security so we have taken all precautions and coated all that facet of the sport” stated Tuivasa in an interview with So Sydney.
“It is affect and security, multi function”
Lately, Tuivasa has made some strikes outdoors of sport and teamed up with 4 different Indigenous companies within the medicinal hashish area.
He had his first product launch right here in Australia by means of three way partnership with the primary Indigenous-owned firms accredited by NSW Well being to check and validate medicinal hashish — Kaizen, and The Australian Indigenous Analysis Basis.
A standard smoking ceremony was held just lately in Appin, New South Wales on the launch.
Tuivasa stated he is proud to be a part of a collective of Indigenous-led firms working collectively the precise manner.
“This partnership is not about making medicinal claims or pushing merchandise — that is not my lane,” he stated.
“It is about backing native growers, supporting cultural management within the area and serving to construct a provide chain that is respectful, clear and neighborhood centered.”
For Tuivasa the three way partnership is straightforward.
“Good individuals coming collectively, every bringing their strengths, holding every thing straight up and finished correctly.” he stated
“That is the one manner I work.”
Particulars on Tuivasa’s return combat with the UFC are but to be introduced, however the card will function the return of Alexander Volkanovski headlining the line-up the place he’ll defend his featherweight title in opposition to Diego Lopes.
Tuivasa is anticipated to be amongst a line-up of fellow Australian and New Zealand fighters.
“I am so excited to see what this subsequent half of my profession seems to be like. I am nonetheless younger … I’ve had my lil break and I am prepared for what subsequent yr’s gunna deliver” he stated by way of Instagram.
“Whoever I am preventing subsequent, come prepared.”
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