Tai Tuivasa Favourite to Equal Unwanted Record

Tai Tuivasa returns at UFC 331 for his 25th MMA fight, and somehow, he’s still a member of the UFC roster. Why this is the case, no one knows. The Australian fan favourite is on a seven-fight losing skid and is without a win since 2022.

If he loses again in Los Angeles, he’ll equal Tony Ferguson’s record of eight losses on the bounce.

Tai Tuivasa’s Uphill Battle

Tai Tuivasa has an uphill battle on his hands ahead of UFC 331. Although his opponent won’t be looking to take him down, unlike so many before him, he’s a far superior striker to Bam Bam.

Standing across from Tuivasa will be the returning, hungry Robelis Despaigne. The Cuban-born striker left the UFC with a record of 1-2, but since leaving, he’s been on a tear. He went 7-0 in Karate Combat, winning the heavyweight title in his final fight with the promotion. Not only did he win, but he did so in devastating fashion on six occasions. In his first three fights with Karate Combat, he spent a total of just 24 seconds in the pit.

Despaigne will enjoy a five-fight height advantage and a nine-inch reach advantage, and he should be able to utilise it against Tuivasa.

Tuivasa will enter the bout as a +400 underdog, which suggests he’s likely to equal Tony Ferguson’s record.

Prediction

Robelis Despaigne is too accurate, too spiteful and simply too good for Tuivasa. Expect a quick fight with Despaigne coming away with his hand raised.

Tuivasa has to get on the inside, but when he does, he’ll be open to getting clipped. If he can get on the inside, Despaigne’s footwork is too effective, and he won’t allow the Australian to get on the inside and try to land his bombs. 

Despaigne to win within the first two minutes, and Tuivasa to be cut from the promotion.