MMA Match Preview: Junior Tafa (6-3) vs. Tuco Tukkos (10-5)

The Main Card of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Teixeira kicks off with a high-octane clash between Australian knockout artist Junior “The Juggernaut” Tafa (6–3) and England’s gritty grappler Tuco Tokkos (10–5) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Both fighters are hungry for momentum—Tafa seeks back-to-back wins, while Tokkos is desperate to secure his first UFC victory.

Fight Details

Event	Info
Date	Saturday, July 12, 2025
Location	Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Time	Main Card ~9:00 PM ET
Broadcast	ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass
Weight Class	Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
Rounds	3

Fighter Breakdown

🇦🇺 Junior Tafa

Age: 28

Height/Reach: 6’3″ / 75″

Stance: Orthodox

Record: 6–3 (6 KO)

Recent Form: TKO win over Sean Sharaf; prior losses to Valter Walker and Marcos Rogério de Lima

Strengths: Muay Thai pedigree, explosive power, takedown defense (77%)

Weaknesses: Cardio past Round 2, limited grappling offense

Tafa is a classic brawler with elite finishing instincts—all six wins by KO, none past Round 2. His striking accuracy (49%) and ability to absorb damage make him dangerous early.

🇬🇧 Tuco Tokkos

Age: 35

Height/Reach: 6’4″ / 76″

Stance: Orthodox

Record: 10–5 (6 KO, 2 SUB)

Recent Form: Decision loss to Navajo Stirling; submission loss to Oumar Sy

Strengths: Wrestling pressure, top control, submission setups

Weaknesses: Striking defense (48%), absorbs 4.99 strikes/min, takedown defense (33%)

Tokkos is a durable grinder who thrives in scrambles and clinch exchanges. He averages 2.65 takedowns per 15 minutes, but struggles to avoid damage on the feet.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Tafa	Tokkos
Strikes Landed/Min	3.36	2.51
Striking Accuracy	49%	38%
Strikes Absorbed/Min	2.84	4.99
Takedown Accuracy	0%	40%
Takedown Defense	77%	33%
UFC Finish Rate	100%	80%

Key Storylines

KO vs Control: Tafa’s knockout power vs Tokkos’ grappling grind—who imposes their style first?

Cardio Watch: Tafa has never won past Round 2; Tokkos thrives in longer fights but absorbs heavy damage early.

Redemption Stakes: Tokkos is 0–2 in the UFC and fighting to stay on the roster; Tafa wants to prove he’s more than a first-round finisher.

Bad Blood: Tafa withdrew from a prior scheduled bout with Tokkos—expect intensity from the opening bell.