MMA Match Preview: Junior Tafa (6-4) vs. Billy Elekana (9-2)
The light heavyweight division takes center stage in the prelims of UFC 325 as Australian heavyweight-turned-light heavyweight Junior “The Juggernaut” Tafa (6-4-0) faces American newcomer Billy “Son of Susie” Elekana (9-2-0) in a 3-round bout. Tafa, a former Rizin fighter and UFC mainstay, looks to rebound from a string of losses and injuries with a home-crowd win in Sydney, leveraging his size and power. Elekana, making his UFC debut after a strong regional run, aims to capitalize on his grappling and submission skills for a statement upset. This matchup pits Tafa’s striking and experience against Elekana’s well-rounded game, potentially leading to an early finish if either lands big or a grinding decision if it hits the mat.
Venue Location
The fight will be held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This 21,000-capacity multi-purpose arena, formerly known as Allphones Arena, is a premier venue for UFC events in Australia, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting high-profile cards like UFC 293.
Ringwalks start at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT / 1:00 PM AEDT on February 1 local time). Prelims, including Tafa vs. Elekana, begin at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 11:00 AM AEDT on February 1). Ring walks for this prelim bout are expected early in the prelims, around 7:30-8:00 PM ET (4:30-5:00 PM PT / 11:30 AM-12:00 PM AEDT). The event airs live on Paramount+ for prelims and main card, with international streaming available.
Injury Report
Both fighters enter without reported injuries for this bout, but Tafa’s recent history warrants note. No last-minute issues have surfaced in fight week previews.
Junior Tafa:
Suffered an injury that scrapped his co-main event vs. Ibo Aslan at UFC Fight Night 260 in Perth on September 18, 2025. The injury was undisclosed but forced withdrawal; he has since recovered fully and completed camp without setbacks. His brother Justin Tafa also dealt with injuries and weight-cut issues in 2025, but Junior appears healthy.
Billy Elekana:
No reported injuries in his career or leading into this debut. Elekana has shown durability, with no stoppage losses and a history of finishing fights without apparent health concerns.
Fighter Matchups
This light heavyweight prelim bout contrasts Tafa’s heavyweight power and striking with Elekana’s grappling and submission threat, in a classic veteran-vs-debutant dynamic at 205 pounds.
Junior Tafa (age 29, 6’3″, 75″ reach, orthodox): A former professional kickboxer and boxer, Tafa brings massive size (often over 250 lbs) and knockout power, excelling in stand-up with heavy hooks and clinch work. His 67% KO rate stems from raw strength, but he struggles with wrestling defense and cardio in prolonged fights. Weaknesses include vulnerability to takedowns (taken down in 4 of 6 UFC fights) and slower footwork against grapplers.
Billy Elekana (age 30, 6’2″ estimated, reach not listed, orthodox): A well-rounded fighter with strong grappling, Elekana uses rear-naked chokes and ground control to finish (multiple submission wins). His striking is solid but not elite, with a 44% KO rate in wins. Weaknesses include facing lower-level competition regionally and potential debut jitters against a power puncher like Tafa.
Key Stylistic Clash: Tafa’s stand-up power and size vs. Elekana’s grappling and submissions. Tafa must keep it standing to land bombs; Elekana needs takedowns to control and submit.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Tafa’s home advantage and one-punch KO threat favor him early; Elekana’s grappling edge and durability (no KO losses) offer upset potential if it hits the mat.
X-Factor: Tafa’s recent inactivity due to injury—if ring rust shows, Elekana’s grappling could capitalize; if Tafa lands early, his power ends it quickly.
Recent Form
Tafa has struggled in the UFC with losses but shows power, while Elekana enters on a win streak from regionals.
Junior Tafa (Last 5: L W L L W):
September 18, 2025: Injury withdrawal vs. Ibo Aslan (no contest, but injury setback).
May 10, 2025: UD 3 loss vs. Tuco Tokkos (exposed grappling weaknesses).
February 15, 2025: KO 1 win vs. Marcos Rogério de Lima (statement power shot).
November 16, 2024: UD 3 loss vs. Mohammed Usman.
August 3, 2024: UD 3 loss vs. Karl Williams.
Form Notes: 2-3 in last 5 UFC fights, with 1 KO win; power evident but grappling issues persist.
Billy Elekana (Last 5: W W L W W):
November 1, 2025: RNC 1 win vs. Kevin Christian (quick submission).
July 26, 2025: UD 3 win (details sparse, but continued streak).
Earlier 2025: Loss to Bogdan Guskov via guillotine (Round 2 submission, his second career loss).
Prior: Multiple submission wins in regionals like Fierce FC.
Form Notes: 4-1 in last 5, with 2 submissions; strong grappling but tested in loss to Guskov.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Tafa and Elekana, with no prior head-to-head encounters or shared opponents. Tafa’s UFC tenure (since 2023) meets Elekana’s UFC debut after a regional run, making this a fresh matchup in light heavyweight.
FIGHT ODDS
Junior Tafa + 180
Billy Elekana – 210
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2026
