MMA Match Preview: Tai Tuivasa (15-8) vs. Tallison Teixeira (8-1)
Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa (15-8-0) faces Tallison “Xicão” Teixeira (8-1-0) in a heavyweight prelim bout at UFC 325, as Tuivasa aims to snap a five-fight losing streak in his hometown of Sydney against the towering Brazilian knockout artist making his third UFC appearance. Tuivasa, a fan-favorite slugger known for his shoeys and power, returns after a 17-month layoff with his career on the line, while Teixeira looks to rebound from a controversial first-round loss to Derrick Lewis and prove he’s a contender in the division. This matchup contrasts Tuivasa’s experience and durability with Teixeira’s size and finishing ability, potentially leading to a quick knockout if Teixeira lands early or a gritty decision if Tuivasa weathers the storm in a high-risk fight for both.
Venue Location
The fight will be held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This 21,000-capacity multi-purpose venue is a staple for UFC events Down Under, known for its passionate crowds and history of hosting high-profile Australian-led cards like UFC 293.
Ring walks are scheduled for 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT / 9:00 AM AEDT local time on February 1). Prelims follow at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 11:00 AM AEDT), and the main card at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT / 1:00 PM AEDT on February 1). As a main card bout, cage walks for Tuivasa vs. Teixeira are expected around 9:30-10:00 PM ET (6:30-7:00 PM PT / 1:30-2:00 PM AEDT on February 1). The event streams live on Paramount+ worldwide.
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into UFC 325. Tuivasa took a self-imposed layoff after his August 2024 loss to focus on weight management and training, with no health issues mentioned in recent updates. Teixeira withdrew from a scheduled UFC 310 fight in November 2025 due to an undisclosed injury but has since recovered and is cleared for this bout, completing camp without further setbacks.
Tai Tuivasa:
No active injuries; focused on cardio and weight during layoff.
Tallison Teixeira:
Recovered from undisclosed injury that canceled November 2025 fight; fully cleared.
Fighter Matchups
This heavyweight prelim bout contrasts Tuivasa’s veteran slugging and durability with Teixeira’s towering size and knockout power, creating a classic brawler-vs-giant dynamic at 265 pounds.
Tai Tuivasa (age 32, 6’2″, 75″ reach, southpaw): A fan-favorite brawler with a kickboxing base, Tuivasa excels in wild exchanges using heavy hooks, knees, and elbows. His style suits come-forward aggression and shoeys post-win, but recent losses highlight vulnerabilities to technical heavyweights who exploit his limited grappling. Weaknesses include poor takedown defense (taken down in 5 of last 7 fights) and fading cardio in prolonged bouts.
Tallison Teixeira (age 26, 6’7″-6’8″, 83″ reach, orthodox): A towering finisher with a BJJ base, Teixeira uses his massive frame for clinch work, elbows, and ground-and-pound. His style suits overwhelming with size and submissions (1 sub win), but his debut loss exposed chin concerns against power punchers. Weaknesses include slower footwork and potential cardio issues against veterans who survive early.
Key Stylistic Clash: Tuivasa’s southpaw brawling and hooks vs. Teixeira’s orthodox reach and elbows. Tuivasa must slip inside Teixeira’s reach for close-range chaos; Teixeira needs to use height for clinch dominance and knees.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Tuivasa’s experience (23 fights) and fan support favor him in a war; Teixeira’s youth, size, and 88% finish rate offer knockout potential if he connects early.
X-Factor: Tuivasa’s layoff (17 months)—rust could hinder him against Teixeira’s power; if Tuivasa exploits Teixeira’s chin (exposed vs. Lewis), his hooks could end it.
Recent Form
Tuivasa enters on a five-fight losing streak with stoppage losses, while Teixeira rebounds from his first career defeat.
Tai Tuivasa (Last 5: L L L L L):
August 17, 2024: S-DEC loss vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (3 rds).
March 16, 2024: Sub R1 loss vs. Marcin Tybura (4:08).
September 9, 2023: Sub R2 loss vs. Alexander Volkov (4:37).
Form Notes: 0-5 in last 5, all stoppages except latest decision; power remains but defense issues.
Tallison Teixeira (Last 5: L W W W W):
July 12, 2025: KO/TKO R1 loss vs. Derrick Lewis (0:35).
February 8, 2025: KO/TKO R1 win vs. Justin Tafa (0:35).
September 17, 2024: KO/TKO R1 win vs. Arthur Lopes (1:57).
Form Notes: 4-1 in last 5, all finishes (7 KOs, 1 sub); power evident but chin tested in loss.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Tuivasa and Teixeira, with no prior head-to-head encounters or shared opponents. Tuivasa’s path includes wins over Derrick Lewis (2022 KO) and losses to top heavyweights, while Teixeira’s UFC debut was a quick KO win over Justin Tafa before his loss to Lewis, making this a fresh heavyweight matchup.
FIGHT ODDS
Tai Tuivasa + 250
Tallison Teixeira – 310
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2026
