Tai Tuivasa strategies to cheers Harry Hunsucker write-up-fight

LAS VEGAS – Tai Tuivasa wasn’t leaving the U.S. without having a fight.

Absent from his loved ones for months, Tuivasa (11-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) wishes to combat, rejoice his birthday with a handful of (quite a few) beers, and get back again dwelling as quickly as probable. Having said that, in buy to convey a verify back home, he needed a battle. When his opponent, Don’Tale Mayes, was pulled from UFC on ESPN 21 on Tuesday, advertising newcomer Harry Hunsucker stepped up.

“It was funny,” Tuivasa informed MMA Junkie at a pre-fight information conference Wednesday. “We ended up conversing, me and my crew this early morning, I was like, ‘F*ck, I was so near to going out and acquiring pissed (drunk).’ I’ve modified my ways. I’m a good boy now, but I was shut. I was like, ‘F*ck this, guy.’ (I) skilled all this time for nothing. Props to the fella that took it (Hunsucker) and I’m certain we can share a beer after, following punching each others’ heads in.”

Tuivasa’s son implies the entire world to him. If Hunsucker (7-3 MMA, – UFC) hadn’t stepped up, he may well have been postponed to a future card. That would’ve been an undesired, extended continue to be in The united states.

“I have not seen my son for a few months, so I wasn’t leaving in this article with no a combat, possibly in the cage or out back somewhere,” Tuivasa reported. “… I miss my son. I miss out on my son. It’s likely the longest I have been away from him, due to the fact he’s gotten more mature. I believe the more mature they get, you kind of miss out on them more or some thing like that.”

If he wins Saturday, the celebration will be on. Tuivasa is currently recognised as a fighter who enjoys a frosty beverage or two submit-struggle, but a get in Las Vegas for the duration of the 7 days of his birthday? That is a full other stage.

“I punch people’s heads in and I drink piss,” Tuivasa said. “I do not want to be (anything else). I’m fantastic with that. I’m sweet.”

UFC on ESPN 21 usually takes put Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The key card airs on ESPN next prelims on ESPN2.