Tai Tuivasa, the fan-favorite Australian brawler, has become a household name in the UFC thanks to his knockout power, charisma, and love for the famous “shoey” celebration.
With his aggressive style and fearless attitude, Tuivasa continues to capture the hearts of MMA fans worldwide. Over the years, he’s evolved from a rugby player to one of the most entertaining heavyweight fighters in modern UFC history.
This article teaches you about Tai Tuivasa’s net worth, biography, fight purses, endorsements, career achievements, spouse, career overview, and more.
Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision | Round | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 2024 | Marcin Tybura | Win | KO | 2 | 3:02 | UFC 298 |
| Sep 2, 2023 | Ciryl Gane | Loss | KO | 2 | 4:23 | UFC Paris |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Sergei Pavlovich | Loss | TKO | 1 | 0:54 | UFC Orlando |
| Feb 12, 2022 | Derrick Lewis | Win | KO | 2 | 1:40 | UFC 271 |
| Jul 10, 2021 | Greg Hardy | Win | KO | 1 | 1:07 | UFC 264 |
Tai Tuivasa’s Biography
| Personal Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tai Anthony Tuivasa |
| Nickname | “Bam Bam” |
| Birth Date | March 16, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 265 lbs (120 kg) |
| College | Not Attended (Focused on Rugby & MMA) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Turned Professional | 2012 |
| Current Team | Lions High Performance Centre |
| Salary (Approx.) | $400,000 – $600,000 per fight |
| Current Net Worth | Around $3 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Mishel Tuivasa |
| Car Collection | Ford Raptor, Mercedes-Benz AMG |
| Bike Collection | Harley-Davidson Street Glide |
| Top Brands Used | Reebok, Drink West, Engage Fightwear |
| Hobby | Rugby, Travelling, Music |
| Instagram Profile | @bambamtuivasa |
Coming from a large Samoan family, Tai was raised in the western suburbs of Sydney, where he developed a strong sense of toughness and loyalty.
Before entering MMA, Tuivasa was passionate about rugby league and even played professionally for the Sydney Roosters’ under-20s team. However, his natural combat instincts led him to pursue mixed martial arts, where he quickly found his true calling.
His family has been a strong pillar in his journey, encouraging him to chase his dreams despite challenges.
Early Career
Tuivasa’s MMA journey began in 2012, fighting primarily in Australian promotions like the AFC and Urban Fight Night. His early performances were full of promise, with several first-round knockouts that showcased his raw power and aggressiveness.
By 2016, Tai made a name for himself after winning the AFC Heavyweight Championship, proving he was ready for the big leagues. His knockout ability and explosive combinations caught the attention of UFC scouts.
Professional Career
Tai Tuivasa made his UFC debut in November 2017, defeating Rashad Coulter via a flying knee knockout- a performance that instantly made headlines. Over the years, he has fought elite heavyweights, including Derrick Lewis, Ciryl Gane, and Sergei Pavlovich.
Despite some ups and downs, Tuivasa has consistently remained a fan favorite for his knockout-first approach. His memorable victory against Derrick Lewis in February 2022 solidified him as a top contender in the division.
Wife
Tai Tuivasa is married to Mishel Tuivasa, who has been a supportive partner throughout his career. Mishel is known for supporting Tai’s ventures outside the cage, including his popular beverage brand, Drink West.
Tai Tuivasa’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Tai Tuivasa has an estimated net worth is around $3 million. His income comes from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and business ventures like Drink West. His fun-loving personality has also made him an attractive figure for brand endorsements and media appearances.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Base Salary | Bonus/PPV Share | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 298 | Marcin Tybura | Win (KO) | $350,000 | $100,000 | $450,000 |
| UFC Paris | Ciryl Gane | Loss (KO) | $350,000 | $50,000 | $400,000 |
| UFC 271 | Derrick Lewis | Win (KO) | $250,000 | $100,000 | $350,000 |
| UFC 264 | Greg Hardy | Win (KO) | $150,000 | $75,000 | $225,000 |
| UFC 243 | Sergey Spivak | Loss (Sub) | $120,000 | – | $120,000 |
Endorsements
- Drink West (Co-owner and brand ambassador)
- Engage Fightwear
- Reebok
- Monster Energy
- Crypto.com (UFC Partnered Branding)
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Decision | Round | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 2024 | Marcin Tybura | Win | KO (Punches) | 2 | 3:02 | UFC 298: Volkanovski vs Topuria |
| Sep 2, 2023 | Ciryl Gane | Loss | KO (Punches) | 2 | 4:23 | UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa (Paris) |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Sergei Pavlovich | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 0:54 | UFC on ESPN 42: Thompson vs Holland |
| Sep 3, 2022 | Ciryl Gane | Loss | KO (Punches) | 3 | 4:23 | UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa |
| Feb 12, 2022 | Derrick Lewis | Win | KO (Elbows) | 2 | 1:40 | UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker 2 |
| Dec 11, 2021 | Augusto Sakai | Win | KO (Punches) | 2 | 0:26 | UFC 269: Oliveira vs Poirier |
| Jul 10, 2021 | Greg Hardy | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 1:07 | UFC 264: Poirier vs McGregor 3 |
| Mar 20, 2021 | Harry Hunsucker | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 0:49 | UFC on ESPN 21: Brunson vs Holland |
| Oct 24, 2020 | Stefan Struve | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 4:59 | UFC 254: Khabib vs Gaethje |
| Oct 6, 2019 | Sergey Spivak | Loss | Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) | 2 | 3:14 | UFC 243: Whittaker vs Adesanya |
| Jun 8, 2019 | Blagoy Ivanov | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 238: Cejudo vs Moraes |
| Dec 2, 2018 | Junior dos Santos | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 2:30 | UFC Fight Night 142: dos Santos vs Tuivasa |
| Jun 9, 2018 | Andrei Arlovski | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 225: Whittaker vs Romero 2 |
| Nov 18, 2017 | Rashad Coulter | Win | KO (Flying Knee & Punches) | 1 | 4:35 | UFC Fight Night 121: Werdum vs Tybura |
| Mar 18, 2017 | James McSweeney | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 0:36 | AFC 23: Australia Fighting Championship |
| Jun 18, 2016 | Brandon Sosoli | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:35 | AFC 17: Tuivasa vs Sosoli |
| Jul 5, 2013 | Kacper Vojcik | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 1:28 | AFC 8: Mayhem |
| Mar 8, 2013 | Andrew Hamilton | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 0:29 | UFN 6: Urban Fight Night 6 |
| Jul 13, 2012 | Simon Osborne | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 2:35 | Super Fight Australia 2 |
MMA Career Summary
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 19 |
| Wins | 15 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Wins by Knockout/TKO | 14 |
| Wins by Decision | 1 |
| Losses by KO/TKO | 5 |
| Losses by Submission | 1 |
| Losses by Decision | 2 |
Notable Opponents:
- Derrick Lewis – Win (KO)
- Ciryl Gane – Loss (KO)
- Greg Hardy – Win (KO)
- Junior dos Santos – Loss (TKO)
- Andrei Arlovski – Loss (Decision)
Career Major Achievements
- UFC Performance of the Night (4x)
- Former AFC Heavyweight Champion
- Top 10 UFC Heavyweight Contender (2021–2024)
- One of the Highest KO Ratios in UFC Heavyweight History
- Co-founder of “Drink West” brand
FAQs
What is Tai Tuivasa famous for?
Tai Tuivasa is best known for his knockout power and his viral post-fight “shoey” celebration, where he drinks beer from a shoe. His fun-loving personality and explosive fighting style have made him a global fan favorite.
How many knockouts does Tai Tuivasa have in his career?
Tai Tuivasa has achieved 14 knockout victories in his professional MMA career. His heavy hands and fearless approach have turned him into one of the UFC’s most dangerous strikers.
What is Tai Tuivasa’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Tai Tuivasa has an estimated net worth is around $3 million. His income comes from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and business ventures like Drink West. His fun-loving personality has also made him an attractive figure for brand endorsements and media appearances.
Who is Tai Tuivasa’s wife?
Tai Tuivasa is married to Mishel Tuivasa, a supportive partner who stays away from the spotlight. The couple values their privacy but occasionally shares family moments online. Mishel has stood by Tai through his highs and lows in the UFC, supporting his fighting career and entrepreneurial journey.
What brands does Tai Tuivasa endorse?
Tuivasa represents several leading brands, including Drink West, Engage Fightwear, Monster Energy, and Reebok. These partnerships reflect his popularity both inside and outside the cage. As a co-founder of Drink West, he’s also made a mark as an entrepreneur in the beverage industry.
What is Tai Tuivasa’s fighting style?
Tai Tuivasa is a power-based striker, relying heavily on boxing, pressure, and leg kicks. He rarely backs down from exchanges and prefers to trade punches rather than grapple. His aggressive style, combined with his ability to absorb damage, makes his fights thrilling for MMA fans worldwide.
How did Tai Tuivasa start his MMA career?
Before joining MMA, Tai Tuivasa was a rugby player in Australia. However, his natural fighting instincts led him to transition to mixed martial arts in 2012. After dominating local promotions with first-round knockouts, he joined the UFC in 2017 — and made an instant impact with his debut KO win.
What are Tai Tuivasa’s biggest career achievements?
Tuivasa has earned multiple Performance of the Night awards in the UFC and was a former AFC Heavyweight Champion before joining the promotion. His knockout win over Derrick Lewis remains one of the most memorable heavyweight bouts in recent years. He’s consistently ranked among the top 10 heavyweights.
How does Tai Tuivasa celebrate after a win?
After a victory, Tai Tuivasa celebrates with his iconic “shoey” — drinking beer from a fan’s shoe, often multiple times. The celebration has become his signature move, symbolizing his connection with fans.
What is Tai Tuivasa’s goal in the UFC?
Tuivasa has made it clear that his ultimate goal is to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion. While he enjoys entertaining fans, he’s also focused on improving his skills and competing with the best.
