Introduction
Justin Tafa (Born December 13, 1993) is a New Zealand mixed martial arts fighter of Samoan heritage, currently competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Early life
Tafa was born in Auckland, New Zealand to a family of Samoan descent. He grew up in the west Auckland suburb of Avondale and his first sporting interest was rugby league where he played for the Marist Saints in the junior Auckland Rugby League.Tafa carries the Samoan flag in the cage.
Rugby league career
Tafa's athletic career began in rugby league, and he was signed to the Melbourne Storm.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
At the age of 23, Tafa began training MMA and amassed a record of 3–0, prior to being signed by the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Tafa debuted for the UFC at UFC 243 against Yorgan De Castro. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
For his second fight with the promotion, Tafa faced Juan Adams on the main card of UFC 247. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 5 matches | 4 wins | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 4 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 4–1 | Juan Adams | TKO (punches) | UFC 247 | 8 February 2020 | 1 | 1:59 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 3–1 | Yorgan de Castro | KO (punch) | UFC 243 | 6 October 2019 | 1 | 2:10 | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | |
| Win | 3–0 | David Taumoepeau | TKO (punches) | Australian Xtreme Fighting Championship 41 | 24 May 2019 | 2 | 0:30 | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Defended the XFC Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 2–0 | Jeremy Joiner | TKO (punches) | Australian Xtreme Fighting Championship 36 | 28 July 2018 | 1 | 0:28 | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Won the XFC Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 1–0 | Dylan Tiaaleaiga | TKO (punches) | Australian Xtreme Fighting Championship 30 | 20 May 2018 | 2 | 3:35 | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |