Australian slugger Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa knocked out the UFC’s knockout king at UFC 271, then announced himself as the next big thing in the UFC’s heavyweight division.
Tuivasa, who has been a longtime fan-favorite for his penchant for knockouts, happy-go-lucky demeanor, and his tendency to drink beer from fans’ shoes after his victories, added another layer to his personality by cementing himself as a bonafide title contender.
Tuivasa and Lewis both threw heavy leather as they both hunted the knockout during their co-main event clash at UFC 271. And, even though the pair were respectful and jovial in the lead-up to the bout, the punches flew with vicious intentions until a huge elbow from Tuivasa left Lewis face-down on the canvas early in the second round.
And while many fans were expecting him to call out one of the division’s big names, Tuivasa just wanted to pay tribute to his opponent before issuing a warning to the rest of the division.
“That’s the king of knockouts. Much respect to Derrick,” he said.
“I’m young and I’m upcoming. I’m taking over now!”
