New Zealander and professional mixed martial artist Justin Tafa was born on December 13, 1993. He now competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's heavyweight category. Tafa was a junior Auckland Rugby League player for the Marist Saints before being acquired by the Melbourne Storm. Tafa's athletic career started in rugby league, where he played in the under-20s competition after signing with the Melbourne Storm. However, a series of injuries caused him to abandon the sport.
In October 2019, Tafa faced Yorgan De Castro in the UFC 243 main event and was knocked out in the opening round of the fight. Tafa fought Juan Adams on February 8, 2020, at UFC 247 for his second match, and in the first round, he obtained a TKO victory. On July 25, 2020, Tafa was supposed to compete against Raphael Pessoa at the UFC on ESPN 14. He did, however, withdraw for unspecified reasons, and Tanner Boser took his place. At UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar, Tafa fought Carlos Felipe and was defeated by a split decision.
Parker Porter and Tafa squared off on February 12, 2023, at UFC 284. A first-round knockout gave him the victory. On June 24, 2023, Tafa and Austen Lane squared off at Emmett vs. Topuria: UFC on ABC.
The fight ended in a no contest as Tafa couldn't continue after Lane unintentionally eye-poked him after less than 30 seconds. On September 10, 2023, at UFC 293, a rematch between the two took place, and despite succumbing to another eye-poke, Tafa secured victory in the first round of the fight through a knockout.
Justin Tafa Next Fight - Opponent, Date, Location
Justin Tafa will face Marcos Rogério de Lima in UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria on February 17, 2024, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, United States.
Justin Tafa Record
In 11 fights, Justin Tafa has accumulated 7 wins and 3 losses, with 7 wins achieved by knockout and 2 losses by decision. Tafa also has one recorded no-contest due to an eye-poke.
| 11 matches | 7 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 7 | 1 |
| By decision | 0 | 2 |
| No contests | 1 | |
Marcos Rogerio de Lima Record
Marcos Rogério de Lima boasts a record of 31 fights, with 21 wins, 9 losses, and 1 draw. Out of his wins, 14 were achieved by knockout, 3 by submission, and 4 by decision.
| 31 matches | 21 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 14 | 2 |
| By submission | 3 | 5 |
| By decision | 4 | 2 |
| Draws | 1 | |
Justin Tafa Last Fight
At UFC 293, Justin Tafa faced Austen Lane in a rematch after their first bout ended in a no-contest due to an eye poke. This time, Tafa landed a devastating punch early in the first round, leading to a TKO victory at 1:22. Despite an early eye poke from Lane, the fight continued, with Tafa ultimately delivering a powerful left hand that knocked Lane out. Referee Jim Perdios intervened to stop the fight, securing Tafa's victory.
Last Updated On February 13, 2024
FAQs
A. Justin Tafa is a New Zealand MMA fighter competing in the UFC's heavyweight category.
A. Justin Tafa won by first-round knockout against Austen Lane at UFC 293,
A. Austen Lane was Tafa's opponent in a no-contest fight due to an unintentional eye poke on June 24, 2023.
A. Justin Tafa will fight Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC 298 on February 13, 2024, at Anaheim, California.
A. Justin Tafa has 7 wins (7 KO) and 3 losses (1 decision) with 1 no contest in 11 matches.
A. Marcos Rogério de Lima boasts a record of 21 wins, 9 losses, and 1 draw (21-9-1).
