Tai Tuivasa on training with Mark Hunt: He punched the sh-t out of me for f—ing years
Interview with Tai Tuivasa above
“Bam Bam” Tai Tuivasa talked to CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri after his win over Derrick Lewis at UFC 271. Tuivasa discusses potential fights with Ciryl Gane, Stipe Miocic and Tom Aspinall. He touches on his shoey after Lewis vs Tuivasa, his new Shoeyvasa, being inspired by Mark Hunt and more.
“Obviously, a lot of people know me and Mark’s relationship,” Tuivasa said of training with the longtime combat sports veteran in Hunt.
“He raised me in this game…I was in a bad spot in my life. I’ve fought for my whole life, but he took me in. He took me around the world and he showed me what this career could actually do for you. He punched my face a lot along the way. That’s why when people ask me who hits the hardest, I’m like, ‘Mark Hunt is a legend. He is known for [his power].’ I was his sparring partner for years. He punched the sh-t out of me for f—ing years, so I know what it’s like to be punched. It’s nothing new.”
Hunt, a former UFC heavyweight fighter, began his professional combat sports career in kickboxing with promotions such as K-1 and later transitioned to MMA where he because an even bigger star in Pride FC.
Below: Old footage of Mark Hunt and Tai Tuivasa training together
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While it is not yet announced or official, Tai Tuivasa will likely fight either former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic or former title challenger Ciryle Gane next. Tuivasa is currently ranked #3 in the UFC heavyweight rankings, while Miocic comes in at 2 and Gane at 1.
