The UFC’s heavyweight division may discover itself a brand new contender making his means into the highest 15 rankings with Justin Tafa eyeing yet one more fast knockout in his upcoming bout in opposition to Karl Williams within the co-predominant occasion of UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas.
Tafa who belongs to a household of Samoan descent has made a repute for himself of ending his fights pretty shortly. In the eight fights throughout the group, he has racked up 4 first-spherical knockouts which have all ended throughout the first two minutes of the competition.
He now steps in for his brother Junior Tafa who had pulled out of the struggle in opposition to Williams due to damage and shall be anticipated to convey house the win with yet one more knockout to probably put him within the prime-15 rankings for the primary time.
Speaking in an unique interplay with News18 Sports, Tafa talked about his construct-up to the struggle, the adjustments in his coaching camp and the significance of his household.
It’s been some time since we final spoke earlier than your earlier struggle, so what has modified since then?
Not an excessive amount of actually, I used to be scheduled to struggle in UFC 298 4-5 weeks in the past, however I had picked up an damage and wasn’t ready to struggle. But now I’m all good to go.
You at the moment are stepping in to your brother (Junior Tafa), so how a lot does that change to your preparations in coaching camp?
Just a little bit sure, I’ve to modify to the types of the fighters. But more often than not I do concentrate on myself, my strengths and what I need to do and that has been the main focus of the camp.
So what’s the standing of your damage you had picked up earlier? Are you good to go?
I’m ok to go and ok to get the win.
You’ve been ready to get the primary-spherical knockouts repeatedly, is that one thing that you’re coaching for particularly or are you ready to go the space if required?
I want I may simply prepare for one spherical by itself however yeah I’ve been fortunate to get the primary-spherical knockout in the previous couple of fights however I prepare laborious to ensure I can go all the best way if wanted.
With this win, you would see your self within the heavyweight rankings, so how does that put the race to the title in perspective?
It retains me on monitor actually the place I need to be. Maybe 3,4,5 fights after I knock this man out, I might be within the conversations as nicely. Man, why not?
Is there any specific time-frame you’re looking at by way of the title race?
It’s somewhat bit too far forward proper now. I’m a practical man and I need to take my time. I joined the UFC after three fights however I’m prepared to make that run and if I do what have been doing, then why not?
Going a bit off-monitor right here from combating, there may be an emphasis that you simply appear to give to your loved ones. Your brother can also be combating, and your grandfather skilled you, so may you give us some extra insights into your loved ones’s background?
My grandfather was a fighter and my uncles and whatnot fought as nicely. I’ve three brothers who’re all within the struggle recreation. My youngest brother has had fights and my older brother is now coaching me and Junior who’s additionally the UFC’s coach. Fighting is simply in your blood.
With your loved ones behind you, does that provide you with a bonus?
Yeah for certain, lots of people chase one thing once they perceive why they do it. The extra which means behind why they do it I really feel such as you would put extra work in the direction of it. I’ve a lot household that backs us and offers me the additional edge to struggle tougher, prepare tougher and simply get extra critical.
Lastly, any predictions for the struggle?
I believe I’ll positively cease this man, unsure what spherical but when he offers an excessive amount of hassle I’ll put him away. But let’s simply say Round 1 KO.
Watch UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs. Namajunas on twenty fourth March 2024 from 7:30 AM IST onwards LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu).
