The shoey has been dry for far too long. When the Octagon doors lock at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on February 1, 2026, for UFC 325, it won’t just be about rankings or paychecks for Tai Tuivasa. It will be a fight for survival. Western Sydney’s favorite son returns home with his back firmly against the wall, staring up—way up—at the 6’8″ Brazilian giant, Tallison “Xicão” Teixeira.
For fans in Estonia and across Europe, this heavyweight clash offers a classic “David vs. Goliath” dynamic, but with 265-pound consequences. Can “Bam Bam” snap his devastating five-fight losing skid and ignite the crowd with one more shoey, or will the towering reach of Teixeira silence the Aussie faithful? Let’s dive deep into the stats, the stakes, and the science of this massive heavyweight tilt.
The Stakes: Bam Bam’s Homecoming or Swan Song?
It feels like a lifetime ago that Tai Tuivasa was on top of the world, knocking out Derrick Lewis at UFC 271 and sitting on the cusp of a title shot. Since that fateful night in Houston, the road has been brutal. Tuivasa (14-8) enters UFC 325 on a five-fight losing streak, having suffered stoppages against the division’s elite: Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, and Marcin Tybura, followed by a frustrating decision loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
This return to Sydney isn’t just a “home game”; it is a critical juncture. The UFC historically cuts fighters who lose five or six in a row, regardless of popularity. Tuivasa knows this. The typically jovial brawler has been quieter in this camp, focusing on weight management and cardio—two factors that have plagued him in recent bouts.
The “Shoey” Drought
The cultural phenomenon of the “shoey”—drinking beer out of a worn shoe—became Tuivasa’s trademark celebration. However, we haven’t seen it inside the Octagon since early 2022. For the fans at Qudos Bank Arena, the anticipation of that moment is palpable. It represents more than a victory; it represents a return to form for one of the sport’s most entertaining characters.
The Opponent: Who is Tallison Teixeira?
Standing across the cage is a puzzle that few have solved: Tallison Teixeira. The 26-year-old Brazilian is a physical anomaly in the heavyweight division. Standing 6’8″ (203 cm) with an 83-inch reach, he towers over almost everyone he faces.
- Record: 8-1 (7 KOs)
- Key Win: 35-second KO of Justin Tafa (UFC 312).
- Key Loss: 35-second TKO loss to Derrick Lewis.
- Style: Kickboxing base with dangerous knees and elbows.
Teixeira is coming off the first loss of his career, a “blink and you’ll miss it” knockout against the legendary Derrick Lewis last July. However, his previous performance in Sydney—where he demolished Tuivasa’s teammate Justin Tafa in under a minute—proves he thrives in hostile territory. He is not just tall; he is aggressive. He uses his long limbs like spears, throwing knees up the middle that act as a barrier for shorter fighters trying to close the distance.
Technical Breakdown: Closing the Distance
This fight will be decided by one metric: Range Management.
Tuivasa stands 6’2″ with a 75-inch reach. Teixeira has a 6-inch height and 8-inch reach advantage. On paper, this is a nightmare for Tuivasa, who does his best work in the “phone booth” range where he can land his looping hooks and leg kicks.
The Mark Hunt Blueprint
To win, Tuivasa must channel the spirit of another Samoan legend, Mark Hunt. Recall Hunt vs. Stefan Struve (who was 7 feet tall). Hunt had to accept taking damage to get inside, often eating a jab to land a hook. Tuivasa must use feints to draw out Teixeira’s jab, slip to the inside, and attack the body. Attacking the legs of the giant is also crucial. If Tuivasa can compromise Teixeira’s movement early, that height advantage becomes a liability, turning the Brazilian into a stationary target.
Teixeira’s Path to Victory
For Teixeira, the game plan is simple: Keep it long. He needs to utilize teep kicks (push kicks) to the midsection to keep Tuivasa at bay. If Tuivasa rushes in recklessly, Teixeira’s knees are the perfect counter weapon. We saw against Justin Tafa that Teixeira can generate immense power in tight spaces with his elbows—a dangerous threat for Tuivasa if he gets lazy in the clinch.
Why This Fight Matters for UFC 325
While the main event features the featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against Diego Lopes, the “people’s main event” is undoubtedly Tuivasa vs. Teixeira. The energy in the arena will shift noticeably when “Bam Bam” walks out to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” or “Barbie Girl.”
For coverage of the full card and more fight analysis, check out our blog page. We will be tracking the results live as the action unfolds in Sydney.
Final Thoughts
This is heavyweight MMA, where physics often takes a backseat to power. Tuivasa has been written off before, only to knock out heavy favorites. Teixeira has looked unstoppable, until he wasn’t. It is a clash of trajectories: a veteran fighting to stay relevant versus a prospect fighting to prove he belongs.
Expect a chaotic first round. Neither man gets paid by the hour. Whether it ends with a towering knee or a thunderous left hook, don’t blink. And if Tuivasa wins? Get your shoes ready.
FAQ: UFC 325 and Heavyweight MMA
1. What time does UFC 325 start in Europe/Estonia?
Because the event is in Sydney, Australia, it will air at a fan-friendly time for Europeans. The main card typically starts around Sunday morning (Feb 1) at 05:00 or 06:00 AM EET (Estonian time), making it a “breakfast card” rather than a late-night vigil.
2. How significant is reach advantage in heavyweight fights?
In the heavyweight division, reach is often a massive factor because one clean shot can end the fight. A longer reach allows a fighter to land strikes while staying out of the opponent’s hitting zone. However, extreme height (like Teixeira’s 6’8″) can sometimes expose a fighter’s body and chin if they don’t manage the distance well against explosive inside fighters.
3. What is a “Shoey”?
The “Shoey” is a popular Australian celebration where a person pours a beverage (usually beer) into their own or a friend’s shoe and drinks it. It was popularized globally in sports by Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo and in MMA by Tai Tuivasa. It is considered a gesture of good fun and triumph, though certainly not the most hygienic tradition!
4. Where can I watch UFC 325?
In Estonia and most of the Baltics, UFC events are typically broadcast on Go3 Sport or via UFC Fight Pass. Check your local listings closer to the date for confirmed broadcasters.
5. Has Tai Tuivasa ever lost in Australia?
Yes. While he has had massive wins at home, his recent loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik happened in Perth, Australia, at UFC 305. He will be desperate to correct that record in his hometown of Sydney.
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