Tuco Tokkos UFC Tampa Fight will mark his first full-camp since getting the call up from UFC. The fight, which is scheduled to take place on December 14th, 2024, is a part of the highly anticipated card, which has recently been given a new main event. Joaquin Buckley is now set to face Colby Covington instead of the originally scheduled Ian Garry, who will now face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310.
After a whirlwind introduction to the UFC, the Light Heavyweight branded this fight his “real UFC debut” and is determined to get off to a flying start. In the opposite corner is a fighter who isn’t short of hype and momentum. Navajo Stirling, from New Zealand, makes his UFC debut at Tampa fresh off a spectacular KO win on Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, and he is sure to bring an excellent test for Tokkos.
Tuco Tokkos A Hectic Start in the UFC
Tuco Tokkos had been on the radar of the UFC for some time, and when the call finally came, the circumstances were nothing short of chaotic.
“I was in Abu Dhabi cornering my teammates, and my manager called me saying, ‘Turn around. Go back to the airport. You’re in the UFC.’” Tokkos recalls the chaos, adding, “I was in the air for like 40 hours, got to Vegas, had to cut 30lbs, and make weight in just three days.” Despite the challenges, he stepped into the Octagon and gave it his all, even managing to get inside his opponent’s head during the fight.
While the BJJ Black Belt suffered his first career submission loss, he embraced it as a learning experience and recognised that this would get him a multi-fight deal with the UFC. “I had to take that L to get in, and now I’ve had a full camp for this fight. I’m excited,” he shared, looking forward to his next opportunity to prove himself.
A Proper UFC Debut
With a full training camp behind him, Tokkos is ready for what he considers his “real UFC debut” on the Tampa card in December. His opponent, Navajo Stirling, trains under the renowned City Kickboxing. His highlight reel KO on DWCS and his undefeated record have amounted to an abundance of hype surrounding him. Tokkos spoke on his opponent’s hype and even referenced comments made by teammate and former UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya: “Izzy says he’s an amazing grappler, but what does Izzy know about grappling? This is the same guy who puts the toilet seat down and gets taken down.” Despite the humour, Tukkos acknowledged Stirling’s striking ability and strength, stating, “The kid looks solid. He’s got good demeanor, but my job is to spoil the party.”
Reflecting on his abilities, Tuco Tokkos noted his advantage in fight experience: “He’s only had five pro fights, and I’ve fought all over the world. I’ll test him everywhere.” Confident yet grounded, he emphasized his intention to deliver an exciting performance:
“I always come to win. They think he’ll highlight-reel me, but I’m here to make it my night.”
Embracing UK Roots
Despite moving to Florida and changing his gym to Killcliff 7 years ago, Tokkos still proudly embraces his UK roots. Growing up in Camden, London, he said, “Don’t think I’m a traitor because I’ve moved away for seven years. I’m the only real Londoner in the UFC. Get behind me!”
Reflecting on his love for the UK, he expressed his ambition to fight on the UFC Fight Night, which is scheduled to take place in London in March of 2025: “I’ve fought all over the world – Singapore, Wembley Arena, Brazil – but I’d love to fight in London again. I hope they put me on the London card after this.” Tokkos says that if he gets a chance on the microphone at UFC Tampa, he will call for that date next.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
