A clash of top-10 heavyweights headlined UFC Vegas 88, with Marcin Tybura choking out Tai Tuivasa in the very first round.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Marcin Tybura Preview
Tai Tuivasa has been on a tough run as of late, dropping three straight by finish. The fan favorite Tuivasa hasn’t won in over two years, with his last victory coming over Derrick Lewis who’s also dealt with his own losing skids. While Tuivasa has fought top competition in those losses, it’s been hard to see his fall from grace. He looks to bounce back with an emphatic win in his third UFC main event.
Marcin Tybura has been up and down as of late, with a 2-2 record in his last four. Tybura also will be entering his third UFC main event, coming off a loss to Tom Aspinall in his last fight in a main event. Despite some struggles as of late, Tybura sits with a solid 7-2 record in his last nine fights. At 38 years old, Tybura likely needs a win here to continue any aspirations for a title shot. A loss could mean retirement is in Tybura’s near future, making this a must-win for both men heading in.
Fight Recap
Tai Tuivasa came out hard, landing some big elbows early that seemed to have Tybura on the ropes. Tybura recovered nicely with some solid leg kicks and grabbed a big takedown with over three minutes left in the first round. He quickly worked to Tuivasa’s back and landed some big ground and pound with his hooks locked in. The fight looked to be nearly over but Tuivasa worked out of the bad spot but was put right back into it and thrown in a tight rear naked choke. Tuivasa stayed strong for nearly 30 seconds while in the choke but was eventually put to sleep.
The time of the stoppage was 4:08 of Round 1. Tybura secures his top 10 ranking and stretches his career out with a massive win.
UFC Fighters React to Marcin Tybura Extending Tai Tuivasa’s Losing Streak to Four
Featured Image Credit to Embed from Getty Images
