UFC Fight Night in Sydney gets its first bout – with a pair of KO artists

The lineup is officially taking shape for the UFC’s return to Australia.

Newcomer Tai Tuivasa (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is slated to fight fellow heavyweight slugger Rashad Coulter (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at the UFC event, likely to be UFC Fight Night 121, UFC officials announced via dailytelegraph.com.au.

The event takes place Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in Australia due to the time difference) at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. It’s expected to air on FS1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Tuivasa, a 24-year-old Australian, turned pro in 2012 and has fought infrequently over the years. However, when he does fight, it usually doesn’t last long; the former rugby player posted first-round knockout wins in all seven of his career victories. Most recently, he defeated former UFC fighter James McSweeney, whose corner halted the bout after the first round, in October 2016. Tuivasa needed knee surgery after the bout.

“James snapped three of my knee ligaments with a leg lock,” Tuivasa told dailytelegraph.com.au. “After the fight, I required a knee reconstruction. That’s why I’ve had to wait an entire year between fights.

“I signed with the UFC almost immediately after the win, but I’ve just had to wait for the knee to get right. And now it feels awesome.”

He meets a fellow KO artist in Coulter, a former Bellator and LFA fighter who signed with the UFC earlier this year. In his promotional debut, the 35-year-old Texan suffered a knockout loss to Chase Sherman, which halted his five-fight winning streak – one that included five first-round knockouts. However, he picked up a $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus despite the defeat.

For more on UFC Fight Night in Sydney, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.