The light heavyweight bout Junior Tafa vs Billy Elekana at UFC 325 is one of the most intriguing preliminary card matchups on the January 31, 2026 fight card in Sydney, Australia.
With contrasting styles and career paths, this fight presents important questions about momentum, skills, and fight IQ.
Fighter Overview: Junior Tafa
Junior Tafa, also known as “The Juggernaut,” is a light heavyweight competitor fighting out of Queensland, Australia.
According to his Tapology profile, Tafa holds a professional MMA record of 6 wins and 4 losses and stands at 6’3” with a 72″ reach.
Tafa’s strengths are rooted in his striking power and aggressive pace. He has recorded the majority of his victories by way of knockout or technical knockout, demonstrating that he can end fights with his hands.
Despite an unpolished grappling game, Tafa’s size and strength offer significant pressure on the feet.
In the UFC, Tafa has faced mixed success. He suffered a loss against Valter Walker via submission and dropped other bouts in his UFC tenure, but also secured a highlight win with a second-round finish over Sean Sharaf.
Key Attributes: Tafa
- Record: 6–4
- Style: Striker
- Strengths: Knockout power, forward pressure
- Weaknesses: Grappling transitions, submission defense
- Current Streak: 1 loss
While fans may view him as a powerful stand-up fighter, Tafa’s inconsistency, especially at the elite UFC level, raises questions about his adaptability and fight IQ when faced with a more diverse skill set.
Fighter Overview: Billy Elekana
Billy Elekana, nicknamed the “Son of Susie,” enters this fight with a stronger record and recent upward momentum.
Hailing from Las Vegas and training with Uprising MMA Training Center, Elekana’s Tapology profile shows a professional record of 9 wins and 2 losses.
He measures 6’3″ with a 77″ reach, giving him a noticeable reach advantage over Tafa.
Elekana uses his length effectively and has proved to be a well-rounded competitor. His victories include a mix of knockouts, submissions, and decisions. This balance suggests adaptability in both striking and grappling exchanges.
In his last two outings, Elekana has shown consistency and solid fight control. His ability to secure a rear-naked choke and grind out a decision win demonstrates a threat both standing and on the ground.
Key Attributes: Elekana
- Record: 9–2
- Style: Well-rounded
- Strengths: Reach, grappling transitions, fight IQ
- Weaknesses: Occasional slow starts, tendency to get tied up in scrambles
- Current Streak: 2 wins
Elekana’s well-rounded skill set and position in the light heavyweight rankings, positioned significantly higher than Tafa in Tapology’s proprietary system, make him a tough matchup for many in the division.
Head-to-Head Tactical Breakdown
When comparing Tafa vs Elekana, several tactical elements come into play:
Striking Exchanges
Tafa’s preferred fighting method is to pressure and land big shots. However, Elekana’s reach advantage and diverse striking arsenal allow him to control distance and pick his shots more effectively.
Elekana’s ability to use his jab and kick setups could disrupt Tafa’s rhythm.
Grappling and Ground Control
Elekana has shown comfort on the mat and in transition. With wins by submission on his record, he has more proven grappling than Tafa, whose UFC losses include submissions.
This could be a decisive factor if the fight hits the ground.
Fight IQ and Adaptability
Elekana’s fight history suggests a more methodical approach to pacing and adjustments within the cage.
Tafa, while dangerous, has displayed inconsistency when opponents pressure him with combinations and takedown attempts.
Prediction: Who Wins at UFC 325?
After evaluating both fighters’ records, styles, and recent performance trends, the edge clearly tilts toward Billy Elekana.
Here’s why:
- Technical Advantage: Elekana’s balance of striking and grappling allows him to adapt if Tafa’s power fails to land cleanly.
- Reach and Control: The longer reach gives Elekana spacing tools to keep Tafa at bay or set up takedowns.
- Versatility: Elekana’s ability to dictate the fight location — standing or on the ground — contrasts with Tafa’s more singular approach.
- Recent Momentum: A two-fight winning streak shows Elekana’s confidence and growth, while Tafa’s inconsistent UFC results highlight vulnerabilities.
Prediction: Billy Elekana wins via decision or late-round submission, as he uses his reach and grappling to control the pace and avoid Tafa’s early power shots.
Final Thoughts: Fight Implications
A win for Elekana could push him toward higher-tier light heavyweight contention, improving his UFC ranking and opening doors to more prominent fights on the card.
For Tafa, falling short in this bout would emphasize the need to refine his grappling and defensive strategy, especially against multi-dimensional opponents.
This matchup at UFC 325 may not headline the event, but for fans of the light heavyweight division, it’s a fight that reveals a lot about each athlete’s style and potential future in the UFC.
If you’re placing a bet or simply tuning in for fight night, watch how Elekana uses his reach and grappling early, which could tell you most of the story before the final horn sounds.
UFC 325: Tafa vs Elekana is scheduled for January 31, 2026 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, with the prelims starting earlier in the night.
About the Author
