UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia has a fight that has grabbed the attention of MMA fans worldwide: Tai Tuivasa vs Tallison Teixeira.
With both heavyweights bringing contrasting resumes and styles, this bout is shaping up as a defining moment on the UFC 325 main card.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of both fighters, their strengths, weaknesses, and our fight prediction.
Fighter Profiles: Tuivasa and Teixeira
Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa (14-8-0)
Tai Tuivasa is one of the most recognizable heavyweights in the UFC. Fighting out of Sydney, Australia, “Bam Bam” has gained popularity not only for his aggressive style but also for his fan-friendly finish rate.
According to his Tapology fighter page, he holds a 14-8-0 professional record with the majority of his victories coming via knockout.
Tuivasa stands at 6’2” and competes at 265 lbs, with a background rooted in striking and powerful stand-up attacks.
Despite his appeal, Tuivasa arrives at UFC 325 having lost five consecutive fights, four by stoppage.
This skid has dimmed some of the momentum he previously built at the top end of the heavyweight division.
His last win in the Octagon was more than a year ago, and the Aussie admitted that burnout and mental fatigue factored into his recent downturn.
Tallison “Xicão” Teixeira (8-1-0)
Tallison Teixeira, nicknamed “Xicão,” is a rising heavyweight prospect from Brazil. He is considerably younger than Tuivasa at 26 years old and boasts a professional MMA record of 8-1-0.
What stands out about Teixeira is his finishing ability; he has recorded seven knockout or technical knockout victories and one submission, and most of his wins have come early in fights.
Teixeira’s fighting frame gives him a physical advantage: at around 6’7” tall, he typically has a reach benefit over most heavyweights he faces, allowing him to connect from the outside and use his long limbs to devastating effect.
His recent performances include a decisive win over Justin Tafa in 2025, where he showcased his knockout power inside the first minute.
His only loss came in UFC action against a seasoned opponent, but his overall trajectory has been strong, especially for a fighter with comparatively limited Octagon experience.
Key Matchup Factors
Power vs Experience
This fight features two heavy hitters. Tuivasa’s career has been built on sending opponents to the canvas with heavy hooks and uppercuts.
Even when things have gone against him, his chin and power make him dangerous at any moment.
Teixeira also carries knockout strength, but he tends to use his size and reach to set up strikes rather than purely walking forward.
This matchup pits Tuivasa’s experience against Teixeira’s size and youth. Tuivasa has faced a wider array of high-level heavyweights, but his string of losses hints at past difficulties in adapting to fighters who can neutralize his offense.
Conversely, Teixeira may lack depth of competition, but his finishes suggest he can turn any moment into an explosive ending.
Striking and Fight IQ
Statistical comparisons show Teixeira lands far more significant strikes per minute than Tuivasa.
While Tuivasa averages around 3.77 significant strikes per minute, Teixeira’s volume and accuracy allow him to pressure opponents without taking as much damage in return.
Moreover, Teixeira’s reach advantage means he can keep Tuivasa at a distance, forcing “Bam Bam” to close the gap if he wants to land his powerful hooks.
That dynamic could make the early rounds critical. If Tuivasa can survive the initial flurry and find his rhythm up close, he could turn Teixeira’s offensive strategy against him.
Cardio and Fight Pace
Heavyweight fights often hinge on pacing, since fighters tend to expend large amounts of energy early.
Tuivasa has shown vulnerability when exchanges are extended, absorbing strikes while looking for his power shot.
Teixeira’s style suggests he is comfortable pushing pace early and using superior reach to dictate striking range.
The way each fighter manages the pace and distance will be crucial. If the fight stays at range, Teixeira’s jab and leg kicks might frustrate Tuivasa and score points.
If Tuivasa can force inside fighting exchanges, there’s a greater chance of a single punch finishing the fight.
What the Odds and Experts Say
Betting data and expert consensus vary, but some outlets favor Teixeira to make the most of his physical tools.
Others note that Tuivasa’s experience gives him an edge if he can land his power shots effectively and avoid extended takedowns.
One preview on MMA Mania highlights Tuivasa’s aggressive pressure and experience as a path to victory, provided he avoids being dominated by reach and clinch work.
Another set of odds suggests the young Brazilian is seen as the favorite to secure a stoppage inside the distance.
This split in opinion reflects how evenly matched the fight could be, not just in raw numbers, but in how each fighter’s skills match up in the cage.
Prediction: Who Wins at UFC 325?
After examining both fighters’ records, styles, and recent form, this fight prediction leans slightly toward Tallison Teixeira. Here’s why:
- Physical advantages – Height and reach could allow Teixeira to control the fight’s distance and pace early.
- Finishing ability – With 88% of his wins by knockout or TKO, Teixeira has proven he can end fights quickly.
- Momentum – Unlike Tuivasa’s recent struggles, Teixeira enters with confidence and a strong finish rate.
That said, this bout will not be one-sided. If Tuivasa lands a big shot early or forces close exchanges where his power finds its mark, he could abruptly flip the script.
The veteran’s experience in high-pressure situations may be an equalizer, but Teixeira’s blend of size, technique, and finishing instincts gives him the edge.
Prediction: Tallison Teixeira by KO/TKO in the middle rounds.
Final Thoughts
Tai Tuivasa vs Tallison Teixeira at UFC 325 is more than just another heavyweight bout.
It’s a turning point for both men, Tuivasa looking to halt a prolonged downturn in form, and Teixeira aiming to cement his arrival among serious heavyweight contenders.