Bam Bam” needed a change.
Fan-favorite Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight Tai Tuivasa returns against Cuban knockout artist Robelis Despaigne at UFC 331 next month (Sat., Sept. 19, 2026) inside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Tuivasa is currently riding a seven-fight losing streak, tying B.J. Penn for the second-longest skid in UFC history. Nevertheless, the promotion continues to book the popular Australian slugger, who has made a major change of scenery ahead of his upcoming
fight.
Indeed, Tuivasa has joined the legendary Florida gym American Top Team (ATT).
“I’m a Floridian now — I’m at ATT, and it’s been really good with a lot of knowledge and a lot of big c*nts there, so it’s good,” Tuivasa said on the Show Me The Money podcast. “I’m rocking up, doing the classes and getting knowledge from all of the coaches. I’m training with Renan [Ferreira], the big Brazilian — he’s awesome and really good. He’s showing me a lot. So, yeah, it’s good. It’s good to be surrounded by a lot of animals.”
Teaching an old dog new tricks will not be easy, but “Bam Bam” is pulling out all the stops to finally return to the win column. Tuivasa hasn’t tasted victory since Feb. 2022, when he knocked out Derrick Lewis at UFC 271.
Fortunately for Tuivasa, he’s excited to face an opponent who prefers to stand and trade.
“I always fight the biggest c*nts, so it is what it is,” Tuivasa said. “I’m definitely excited. He’s a stand-up fighter and looks to knock people out, so it’s definitely going to be an exciting fight. I’ve been listening to the coaches at ATT. I’ve been trying to mix it up for the last few fights — not the fights, but training. But it’s a mission. I’m trying my best.”
Tuivasa acknowledges his awful losing streak and realizes this finally could be it for his UFC career. However, he also wants everyone to remember the elite competition he has faced during his decade-long run inside the Octagon — even if he conceded that his last couple of opponents may not fit that description.
“Bro, I’ve been in the UFC for 10 years now. People should stop asking me how to keep a job,” Tuivasa laughed. “I may get my ass kicked sometimes, but I’m fighting some beasts, and no one can ever deny that — maybe not my last couple, f—k it. I’ve definitely had a shit run, but I keep showing up. I’m from Western Sydney. I’m not just going to lie down. Look, I’m not winning, but I’ve been fighting high-level competition.”
“It is what it is,” Tuivasa concluded. “I’m going to keep trying. I’m going to keep going until I get this win, and f—k, I’m feeling good.”
Whether joining ATT is enough to reverse Tuivasa’s fortunes remains to be seen, but “Bam Bam” certainly isn’t planning to go quietly.
For more information on UFC 331, click here.
