Teixeira Survived Tuivasa’s Late Charge
Tallison Teixeira defeated Tai Tuivasa by unanimous decision at UFC 325 in Sydney on February 1, 2026, local time. All three judges scored the heavyweight contest 29–28 after fifteen minutes at Qudos Bank Arena, rewarding Teixeira’s early control despite Tuivasa’s strong final-round response.
The returning Australian immediately faced sustained wrestling pressure
Tuivasa returned after approximately eighteen months away and entered on a five-fight losing streak. Teixeira had not previously needed to fight beyond the first round.
The Brazilian quickly completed a takedown and worked across Tuivasa’s back before reaching mount. Tuivasa escaped at points but spent much of the opening frame defending from underneath.
A second round of top control established the scoring advantage
Tuivasa found kicks and punches early in the second, but Teixeira again brought the contest to the floor. Side control and mount limited the Australian’s opportunities to produce his strongest attacks.
Neither man secured a finish, leaving Teixeira with the early-round advantage as both began showing fatigue. The final five minutes would require him to protect that position under pressure.
Tuivasa’s punches threatened a reversal without producing the finish
The Australian landed looping combinations in the third and forced Teixeira backward. The Brazilian nevertheless survived the damage and used clinch exchanges to reach the final horn.
The unanimous verdict gave Teixeira the first distance victory of his professional career. Tuivasa’s late success won him a round but could not overcome the two earlier frames controlled through takedowns and dominant ground positions.
Sources
- UFC: official results and scorecards
- UFC: Sydney venue, weights and scheduled rounds
- Cageside Press: takedowns, fatigue and Tuivasa’s third-round attack
