Australian UFC heavyweight Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa has once again reminded fans why he remains one of the sport’s most unpredictable characters, casually revealing that he now weighs 140 kilograms while lighting up a joint during a live interview.
Tuivasa, famous for his shoey celebrations and all-action knockout style, made the admission during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. The moment instantly went viral, not just because of his honesty about his weight, but because of how relaxed he was about it all.
“I’m aiming [to return] for the start of next year,” Tuivasa said. “I need to—look at me! I need to get back in the gym, I need to get fit.”
The 32-year-old admitted he has drifted far from fighting shape, putting himself roughly 27 kilograms above the UFC heavyweight limit.
“I’d be 140 kilos, easy,” Tuivasa added, blaming much of the weight gain on his time living in the United States. “The food over there isn’t helping me at all.”
Fans weren’t entirely surprised when Tuivasa sparked up a joint mid-interview, especially given his offbeat personality and business interests. In 2024, Tuivasa launched his own marijuana brand, Bam Bam Budz, and has since been heavily involved in promoting it while also exploring opportunities in America’s booming legal cannabis market.
“The best part of this is you lighting up the joint while correcting me,” Helwani joked during the interview. He later posted on X that he felt like he got a “contact high” just from the conversation.
Away from fighting, Tuivasa also co-owns Sydney-based Drink West beer alongside NRL star Nathan Cleary and former UFC fighter turned boxer Tyson Pedro. The brand leans heavily into western Sydney identity, something Tuivasa has always worn proudly.
“I represent the west, I represent houso kids—that’s my testament,” Tuivasa once said. “Have a crack. You’re either going to lose or win.”
While the lighter moments grabbed headlines, Tuivasa’s fighting future remains a serious talking point. It has been over a year since he last competed inside the Octagon, following a brutal five-fight losing streak that stretched back to 2022. Once a top-10 heavyweight, Tuivasa stepped away from the sport to reassess both his physical condition and his love for fighting.
“It was hard at the start because I was fat as f***,” Tuivasa admitted with a laugh ahead of UFC 325. “Getting your head punched in, losing and losing, and trying to come back, it’s pretty hard. But I’m ready now. I’m ready to go hard and give it everything.”
Tuivasa is set to return against Tallison Teixeira on the UFC 325 card in Australia, a moment he says has reignited his passion for the sport.
“It’s been a while,” Tuivasa said. “I f***ing miss this.”
Whether Tuivasa can shed the weight and rediscover the form that once made him a fan favorite remains to be seen. However, if nothing else, “Bam Bam” continues to prove that no one does things quite like Tuivasa, inside or outside the cage.
