The UFC champ Tia Tuivasa, aka Bam Bam, was born on 16 March 1993 in Sydney, Australia, to parents Kerry Johnson and Tony Tuivasa.
He was raised in the western Sydney suburb of Mount Druitt with 11 siblings.
The fighter is of mixed ethnicity. On his mother’s side, he is Wiradjuri (an Aboriginal group); on his father’s side, he is Samoan.
He proudly represents two cultures and became the first Australian indigenous fighter to claim a UFC victory.
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Tuivasa is deeply immersed in his folks’ values, which is evident in his revered tatau, visible on his lower back.
When the MMA champ was young, he first saw the tattoo on an uncle, and when asked, his mother told him it was what real men get.
Since then, Tuivasa had decided to get it one day.
It was an incredible moment for his family; his mom was proud, and he saw his dad cry for the first time.
He describes it as the worst and greatest experience of his life as it was painful, but he felt a connection with his ancestors.
Key Takeaways
- On his mother’s side, he is Wiradjuri (an Aboriginal group); on his father’s side, he is Samoan.
- Tuivasa is deeply immersed in his folks’ values, which is evident in his revered tatau, visible on his lower back.
- Tai Tuivasa is not Maori but instead is Aboriginal.
Tai Tuivasa Is Not Maori But Instead Is Aboriginal, Something He Is Very Proud Of
Tai Tuivasa is not Maori but instead is Aboriginal.
Many people believe that Aboriginals and Maori people are alike, but in reality, they have differences.
Aboriginals are native to Australia and have inhabited the land since ancient times, whereas the Maori migrated to New Zealand from Polynesian islands.
The traditions of the Maori and Aboriginal people have many similarities.
Both societies emphasize spirituality, nature, and honoring their ancestors.
Aboriginal culture values passing down stories orally to preserve their heritage, while the Maori believe their ancestors speak through cherished items called taonga.
Additionally, both groups make handmade weapons for hunting, reflecting their social status and family history through skilled craftsmanship.
Struggle Made Him Tough
The UFC heavyweight says that he has faced challenges throughout his life, making him tough.
Even though he is of mixed ethnicity, his skin appears white, possibly due to his mother’s light complexion.
Because of this, people didn’t grasp his cultural background initially.
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Tai often found himself in situations where he had to defend his identity and fight back.
As a result, he developed a fighting spirit that eventually took him to the octagon and world stage.
“Both my cultures are fighters and survivors. My Aboriginal side is the longest living race on earth and my Samoan side has travelled the world many times over. I’m born to do this. It is in me.”
Saturday’s Headliner, UFC Fight Night 239
Tai Tuivasa now finds himself on a four-fight losing streak.
On Saturday’s headliner, UFC Fight Night 239 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Marcin Tybura rendered Tai unconscious with a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Marcin walked through significant fire. Tai blasted him with many standing elbows, one of which opened a cut on his scalp.
Nevertheless, Marcin kept his cool and completed a takedown.
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Tybura delivered persistent ground-and-pound and waited for his time for an opportunity.
Soon after, when Tai exposed his neck while going belly down, Tybura secured the fight-ending chokehold.
FAQs
Is Tai Tuivasa Married?
Yes, the MMA star is married to his wife, Brierley Pedro, who is the sister of fellow UFC fighter Tyson Pedro. The couple have one son, Carter Tuivasa.
Why Is Tai Tuivasa Called Bam Bam?
He took the nickname as it describes an individual possessing a lot of strength.
