NRL-loving UFC fighter Justin Tafa to take on Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Aussie UFC firecracker Justin Tafa has had an unusual prep for his return to the octagon, as he gets set for a busy month ahead soaking in every minute of the NRL finals followed by the blockbuster bout.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 22: Justin Tafa of New Zealand walks out prior to his heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on May 22, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Panthers for the four-peat.

That’s rugby league loving UFC heavyweight Justin Tafa’s prediction on the eve of the NRL finals as he prepares for his next blockbuster bout.

This masthead can reveal Tafa – a former age-group Melbourne Storm forward – will be back in the Octagon at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 27 against Kennedy Nzechukwu.

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First though, he has a lot of footy to watch, and even has the NRL finals all mapped out in his head.

“You can’t go past Melbourne - they look good and Jahrome Hughes is on fire - but I feel like the Panthers’ run is pretty good,” he told this masthead.

“They’ve got the Roosters who are undermanned after losing Sam Walker and Brandon Smith.

“I think the Sharks will lose to Melbourne, then win the next week and play Penrith.

“Penrith have two really beatable teams.

“So, Panthers for the four-peat, that’s what I’m picking.

“They can easily beat those first two teams and save their best for last.

“When you’ve got someone like Cleary, anything’s possible.”

Tafa will fight at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi in October. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Tafa’s fight at UFC 308 – on a card that also features Rob Whittaker taking on Khamzat Chimaev, and a featherweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway – is his chance to get back into the top 15 of the heavyweight rankings after a chaotic start to 2024.

The 30-year-old was forced out of his UFC 298 bout in Anaheim just a day before the fight due to injury, and in some of the wildest scenes in MMA history, was replaced by his younger brother, Junior.

He later replaced Junior against Karl Williams in March, dropping a unanimous decision.

“I was getting a good roll going, but then I had to withdraw and I had that loss,” he said. “It’s unfamiliar territory for me.

“Kennedy’s durable, and he’s a come forward fighter, and so am I. It’ll be a nice fight.

“He’s coming up in weight from light-heavyweight, but he’s a big dude, so I’d love to welcome him to heavyweight.”

It’s a tough fight, but probably not as daunting as staring down an angry pack of rugby league forwards who’d love to get a big hit on a UFC heavyweight.

Nigeria’s Kennedy Nzechukwu presents a tough fight for Tafa. Picture: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

That’s exactly what Tafa faced when running out for a lower grade game while coming back from a few niggling injuries earlier this year.

“I played a couple of div four games with the boys, and just had a couple of runs when they need the numbers,” he told this masthead.

“I got hit in one game – some of the boys were targeting me, bro.

“It’s funny, one guy will make a hit up, and the line’s staggered, then as soon as I touch the ball, six guys are out there to kill me, bro – they’ve got me as their target.

“But I love footy. There’s nothing like cracking a beer after a footy game with the boys.”

Growing up in Brisbane, Tafa was a Broncos fan as a kid, but a move to New Zealand forced a change of allegiances. Not to the Warriors though, even if he has a soft spot for the club and has been spotted wearing ‘Wahs’ jerseys and bucket hats.

They’ve made @justin_tafa take off his @NZWarriors hat for his #UFC293 press conference! Blanket rule, no sport team apparel during official UFC events. pic.twitter.com/iKVG99lmhw

— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) September 6, 2023

Instead, he started supporting the Eels when local hero Manu Ma’u signed for Parramatta.

As an aspiring NRL star himself, he regularly lined up with Christian Welch and Matt Lodge before realising fighting was his true calling.

More recently, he was spotted in the Dolphins’ supporters box when the Redcliff side hosted the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.

“We were up in the Dolphins’ box, but we were cheering for the Warriors,” he laughed. “I’m getting hammered by everyone (about which club I support).

“Even Matt Lodge was saying, ‘Bro, you’ve got more jerseys than me.’

So, which team is it?

“Everyone hopes the Warriors win a premiership, so I always kind of support them, but it’s Parramatta all day, man,” he said.

Originally published as NRL-loving UFC fighter Justin Tafa to take on Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi