Aussie knockout artist’s holiday incentive ahead of UFC Singapore showdown

There’s a lot on the line for Junior Tafa in Singapore this weekend.

Junior Tafa (L) lands a big left hand on Mohammed Usman (R). Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Depending on how this weekend goes, Junior Tafa will either be back at work next week, or he’ll be kicking off a months long holiday.

The 26-year-old Brisbane-based heavyweight fights Parker Porter on the main card of Max Holloway’s fight with Jung Chan-sung at UFC Singapore on Saturday night.

A win is good, of course.

But if he scores one of his trademark one-punch knockouts and pockets a $50,000 fight night bonus, he’ll be away laughing.

“I quit my labouring job, but just for the week,” he laughs. “But if I get the bonus, I’ll be off for a couple of months.”

Any time off will be spent with family and “fixing a few things around the house” but first he must get through the 14-8 Porter.

Tafa made his name taking kick-boxing, boxing and MMA fights all over the world before his UFC call-up. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

The 38-year-old Porter is coming off a first round TKO win in May, but fought Junior’s brother Justin in Perth at UFC 284 in February.

Junior had a prime viewing position in the corner as his older brother stopped Porter in 66 seconds, a huge left hand leaving the American sprawled and defenseless on the canvas.

The bout was over too quickly for Junior to glean any inside info, but he enters his second UFC fight with huge optimism.

“It just gives me the confidence to get in there and have a fight, because I know my brother’s already done it,” he said. “If you ask my brothers about opponents we’ve shared, I’ve done them quicker.

“I’m winning. If they beat someone in the third round, I did it in the first. I know I’ve always gone quicker rounds.”

Junior’s brother, Justin, reacts to his first round knockout of Parker Porter in February. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Tafa has another source of motivation too.

He entered his UFC debut against Mohammed Usman in April fully intent on putting on an entertaining fight.

What transpired was a frustrating grapple-fest, as Usman stayed well away from danger and wrestled his way to a lacklustre decision victory.

Tafa had his moments, hurting Usman a couple of times, but the Nigerian managed to get the fight to the mat and avoid a knockout each time.

It was a steep learning curve.

“He walked around the hotel like some big kind of monster, like a pitbull. I turned him into a Chihuahua,” Tafa said. “We really thought he was coming to fight, but how do you fight someone like that?

“Someone who just tries to grab you, take you down, but then not even do anything – not even trying to submit you, just waiting for the time to run out. He had all this control time, but only landed seven significant strikes.

“It’s frustrating.”

Mohammed Usman wrestled a lot, but was never close to a stoppage. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

He hopes Porter will offer a bit more.

“I could just defend takedowns and wrestle for four minutes, and just fight for one minute, but that’s not what I want to be,” he said. “I want to be the most entertaining fighter on the roster.

“I turn them all into grapplers. No one wants to come to the fire. I guarantee you, I’m going to invite him into the middle and he’s going straight for the takedown.

“But I will get him and get that bonus.”

Watch UFC Fight Night - Holloway vs Jung from 7pm (AEST) on Saturday night on ESPN and Kayo Sports

Originally published as Aussie knockout artist’s holiday incentive ahead of UFC Singapore showdown