Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Junior Tafa

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Junior Tafa made an impact.

Junior Tafa is an Australian mixed martial artist, as well as a former professional kickboxer and boxer. He currently competes in the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

December 8, 2018: Glory 62 Heavyweight Tournament

On December 8, 2018, Junior Tafa participated in the Glory 62 Heavyweight tournament, losing in the quarter-final against Jamal Ben Saddik by TKO in the second round.

2018: Glory Heavyweight Tournament

In 2018, Junior Tafa participated in the Glory four-man heavyweight tournament. He lost to Guto Inocente in the semi-final but advanced due to a cut Inocente sustained. Tafa then lost in the final to Benjamin Adegbuyi by TKO in the second round, after being dropped three times due to leg kicks.

May 17, 2019: Fight against Cihad Kepenek

On May 17, 2019, Junior Tafa faced Cihad Kepenek at Glory 65: Utrecht, losing the fight by unanimous decision.

July 2022: First Two Professional MMA Bouts

In July 2022, Junior Tafa debuted in MMA and won his first two bouts on the Australian regional scene, both by TKO stoppages.

November 26, 2022: Fight against Nicolas Djurdjević

On November 26, 2022, Junior Tafa faced Nicolas Djurdjević at BRAVE CF 66, winning the bout via TKO stoppage two minutes into the bout.

December 31, 2022: Fight against Tsuyoshi Sudario

On December 31, 2022, Junior Tafa faced Tsuyoshi Sudario at Rizin 40, winning the fight by TKO via punches in the first round.

January 2023: Signing with the UFC

In January 2023, it was announced that Junior Tafa had signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

February 11, 2023: Withdrawal from UFC 284

On February 11, 2023, Junior Tafa was scheduled to debut against Austen Lane at UFC 284, but Lane withdrew and was replaced by Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Subsequently, Tafa withdrew due to injury, and the bout was scrapped.

April 22, 2023: Fight against Mohammed Usman

On April 22, 2023, Junior Tafa faced Mohammed Usman at UFC Fight Night 222, losing the bout via unanimous decision.

August 26, 2023: Fight against Parker Porter

On August 26, 2023, Junior Tafa faced Parker Porter at UFC Fight Night 225, winning the bout via knockout in the first round and earning a Performance of the Night award.

February 17, 2024: Fight against Marcos Rogério de Lima

On February 17, 2024, Junior Tafa, on one day's notice, replaced his injured brother Justin Tafa and faced Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC 298, losing the bout by technical knockout in round two.

March 23, 2024: Pulled from UFC on ESPN 53 due to injury

On March 23, 2024, Junior Tafa was scheduled to face Karl Williams at UFC on ESPN 53. However, Junior was pulled from the event due to injury and he was replaced by his brother Justin Tafa.

August 18, 2024: Fight against Valter Walker

On August 18, 2024, Junior Tafa faced Valter Walker at UFC 305. After Junior screamed in pain, the referee called off the fight resulting in Junior losing the fight via a heel hook technical submission at the end of the first round.

October 12, 2024: Fight against Sean Sharaf

On October 12, 2024, Junior Tafa replaced Waldo Cortes-Acosta and was scheduled to face Chris Barnett at UFC Fight Night 244, but Barnett withdrew after being unable to travel due to Hurricane Milton and was replaced by UFC newcomer Sean Sharaf. Tafa won the fight by technical knockout in the second round.

May 3, 2025: Bout Removed From Card

On May 3, 2025, Junior Tafa was expected to face Tuco Tokkos in a light heavyweight bout at UFC on ESPN 67. However, the bout was removed from the card as a result of injuries from both fighters.

July 12, 2025: Fight against Tuco Tokkos

On July 12, 2025, Junior Tafa faced Tuco Tokkos at UFC on ESPN 70. Tafa lost the fight via an arm-triangle choke submission in the second round.

September 28, 2025: Bout Canceled Due to Injury

On September 28, 2025, Junior Tafa was scheduled to face İbo Aslan at UFC Fight Night 260. However, the bout was canceled due to an injury with Junior Tafa.