Another banger of a fight has been added to UFC 284 line-up. Former Glory kickboxer Junior Tafa is set to make his UFC debut in the heavyweight division against Austen Lane on February 12th in Perth.
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Tafa has quickly amassed five consecutive knockout finishes this past year in MMA and Boxing. Following his string of brutal knockout victories, the 26-year-old Aussie has blasted his way into the UFC, fighting on home soil alongside his older brother UFC heavyweight Justin Tafa on the undercard for UFC 284.
In a recent interview with Fox Sports, Tafa said it would be an honour to fight alongside his brother in Perth.
“Really proud,” Tafa said.
“We used to fight together on the same kickboxing cards as teenagers.
“And preparing for fights, we’ve always been calm and relaxed.
“We’re a different type of fighter I believe when it comes to preparing for battle.
“It’s hard to explain unless you’re there.”
More relaxed?
“Not relaxed, but content,” Tafa says. “We’re at peace with breaking bones.”
Having recently fought at RIZIN 40 on New Year’s Eve, Tafa had managed to secure a knockout finish against Tsuyoshi Sudario with a barrage of punches with only a minute and a half into the first round.
Austen Lane made his first appearance on Dana Whites Contender Series against Greg Hardy in 2018. However, Lane suffered a KO loss within 57 seconds of the first round. But Lane went back to the gym and worked hard to amass a 6 fight-winning streak to earn another shot on Dana Whites Contender Series late last year. This time around, Lane secured a TKO victory against Ricardo Jacobi via ground and pound, which earned him his UFC debut against Junior Tafa.