EXCLUSIVE | Justin Tafa Eyes KO Victory Against Karl Williams to ...

The UFC’s heavyweight division could find itself a new contender making his way into the top 15 rankings with Justin Tafa eyeing yet another quick knockout in his upcoming bout against Karl Williams in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas.

Tafa who belongs to a family of Samoan descent has made a reputation for himself of ending his fights fairly quickly. In the eight fights within the organization, he has racked up four first-round knockouts which have all ended within the first two minutes of the contest.

He now steps in for his brother Junior Tafa who had pulled out of the fight against Williams due to injury and will be expected to bring home the win with yet another knockout to potentially put him in the top-15 rankings for the first time.

Speaking in an exclusive interaction with News18 Sports, Tafa talked about his build-up to the fight, the changes in his training camp and the importance of his family.

It’s been a while since we last spoke before your previous fight, so what has changed since then?

Not too much really, I was scheduled to fight in UFC 298 4-5 weeks ago, but I had picked up an injury and wasn’t able to fight. But now I’m all good to go.

You are now stepping in for your brother (Junior Tafa), so how much does that change for your preparations in training camp?

A little bit yes, I have to adjust to the styles of the fighters. But most of the time I do focus on myself, my strengths and what I want to do and that has been the focus of the camp.

So what’s the status of your injury you had picked up earlier? Are you good to go?

I’m good enough to go and good enough to get the win.

You’ve been able to get the first-round knockouts regularly, is that something that you are training for specifically or are you prepared to go the distance if required?

I wish I could just train for one round on its own but yeah I’ve been lucky to get the first-round knockout in the last few fights but I train hard to make sure I can go all the way if needed.

With this win, you could see yourself in the heavyweight rankings, so how does that put the race to the title in perspective?

It keeps me on track really where I want to be. Maybe 3,4,5 fights after I knock this guy out, I could be in the conversations as well. Man, why not?

Is there any particular time frame you are looking at in terms of the title race?

It’s a little bit too far ahead right now. I am a realistic man and I want to take my time. I joined the UFC after three fights but I am ready to make that run and if I do what have been doing, then why not?

Going a bit off-track here from fighting, there is an emphasis that you seem to give to your family. Your brother is also fighting, and your grandfather trained you, so could you give us some more insights into your family’s background?

My grandfather was a fighter and my uncles and whatnot fought as well. I have three brothers who are all in the fight game. My youngest brother has had fights and my older brother is now training me and Junior who’s also the UFC’s trainer. Fighting is just in your blood.

With your family behind you, does that give you an advantage?

Yeah for sure, a lot of people chase something when they understand why they do it. The more meaning behind why they do it I feel like you would put more work towards it. I have so much family that backs us and gives me the extra edge to fight harder, train harder and just get more serious.

Lastly, any predictions for the fight?

I think I will definitely stop this guy, not sure what round but if he gives too much trouble I will put him away. But let’s just say Round 1 KO.

Watch UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs. Namajunas on 24th March 2024 from 7:30 AM IST onwards LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu).