Justin Tafa, the first UFC heavyweight ever to miss weight, says he’s taking a break from fighting after his latest setback.
Tafa was forced out of his UFC Perth bout with Louie Sutherland after falling ill during a failed weight cut.
“Taking time out of this fight game,” Tafa wrote on Instagram. “The body and mind need time to recover.”
The 10-fight UFC veteran revealed he’s had six major surgeries in three years and may never return to competition.
“God willing, if I fight again, I’ll be healthier and show my true potential,” he said. “If not, God has another plan.”
Tafa made unwanted UFC history in 2021 when he became the first heavyweight to miss the 266-pound limit, weighing in at 267.
He went on to win that fight by knockout — one of seven career KOs — but now says it’s time to focus on family and recovery.
