The light heavyweight main card fight between Junior Tafa and Tuco Tokkos is set for UFC on ESPN 70 on July 12, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s an intriguing clash between a former heavyweight knockout artist cutting down in weight and a rangy, experienced striker making his UFC debut on short notice.

Junior Tafa

Junior Tafa is a 28-year-old Australian heavyweight kickboxer and MMA fighter known for raw knockout power and a no-nonsense brawling style. A Glory and Rizin veteran, Tafa transitioned to MMA in 2022 and quickly built a reputation for fast, violent finishes.

With 6 knockouts in 6 wins, Tafa is pure offense. He’s powerful, aggressive, and looks to end fights early with heavy hands and brutal combinations. But his ground game remains limited—he was submitted by Valter Walker and struggled when forced to grapple or defend leg attacks.

Tafa has also shown a willingness to cut down to light heavyweight in the past (his pro debut was at 205 lbs), and this drop back to 205 from heavyweight is a strategic attempt to exploit his speed and striking advantage against smaller, less durable opponents.

Junior Tafa – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Sean Sharaf – TKO (Punches) (UFC Fight Night, October 12, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Valter Walker – Submission (Heel Hook) (UFC 305, August 18, 2024)
3. Loss vs. Marcos Rogério de Lima – TKO (Leg Kick and Punches) (UFC 298, February 17, 2024)
4. Win vs. Parker Porter – KO (Punch) (UFC Fight Night, August 26, 2023)
5. Loss vs. Mohammed Usman – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC Fight Night, April 22, 2023)

Tafa is a dangerous first-round finisher but can be vulnerable to leg kicks, submissions, and prolonged exchanges if the fight goes past the opening frame.

Tuco Tokkos

George “Tuco” Tokkos is a 35-year-old English striker and veteran of the regional scene, training out of Kill Cliff FC. Standing 6’4” with long reach, Tokkos has a rangy, measured kickboxing style, and is known for his clinch work, low kicks, and solid defensive fundamentals.

While he’s less famous than Tafa, Tokkos has fought in promotions like Cage Warriors and LFA, building experience against solid competition. He’s typically cautious early, using his reach and movement to frustrate brawlers and pick them apart from range.

Tuco Tokkos’s grappling defense is generally reliable, but he isn’t an offensive wrestler. His success depends on maintaining distance and avoiding wild exchanges, especially against power punchers like Tafa. This is his UFC debut at age 35—a high-risk, high-reward moment to prove he belongs on the big stage.

Prediction

This is a classic power vs. technique matchup. Junior Tafa is the more explosive, dangerous knockout artist with proven heavyweight power. Dropping to light heavyweight should help him with speed and cardio, but weight cuts can also drain durability.

Tuco Tokkos has the reach, composure, and technical striking to frustrate Tafa if he can avoid the early storm. He’ll want to slow the pace, work the legs and body, and force Tafa into deeper waters where his suspect defense and gas tank have failed before.

However, Tokkos is debuting against a fighter who’s made a career of blasting opponents in Round 1. Tafa’s experience with heavier hitters and raw aggression should give him the edge early.

If Tokkos can weather the opening round and maintain range, he has a path to a decision win or even a late TKO if Tafa fades. But the safer pick is Tafa landing something big early.

Prediction:
Junior Tafa def. Tuco Tokkos via KO (Punches) in Round 1.

Expect an intense start. Tafa will likely press forward aggressively, throwing bombs and forcing Tokkos to backpedal. If Tokkos can’t establish distance fast enough, Tafa’s power should end it in the opening round.