UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs. Reyes, set for September 28, 2025, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, will feature a heavyweight clash between New Zealand-born Australian Justin Tafa and English debutant Louie Sutherland. Both fighters bring explosive power and knockout potential, making this a fight fans should anticipate for early fireworks.
Justin Tafa
Justin Tafa (7–5–1) is a powerful heavyweight with a reputation for one-punch finishing ability, boasting 7 KO/TKO wins in 13 professional fights. The New Zealand-born Australian has faced some ups and downs in the UFC, including recent losses to Tallison Teixeira and Karl Williams, but also highlighted by quick stoppages against Austen Lane and Parker Porter. Tafa’s strength lies in his striking and heavy hands, capable of ending fights early, though he has been inconsistent against durable, technical opponents.
Justin Tafa – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Tallison Teixeira – TKO (knee & elbows) – UFC 312, Feb 2025
2. Loss vs. Karl Williams – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN 2024
3. Win vs. Austen Lane – KO (Punches) – UFC 293, Sep 2023
4. NC vs. Austen Lane – Accidental Eye Poke – UFC on ABC 2023
5. Win vs. Parker Porter – KO (Punches) – UFC 284, Feb 2023
Tafa’s fighting style is aggressive and forward-moving, often relying on power shots and heavy pressure. His defensive wrestling and striking defense have been questioned in past bouts, meaning he must be cautious against technically skilled strikers like Sutherland.
Louie Sutherland
Louie Sutherland (10–3) is an English heavyweight making his UFC debut after establishing a strong record in Levels Fight League, FightStar Championship, and PFL Challenger Series. Known as “The Vanilla Gorilla,” Sutherland has knockout power in 8 of his 10 wins, with precise boxing fundamentals and sharp striking that complement his brawler-like aggression. At 6'3" with a 78-inch reach, Sutherland will look to exploit his reach advantage and technical striking against Tafa.
Louie Sutherland – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Luke Newland – TKO (Punches) – LFL 18, Jun 2025
2. Win vs. Matusalem Santos – Decision (Unanimous) – LFL 17, Apr 2025
3. Win vs. Luis Carlos Brito – KO (Elbows) – LFL 16, Feb 2025
4. Win vs. Renato Rangel – Decision (Unanimous) – LFL 15, Dec 2024
5. Loss vs. Slim Trabelsi – Decision (Unanimous) – Bellator Champions Series 2024
Sutherland is a disciplined striker who mixes raw power with calculated offense, giving him the ability to counter Tafa’s aggression effectively. While untested in the UFC, his previous fights show he can finish fights quickly or go the distance when needed.
Stylistic Matchup
This fight is a classic striker vs. striker scenario. Tafa relies on heavy, forward-moving power punches and short-range aggression, while Sutherland combines reach, technical boxing, and explosive finishing ability. If Tafa closes the distance and lands early, he can end the fight in the first round. Conversely, Sutherland’s precision and longer reach make him dangerous on the counter and in extended exchanges.
Prediction
Given Sutherland’s technical striking, reach advantage, and finishing ability, he is favored to handle Tafa’s raw aggression. Tafa must land early to have a realistic chance, but Sutherland’s UFC-ready skill set and composure make him the likely victor.
Prediction:
Louie Sutherland def. Justin Tafa via KO/TKO – Round 1/2
Expect a fast-paced, high-intensity opening round, with Sutherland using crisp combinations and counters to neutralize Tafa’s power while looking for a finish in the early frames.