Junior Tafa ("The Juggernaut")
* Age: 28
* Height: 6'3" / 190.5 cm
* Weight: 241 lbs / 109.32 kg
* Record: 5-3-0
* Association: NTG Fight & Fitness
* Style: Kickboxing
Junior Tafa is known for his powerful striking, particularly his ability to end fights with punches. With all five of his wins coming by knockout, Tafa is a dangerous striker, especially in the early rounds. His kickboxing background allows him to use a variety of techniques to overwhelm opponents. However, his recent losses—one by submission to Valter Walker and a TKO to Marcos Rogerio de Lima—show that he can be vulnerable to ground attacks and striking pressure. Tafa will look to avoid the ground and utilize his striking to secure another knockout win.
Junior Tafa - Last 5 Fights
* Loss vs. Valter Walker – UFC 305 (August 17, 2024)
* Loss vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima – UFC 298 (February 17, 2024)
* Win vs. Parker Porter – UFC Fight Night 225 (August 26, 2023)
* Loss vs. Mohammed Usman – UFC Fight Night 222 (April 22, 2023)
* Win vs. Tsuyoshi Kamiyama – Rizin 40 (December 31, 2022)
Sean Sharaf ("The Smoke")
* Age: 31
* Height: 6'2" / 187.96 cm
* Weight: 252 lbs / 114.31 kg
* Record: 4-0-0
* Association: Xtreme Couture
Sean Sharaf is an undefeated knockout artist, with all of his victories coming by KO/TKO. Sharaf is making his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 244, bringing a reputation for finishing fights quickly. His aggressive style and knockout power have allowed him to end most of his bouts in the first round. Sharaf’s last victory came via knockout in September 2024, where he dispatched L.J. Torres in just over three minutes. With an unblemished record, Sharaf is looking to continue his momentum and make a strong first impression in the UFC.
Sean Sharaf - Last 4 Fights
* Win vs. L.J. Torres – Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (September 6, 2024)
* Win vs. Chadricc Kindle – Fight Club OC (April 4, 2024)
* Win vs. Nathan Mullett – UNF 9 (July 1, 2023)
* Win vs. Bruno Casillas – Fight Club OC (September 23, 2021)
Fight Breakdown
Both fighters possess serious knockout power, and the fight will likely be decided by who can land their shots first. Tafa’s kickboxing background gives him an edge in terms of technical striking, but Sharaf’s aggressive approach and heavy hands make him a dangerous opponent. Tafa’s experience in the UFC will also be a factor, as Sharaf is making his debut on a big stage. However, Sharaf’s undefeated record and knockout wins show that he is no stranger to the pressure.
Prediction
Given both fighters' tendencies to finish fights early and their striking power, this fight is unlikely to go the distance. Junior Tafa’s kickboxing experience and UFC tenure should give him the edge in this matchup. While Sharaf is dangerous, Tafa's ability to stay composed and pick his shots could lead to him catching Sharaf and securing a knockout.
Prediction: Junior Tafa by KO/TKO, Round 2.
