Overview
- Teixeira defeated Tuivasa by unanimous decision with three 29-28 scorecards at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
- Early takedowns, top control and steady ground-and-pound built a two-round lead as Teixeira then survived a late third-round surge.
- The bout marked the first time Teixeira went the distance in his pro career, a key rebound after a quick knockout loss to Derrick Lewis.
- Tuivasa returned at 265.5 pounds following a major weight cut but dropped a sixth straight fight despite pockets of success late.
- Oddsmakers had Teixeira as a heavy favorite near -340, and post-fight reaction questioned Tuivasa’s roster standing.