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'Changing of the guard' - Sutherland wins on short notice
TL;DR
Louie Sutherland won against Tai Tuivasa at UFC Perth on short notice, marking a significant shift in the heavyweight division. He secured his first victory with the promotion by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring it 30-26.
Key points
- Louie Sutherland won against Tai Tuivasa at UFC Perth
- Victory achieved on short notice after Sean Sharaf's withdrawal
- Sutherland's first win in the UFC by unanimous decision
- All judges scored the fight 30-26
Louie SutherlandTai TuivasaUFC Perth
Louie Sutherland has picked up eight of his 11 wins inside the distance [Getty Images]
British heavyweight Louie Sutherland said his victory over Tai Tuivasa on short notice at UFC Perth signalled a "changing of the guard".
Sutherland agreed to step in and flew from the UK to Australia after Sean Sharaf pulled out with barely a week to spare.
The 31-year-old, who also competed at UFC London in March, earned his first victory with the promotion at the third attempt by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 30-26.
"I know I'm good enough to compete in the top 10 or 15 of this division," Sutherland said.
"My coaches keep telling me to take my time and it will come but I'm here to fight, if you call me on a weeks' notice I'll come - it doesn't matter who it is.
"I'm a big fan of Tai so to get a win over him is bittersweet and it feels like a changing of the guard."
The win takes Sutherland's overall record to 11 wins and five defeats, while Tuivasa's future in the UFC is uncertain following a seventh successive defeat.
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Londoner Sutherland's start to life in the UFC has been chaotic. What should have been his debut fight in Perth in September was cancelled on 24 hours notice when opponent Justin Tafa withdrew through illness.
He went on to lose his actual debut the following month when agreeing to face Valter Walker on 10 days' notice.
Q&A
What was the outcome of Louie Sutherland's fight against Tai Tuivasa?
Louie Sutherland won the fight against Tai Tuivasa by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring it 30-26.
Why did Louie Sutherland fight Tai Tuivasa on short notice?
Sutherland stepped in to fight Tai Tuivasa after Sean Sharaf withdrew from the match just a week before the event.
What does Louie Sutherland mean by 'changing of the guard' in heavyweight MMA?
Sutherland's statement suggests a shift in dominance within the heavyweight division, indicating that new fighters are emerging to challenge established ones.