Tai Tuivasa loses opponent for UFC Perth due to fractured nose

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Tai Tuivasa of Australia warms up prior to his fight during the UFC 305 event at RAC Arena on August 18, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

“Bam Bam” needs a new opponent.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight fan favorite Tai Tuivasa has lost his opponent for UFC Perth after Sean Sharaf was forced to withdraw due to a fractured nose.

The bout was scheduled to serve as the main card opener for next weekend’s event (Sat., May 2, 2026) inside RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Sharaf confirmed the news on social media.

“Sorry guys, I fractured my nose and won’t be able to fight May 2nd,” he wrote. “Going to get it fixed — looking forward to getting back in there soon.”

According to sources, the promotion is actively working to keep Tuivasa on the card with a replacement opponent.

Tuivasa (14-9) is currently riding a six-fight losing streak, though the skid has come against Top 15 competition. In his most recent outing, he returned from a two-year layoff only to drop a unanimous decision to Tallison Teixeira at UFC 325 earlier this year.

Before that, he suffered losses to names like Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Sergei Pavlovich, and Alexander Volkov.

Despite his popularity, Tuivasa is now firmly in must-win territory if he hopes to stay relevant not only in the Heavyweight division but also in the promotion.