UFC 305: Tai Tuivasa expects stand-up war in blockbuster heavyweight fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Australian heavyweight star Tai Tuivasa says someone is going to sleep in his fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 305 and he doesn’t plan on it being him.

Tuivasa (15-7) is looking to get his career back on track by snapping a four-fight losing streak when he takes on Rozenstruik (14-5) at RAC Arena on Sunday morning.

Affectionately known as “Bam Bam”, Tuivasa expects it to be a stand-up war, with Rozenstruik a well-known kickboxer from Suriname having 13 finishes from 14 wins.

“I don’t like being cuddled on the ground too much, so it (the fight) is definitely going to be one for the fans,” Tuivasa said.

“And someone is going to go to sleep and I don’t reckon it’s going to be me.

“I think this one is going to be a war, so I’m looking forward too it.”

Tuivasa said he felt the best he had in years after training in Dubai in the lead-up to the fight.

“It’s probably the best I’ve felt. I’ve been back over in Dubai, I’m a lot more focused over there,” he said.

“No bad influences, no friends. I just lock in and stay away from the pub.

“I’ve been with Gokhan Saki, he’s a boxing great and the guy I’m fighting is a kickboxer so I feel good. I’ve got my stand-up back on point.”

West Australian Steve Erceg is no stranger to headline fights, having earlier this year fallen short of winning the flyweight title from Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301.

But the chance to step into the Octagon in his home town is hitting a little differently as Erceg (12-2)prepares for New Zealander Kai Kara-France (24-11).

“It’s going to be a surreal experience walking into the cage, walking into the arena with all the fans,” he said.

“That’s the part that’s going to be a childhood dream becoming a reality.”

Erceg was full of praise for Kara-France but said he was confident he had the skills to get the win.

“He’s a very good fighter, he’s got a good takedown defence, he hits hard and he sets it up well,” Erceg said.

“It’s not going to be an easy fight but I’m not here to have easy fights, I’m here to fight the best in the world.

“I think I have more skills than he does. I’m better in more places. I can traverse where he is dangerous.”