Justin Tafa

Mixed martial arts career

Tafa made his professional debut at XFC 30, with a second-round stoppage of Dylan Tiaaleaiga. Tafa was then scheduled to fight Jeremy Joiner for the XFC Heavyweight title, at XFC 36. He won the fight by TKO, after just 28 seconds.

Tafa was scheduled to make his first title defense against David Taumoepeau on May 24, 2019, at XFC 41. He won the fight by a second-round TKO, stopping his opponent 30 seconds into the second round

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Tafa made his promotional debut on 6 October 2019 at UFC 243 against Yorgan de Castro. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

For his second fight with the promotion, Tafa faced Juan Adams on 8 February 2020 at UFC 247.He won the fight via TKO in the first round.

Tafa was scheduled to face Raphael Pessoa on 25 July 2020 at UFC on ESPN 14. However, he pulled out on 15 July due to unknown reasons and was replaced by Tanner Boser.

Tafa faced Carlos Felipe on 16 January 2021 at UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar. He lost the bout via split decision. 16 out of 20 media scores gave it to Tafa.

Tafa faced Jared Vanderaa on 22 May 2021 at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. This bout earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Tafa faced Harry Hunsucker on 18 December 2021 at UFC Fight Night 199. At the weigh-ins, Tafa weighed in at 267 pounds, 1 pound over the heavyweight non-title fight limit, marking the first time in UFC history that a fighter missed weight in that division. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Tafa was fined a percentage of his purse, which went to Hunsucker. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.