Tai Tuivasa Wants Khamzat Chimaev to Train Him After Sixth Straight UFC Loss

Australian heavyweight Tai Tuivasa has never been one to hide his emotions, and after suffering his sixth consecutive defeat inside the Octagon, the fan-favorite striker delivered one of the most honest reflections of his career. The loss marked another difficult chapter for the heavyweight contender, who once stood on the brink of title contention but now finds himself searching for answers as he looks toward the future.

Rather than stepping away from competition or making excuses, Tuivasa has openly acknowledged the areas of his game that need improvement. In a heartfelt social media post following the setback, he revealed that he hopes to train with UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev, a move that could signal a major shift in his fighting approach.

A Painful Sixth Straight Defeat

Tuivasa’s return to action came after a long hiatus, but the outcome didn’t go his way. Competing in front of a passionate crowd, he showed flashes of his trademark aggression and power, yet ultimately fell short on the scorecards. The defeat extended a brutal run that has tested both his resilience and his position in the UFC’s heavyweight landscape.

Despite the disappointment, Tuivasa didn’t shy away from sharing his feelings publicly. He admitted that the loss “hurts the soul,” emphasizing that the emotional impact sometimes outweighs the physical damage from a fight. The Australian also apologized to supporters who have continued to stand behind him throughout the ups and downs of his career.

His message highlighted the reality of a fighter’s journey — one filled with relentless effort, sacrifice, and moments of self-doubt. While fans often see only the action inside the cage, Tuivasa’s comments reminded everyone of the mental and emotional toll that comes with repeated setbacks.

A Career That Once Looked Unstoppable

Not long ago, Tuivasa was one of the most exciting names in the heavyweight division. A devastating knockout victory over Derrick Lewis had pushed him closer to the top of the rankings, and his entertaining personality made him a fan favorite around the world.

However, the momentum shifted after that high point. Losses against elite competition began to stack up, and each defeat exposed different weaknesses in his overall game. From powerful strikers to grappling specialists, opponents found ways to neutralize his strengths, leaving the Australian searching for adjustments.

The recent defeat represents more than just another number in the loss column. For Tuivasa, it serves as a wake-up call that the division continues to evolve, requiring fighters to adapt if they want to remain competitive at the highest level.

A Heartfelt Message to Fans and Family

One of the most striking parts of Tuivasa’s reaction was his openness about family and personal motivation. In his message, he spoke about how difficult it has been for his son to watch him struggle through losses. Rather than letting the setbacks define him, he framed them as lessons about perseverance and resilience.

He emphasized that continuing to try — regardless of the result — remains the most important principle in both fighting and life. That mindset has resonated strongly with fans who admire his honesty and willingness to keep pushing forward despite adversity.

The heavyweight’s words also reflected gratitude toward supporters, coaches, and loved ones who have stood by him. Even during a losing streak, his popularity remains intact, largely due to his authenticity and connection with the audience.

Turning to Khamzat Chimaev for a Fresh Start

Perhaps the most intriguing part of Tuivasa’s post was his direct callout to Khamzat Chimaev. Known for his relentless wrestling and dominant grappling, Chimaev represents a skill set that Tuivasa has struggled to deal with in recent fights.

By expressing interest in training with the middleweight champion, Tuivasa appears ready to step outside his comfort zone. The heavyweight has traditionally relied on striking and knockout power, but his recent performances have highlighted the need for a more well-rounded approach.

Reports indicate that he specifically wants to improve his wrestling and ground control — areas that opponents have successfully exploited during his losing streak. Training alongside someone with Chimaev’s intensity could provide the kind of transformation Tuivasa believes he needs to remain competitive.

This willingness to learn from another elite fighter suggests that Tuivasa is not content with simply maintaining his current style. Instead, he seems determined to evolve, even if it means rebuilding certain aspects of his game from scratch.

Why Wrestling Has Become the Key Issue

Heavyweight MMA has undergone significant changes in recent years. Fighters who once relied primarily on striking are now expected to possess strong grappling fundamentals. Tuivasa’s recent bouts have shown how quickly fights can shift when takedowns and control time come into play.

In his latest outing, extended grappling exchanges proved to be a decisive factor. Even when he found success on the feet, his opponent’s ability to dictate the pace through wrestling limited his chances of turning the tide.

That reality has pushed Tuivasa to rethink his preparation strategy. By seeking help from a dominant wrestler like Chimaev, he is acknowledging that improvement in this area may be the key to extending his career.

The Mental Battle Behind the Losing Streak

Beyond the technical aspects, Tuivasa’s comments also revealed the emotional challenges of enduring multiple defeats. He admitted that losing repeatedly can feel overwhelming, particularly when expectations are high and fans are watching closely.

Yet, instead of retreating from the spotlight, he has chosen to face the criticism head-on. His decision to speak candidly about the situation demonstrates a level of self-awareness that many athletes struggle to show during difficult periods.

The heavyweight’s honesty has sparked discussions among fans about what comes next. Some believe that a change in training environment could reignite his career, while others see his willingness to adapt as proof that he still has unfinished business in the UFC.

What This Means for Tuivasa’s Future

The road ahead remains uncertain, but Tuivasa’s determination to improve offers a sense of optimism. A potential collaboration with Chimaev could represent a turning point — not only in his skill set but also in his mindset.

If he manages to integrate stronger grappling into his game, Tuivasa may once again become a dangerous threat in the heavyweight division. His knockout power has never been in question; the challenge now lies in building a more complete fighting style that can withstand the evolving demands of modern MMA.

Even during a rough stretch, his popularity with fans continues to provide opportunities for high-profile fights. That support, combined with a renewed focus on growth, could help him carve out a new chapter in his career.

A Fighter Refusing to Give Up

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from Tuivasa’s reaction is his refusal to quit. While many athletes might consider stepping away after such a difficult run, he has chosen to embrace the challenge instead.

By openly admitting his weaknesses and reaching out to one of the sport’s most dominant grapplers, Tuivasa has shown a willingness to evolve that could redefine his future. The journey back to winning ways will not be easy, but his attitude suggests that he is prepared for whatever comes next.

Whether training with Khamzat Chimaev becomes a reality or simply serves as motivation, the message is clear: Tai Tuivasa is not ready to walk away from the fight game just yet. And for fans who have followed his journey from rising contender to resilient underdog, that determination may be the most compelling story of all.