British heavyweight Louie Sutherland claimed a decisive unanimous decision victory over Tai Tuivasa at UFC Perth, stepping in on just a week's notice after Sean Sharaf withdrew. The 31-year-old Londoner, who now holds an 11-5 record, dominated the fight 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 week's 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."
Sutherland's UFC journey has been turbulent. His would-be debut in Perth last September was cancelled hours before the fight when opponent Justin Tafa fell ill. He then lost his actual debut to Valter Walker on 10 days' notice and suffered another defeat to Brando Pericic earlier this year. This win marks his first UFC victory and should solidify his place in the promotion.
"It's overwhelming because I took a short-notice fight against Walker, who I thought I could beat. Finally, on a week's notice, it feels sweet," Sutherland added. "Me and my coaches said we did a big 360. We started here and it didn't go to plan with Tafa pulling out, but listen, that's on a week's notice."
Tuivasa's loss extends his losing streak to seven, casting doubt on his future with the UFC. In the main event, Brazil's Carlos Prates upset former welterweight champion Jack della Maddalena, stopping the hometown favourite in the third round with leg kicks and elbows.