Tai Tuivasa is without an opponent for UFC Perth after Sean Sharaf withdrew from their scheduled May 2 bout due to a broken nose suffered in training.
Sharaf announced the withdrawal on Instagram. "Sorry guys, I fractured my nose and won't be able to fight May 2nd. Going to get it fixed look forward to getting back in there soon," he wrote.
The UFC is actively working to find a replacement opponent for Tuivasa, a task that may be easier than usual given the fight is at heavyweight and weight cuts are typically not a significant factor for finding late replacements at that division.
The timing is difficult for Tuivasa, who is currently on a six-fight losing streak and widely regarded as being on the edge of a UFC release. He already holds the UFC record for the longest losing streak in heavyweight history, and a loss in Perth would extend that run to seven consecutive defeats.
Tuivasa had been hoping to turn things around in front of a home crowd, having last competed in Perth at UFC 305 in 2024 when he lost to Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Sharaf, for his part, had also lost his first two UFC outings, making the matchup between two fighters in search of a win a natural booking.
Whether a replacement opponent is found or not, the Perth bout could represent Tuivasa's last appearance in the promotion if the losing run continues. The UFC has not yet announced a new opponent for the 33-year-old.
