Justin Tafa is a New Zealand-born Australian mixed martial artist. He competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight division.
He is a former XFC heavyweight champion. You can follow Justin Tafa’s net worth, salary, earnings, career, MMA record, wife, and more here.
About Justin Tafa
Justin Tafa was born in Auckland, New Zealand on December 13, 1993. He is of Samoan descent.
Tafa’s grandfather was a national boxing champion. His three brothers have also fought professionally. His brother, Junior Tafa, also competes in the UFC heavyweight division.
Tafa is also a former rugby player. He played at the U20 level for the Melbourne Storm.
MMA Record
As of writing, Justin Tafa has a 5-3 MMA record, with 5 KOs. He suffered 1 KO defeat.
“Bad Man” Tafa is scheduled to fight Parker Porter in a heavyweight bout on the main card of UFC 284 on February 12, 2023.
In December 2021, in UFC Fight Night, “Bad Man” knocked out Harry Hunsucker to improve his record to 5-3.
In May 2021, Tafa lost to Jared Vanderaa via unanimous decision in UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt, which was the Fight of the Night.
Justin Tafa made his professional MMA debut in 2018 at XFC 30. At XFC 36, He won the XFC heavyweight title and defended it once before joining the UFC.
Justin Tafa’s Net Worth Details
UFC heavyweight Justin Tafa’s net worth is estimated to be $200,000 as of 2025. The 29-year-old has a 5-3 MMA record, with 5 KOs. He earns an estimated $20,000 on average per year.
Nicknamed “Bad Man,” his prime sources of earnings are his fight purse and pay-per-view bonus. Moreover, Tafa earns a huge portion from sponsorship deals.
In May 2021, J Tafa’s fight against Jared Vanderaa was named the Fight of the Night in UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt. He shared a $50,000 bonus money.
Salary
Justin Tafa’s salary is not publicly disclosed, as fighters’ pay is not always made public. A player’s earnings depend on several factors, including the fighter’s contract, the event, the opponent, and the performance. Moreover, a fighter can earn sponsorships and bonuses.
The base pay for UFC fighters starts at $10,000 and can go up to $500,000 or more for the top fighters.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Justin Tafa |
| Nickname | Bad Man |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1993 |
| Birth Place | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Residence | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Nationality | New Zealander, Australian |
| Age | 29 |
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft) |
| Weight | 267 lb (121kg) |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Reach | 74 in |
| Promotion | UFC |
| MMA Record | 5-3, 5 KOs |
| Net Worth | $200,000 |
| Relationship Status | Unknown |
| @justin.tafa |
Relationship Status
UFC heavyweight Justin Tafa’s relationship status is unknown. He prefers to keep his private life away from the spotlight.
The 29-year-old Bad Man seems to be single and doesn’t have a girlfriend.
MMA Record
| Total Fights | 8 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Lost | 3 |
| Win by KO | 5 |
FAQs
Who is Justin Tafa?
Justin Tafa is a professional mixed martial artist from New Zealand who competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was born on December 13, 1993, in Auckland, New Zealand.
What is Justin Tafa’s ethnic background?
Tafa is of Samoan descent. His heritage plays a significant role in his identity and fighting style, drawing comparisons to other fighters of Samoan descent like Mark Hunt.
How did Justin Tafa start his career in combat sports?
Tafa initially pursued a rugby career, playing for the Marist Saints in the junior Auckland Rugby League and later for the Melbourne Storm’s under-20 team. Due to injuries and lacking motivation in rugby, he transitioned to mixed martial arts, inspired by his family’s boxing background.
What are some of Justin Tafa’s notable achievements in MMA?
Tafa has a professional MMA record of 7 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no-contest. All his wins have come by knockout, showcasing his powerful striking ability. He is also a former XFC Heavyweight Champion.
When did Justin Tafa make his UFC debut?
Tafa made his UFC debut on October 6, 2019, at UFC 243 against Yorgan De Castro. Unfortunately, he lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
What is Justin Tafa’s fighting style?
Tafa is known for his striking power, with all his wins coming by knockout. He has a background in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, holding a blue belt in BJJ. His aggressive style makes him a formidable opponent in the heavyweight division.
Has Justin Tafa faced any significant challenges in his career?
Yes, Tafa has faced several challenges, including injuries that led to fight cancellations and a notable incident where he missed weight for a heavyweight bout, making him the first UFC heavyweight to do so. He has also experienced mixed results in his UFC career.
What is Justin Tafa’s record in the UFC?
As of 2024, Tafa’s UFC record includes notable wins against fighters like Juan Adams, Harry Hunsucker, Parker Porter, and Austen Lane. He has also faced losses against Yorgan De Castro, Carlos Felipe, Jared Vanderaa, and Karl Williams.
What is Justin Tafa’s family background in combat sports?
Tafa comes from a family with a strong combat sports background. His grandfather was a national boxing champion, and his brothers, including Junior Tafa, competed professionally in combat sports. Junior Tafa is currently a UFC heavyweight fighter.
What are some interesting facts about Justin Tafa’s career?
Tafa’s nickname is “Bad Man,” and he is known for his knockout power. He has a significant reach of 74 inches and fights out of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Despite starting his MMA career relatively late, he quickly made a name for himself with his impressive knockout victories.
