Saturday was a banner day for UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa, who scored the biggest victory of his MMA career when he knocked Derrick Lewis out cold in the co-main event of UFC 271. Not only did Tuivasa win the fight in vicious fashion but perhaps even more impressively, he did so while taking enormous punches from Lewis, one of the hardest hitters in UFC history. But arguably Tuivasa’s most impressive feat was still yet to come because after UFC 271, “Bam Bam” finally convinced UFC President Dana White to do a shoey.
The shoey has become the trademark celebration of Tuivasa who, following each of his victories in the octagon, will mingle with fans on his way out of the arena and frequently chug whatever alcoholic beverages (and sometimes other things) that fans dump in their shoes. During Tuivasa’s current winning streak, the Australian slugger has been attempting to get White to join in on the fun, to no avail. Tuivasa got White to agree on Saturday.
At the post-fight press conference, White, who has previously said a shoey is “the last f*cking thing I would do” was asked if he would finally give in to the Tuivasa magic and the UFC President reluctantly agreed.
“Oh Jesus Christ. I’m not getting out of this thing am I?”
In fact, he wasn’t.
Later that evening, Tuivasa traced White down. White then did his first shoey.
White drank his “ShoeyVasa”, a Tuivasa product that is basically a beer bong shaped like a shoe, instead of traditional shoes from someone’s nearby footwear. Afterwards, Tuivasa was complimentary of White’s first foray into footwear funneling.
“He f*cking did alright, actually,” Tuivasa said in his post-fight press conference. “He was fine. The whole thing was also his. He did well…. It’s a win-win situation for me. This is a win-win situation .”
Tuivasa has now won five fights in a row inside the UFC and having just knocked out the No. 4 ranked heavyweight in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings, “The King of the Shoey” is expected to move into the top five of the division.
TOP STORIES
Results. Israel Adesanya retained his middleweight title with unanimous decision win at UFC 271.
Champion. Israel Adesanya grades UFC 271 performance against Robert Whittaker, anxious for ‘fresh meat’ next.
Belief. Robert Whittaker: ‘I thought I did enough’ to win at UFC 271; Israel Adesanya responds.
Contender. Jared Cannonier: ‘I turned blonde Brunson into blood Brunson’ at UFC 271.
Narrative. Dana White: Joe Rogan could have worked UFC 271, calls scheduling conflict story ‘bullsh*t’.
Out. Nate Diaz wants Dustin Poirier as his ‘retirement fight’ so he can ‘get out of this fight game’.
Fight. Dustin Poirier: ‘Door is closed’ on fourth Conor McGregor bout, ‘good chance’ Nate Diaz is next.
VIDEO STEW
UFC 271 Post Show.
UFC 271 Press Conference.
Tai Tuivasa’s celebration.
Arnold Allen and Meal Deals.
LISTEN UP
On to the Next One. Matches to make following UFC 271.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Dana White made a shoey.
Israel Adesanya.
Happy Valentine’s Day
It’s the thought that counts xo pic.twitter.com/ThVvLczAUt— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) February 14, 2022
Statements.
Thank you, UFC, for having me fight in your great organization.Thank you fans,teammates,coaches,my physical trainer&therapists. Casey, thank you for your amazing fight. Keep following me! You can always count on me to continue leading you in adventures. Ying Yuan shitekuretaJie sanXian Sheng Da , Zhong Jian , arigatou pic.twitter.com/kvs0NWLT9L
— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) February 13, 2022
All good ! pic.twitter.com/M4i4j3aOP5
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 13, 2022
Yesterday night was not my night. It was impossible for me to show the truth of who I am. I will always fight to my death and my WILL is unbreakable ! It’s time to fix my injuries and get my body 100% healthy. And later this year I’ll be back inshAllah…
— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) February 13, 2022
Support.
Congrats Paradigm Sports Management Agency! Number 1 and 2 highest paid on the ufc roster contractually. Izzy and myself. An excellent feather in the cap of an amazing sports agency. @ParadigmSports!
Congrats to all my team and a big congrats last night Israel— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 13, 2022
Don’t come asking me for nuffin’!!
I don’t have it…#whatmoney ?!?! https://t.co/aCxqXRHI4F— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) February 14, 2022
Jake Paul.
Indeed well deserved for Izzy but but unfortunately Tyson Fury still makes more than both of you combined for fighting. Conor when you gonna start playing your part to get ALL fighters better pay and healthcare? https://t.co/6WgdFqgLc7
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 13, 2022
Aljamain Sterling now has a fresh look.
Trying the Dagestani beard.
Now I eat everybody.
Smesh everyone!
Aljambib Stermaev!
*#AndStill #UFC273 pic.twitter.com/RqHQWkYIBp— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 13, 2022
Chris Leben feeling better.
Minus the shitty fruit roll ups from @dr_octagon today was a good day don’t try this at home pic.twitter.com/8r1TmFXxIq
— Chris Leben (@ChrisLebenMMA) February 14, 2022
I didn’t tap pic.twitter.com/5LHLNJGpHL
— Chris Leben (@ChrisLebenMMA) February 13, 2022
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Umar Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Brian Kelleher (24-12); UFC 272, Mar. 5.
Angela Hill (13-11) vs. Virna Jandiroba (17-3); UFC Fight Night, May 14.
FINAL THOUGHTS
UFC 271 was a really good night of fights. I still can’t believe Tai Tuivsa ate all those shots and didn’t get slept. I hope y’all enjoyed it as much as I did.
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow!
EXIT POLL
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.
