Latest news with #BradTavares
USA Today
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
UFC's Brad Tavares still sees importance of 'The Ultimate Fighter' to modern MMA
UFC's Brad Tavares still sees importance of 'The Ultimate Fighter' to modern MMA Brad Tavares explains why there's still a place for TUF despite Contender Series' massive success. "The Ultimate Fighter" likely saved the UFC from bankruptcy and maybe even the entire sport of mixed martial arts. The success of the UFC's reality series, which launched in 2004 under Spike TV, has been evident through the years. From creating a generation of MMA fans to multiple UFC champions, TUF has been an important part of UFC history, especially in its early days when it was still fighting for public approval. Fast-forward 20 years and 32 seasons later, and "TUF" doesn't the same cache it did back in the day. With the success of Dana White's Contender Series in recent years, which has appeared to overshadow "TUF," many have questioned if the show has run its course. Brad Tavares, a cast-member of Season 11 of "TUF," thinks there's a place for both series and believes "TUF" can still serve an important purpose. "I think there's a lane for both of them," Tavares told MMA Junkie. "What I see in the Contender Series, granted they do make it younger up-and-coming fighters, but I do notice about those guys fighting that they have some experience. They might not have a bunch of fights, but they have that experience, and they might've had a couple of big fights in LFA or Tuff N Uff or whatever feeder shows they have. When I think of 'TUF,' I think of myself. I had four fights. I was 22 years old. I was a baby. I spent my life, a big portion of my life, in the UFC. My fighting career, I grew up in the UFC. I feel like that's better for those younger guys, like it's kind of stages. I'd say for the younger green guys, where you can see the talent there, but they still have to evolve and form into a more complete fighter, I think 'TUF' is great for them. With the guys that are already kind of past that, I think Contender Series." "The Ultimate Fighter 33" premiered Tuesday, celebrating 20 years of the show's history. Tavares, who is now on the tail end of his UFC career, is thankful for the show's existence. He strongly believes his appearance has significantly influenced his career for the better. "I've been in the UFC for 15 years now, and I literally wouldn't be here without 'TUF,'" Tavares said. "That was my foot in the door. I feel like I would've eventually gotten to the UFC. It was always a goal I was chasing. But to get in at such an early age, and to have that platform to show the nation who I was, just this kid from a little island in the Pacific Ocean, not a lot of people knew who I was. ... It paved the way for me and for so many fighters."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Midnight Mania! Bones Breaks Bread With Hasbulla, Krylov Vs. Guskov, And Thick Topuria
Welcome to Midnight Mania! Let's start the night off by taking look back over the three biggest stories of Tuesday, May 13, 2025. UFC 317 fight card: Dana White breaks Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira headliner, vacant Lightweight title on the line: Nothing can quite compared to Topuria vs. Islam, but there's zero doubt in my mind that everyone will be extremely hyped for this Lightweight showdown by fight day. Jake Paul's MVP promotions accused of refusing to pay full purse, leaving boxer stranded in Florida: It's hard to say from the outside whether this is a case of sour grapes or genuine misconduct, but this is definitely bad optics for Jake Paul and company. Brad Tavares re-signs with UFC to try and break Michael Bisping's wins record: I'm glad UFC didn't cut Tavares off a win, that would've been poor treatment after many years of good, consistent work for the Middleweight iron man. Insomnia Breaking bread with Hasbulla does seem a whole lot easier than fighting Tom Aspinall. Advertisement I feel the need to disclose that this is fake/a meme, but it made me laugh all the same. The bright side of the best three Team Lobo fighters all struggling with cage-cutting is that the team can bring somebody in to help address the flaw ... right?!? Daniel Cormier sets the record straight, reminds 'Bones' he didn't want any smoke when 'DC' was an active Heavyweight champion. Jose Aldo's gas tank may be diminishing with age, but those skills remain SHARP! Ilia Topuria looking thick, solid, and tight ahead of his Lightweight return. Nikita Krylov making a fairly quick comeback after his first career KO loss against a dangerous puncher? What could go wrong! Advertisement Top-tier corner work ... Slips, rips, and KO clips Michael Morales' whole vibe as a fighter to me is athletic youngster who doesn't respect the punches coming his way. Think Gilbert Burns can teach him a lesson? A pretty infamous execution from a few years ago ... Awkward way to fall ... Random Land A rare white bison. Midnight Music: Indie folk, 2014 Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way. More from
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brad Tavares Removed from UFC Roster After 15-Year Career
Staying in the UFC is one of the toughest tasks in all of combat sports. While breaking in takes grit, staying in takes evolution, luck, and results. Eventually, the game moves faster, younger talent pushes forward, and even the most seasoned fighters reach the end of the road. That's where many long-tenured names find themselves—no longer at the top of cards, but still giving everything to stay competitive in a relentless environment. Recently, we learned that one of those veterans is no longer with the organization. According to Borrachinha Depot, longtime UFC veteran Brad Tavares has been removed from the active roster. The 37-year-old American middleweight spent 15 years with the organization after debuting in June 2010. Tavares earned his contract following a stint on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz (Season 11) and wasted no time proving himself, winning 7 of his first 8 UFC fights. He compiled a 16-10 record across 26 official UFC bouts, most recently earning a unanimous decision win over Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Murphy. Known for his durability and technique, Tavares went the distance in 19 of his 32 professional MMA bouts. His most notable matchups include a five-round war with future champion Israel Adesanya in 2018, a knockout win over Krzysztof Jotko, and a recent dominant decision win over former titleholder Chris Weidman in 2023. He also tied Michael Bisping for the most wins (16) in UFC middleweight history. Brad TavaresGetty Images Roster changes like this reflect a broader pattern Dana White has long acknowledged—UFC's roster turnover is constant. Fighters come and go, often quietly, as the next generation climbs in. UFC CEO Dana WhitePhoto by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC For veterans, it's rarely about failure. It's about timing. And when your run spans 15 years in a single division, the record speaks for itself. While nothing has been officially announced, it's possible Tavares could transition into coaching, commentary, or even explore new opportunities in promotions like PFL, Bellator, or BKFC—should he decide to continue competing. Related: 'The Best Is Yet to Come' – Jon Jones Teases High-Stakes Return Related: Ilia Topuria Drops a Bombshell Announcement – Early Clues Point Toward These Possible Foes
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hawaii's Brad Tavares wins via Unanimous Decision
Hawaii's Brad Tavares entered the Octagon for UFC Fight Night on Saturday against Gerald Meerschaert. Tavares landed 39 significant strikes and didn't let his opponent take him to the ground (Meerschaert's strength). This fight going all 3 rounds as Tavares is named the winner by Unanimous Decision. He is now tied for the most wins in UFC Middleweight History with 16, and ties UFC Legend Michael Bisping. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
