- Has been on an extended UFC layoff
- Working on comeback after huge weight gain
UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa has never been shy about living life on his own terms – and his latest viral moment is no exception.
The Australian cult favourite, known for drinking beer from a shoe after each win, posted a video this week puffing on a massive joint while sweating it out in a sauna.
The post, shared to his Instagram account with the caption ‘@bambambudz,’ shows Tuivasa enjoying marijuana in a relaxed setting, despite still being an active member of the UFC roster.
While it might raise eyebrows, Tuivasa won’t face any sanctions from the UFC or law enforcement.
That’s because the UFC no longer punishes fighters for marijuana use, as long as they’re not under the influence during competition.
Tuivasa, who currently sits at No. 10 in the UFC heavyweight rankings, hasn’t fought in 2024 and has spent time recovering, refocusing, and reshaping.
Tai Tuivasa smokes a joint in a sauna and posts it to social media to promote his new business venture in the United States
Tuivasa has trimmed down since reaching 140kg, impressing fans with his new shape
After reports his weight had ballooned to 140kg, the Sydney-born slugger appears to have slimmed down, with fans noting the change in recent appearances.
Tuivasa is targeting a return to action in early 2025, aiming to end a frustrating losing streak and put himself back in title contention.
But fighting isn’t his only hustle.
The knockout artist has also entered the booming American cannabis market, launching his own weed brand: Bambambudz.
Tuivasa revealed the business in a post back in March, posing with three massive bags of marijuana in front of a greenhouse full of cannabis plants.
With a grin and a double peace sign, he declared, ‘COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU US,’ teasing future distribution in US states where cannabis is legal.
Those include California, Colorado, Illinois and New York – key markets in a $15 billion industry.
Bambambudz plans to expand even further, with future dispensaries reportedly being eyed in Thailand.
It comes after ‘Bam Bam’ tipped the scales at 140kg after his weight ballooned during an extended stretch of UFC losses
Tuivasa also co-owns Drink West with NRL star Nathan Cleary and Tyson Pedro in Sydney
Bambambudz is eyeing US expansion and potential dispensaries in Thailand’s shifting market
Cannabis was legalised for recreational use there in 2022 before the government moved to restrict it to medical purposes in 2023.
Despite the regulatory grey areas, Tuivasa’s brand is already generating hype among fans and cannabis users alike.
He joins a growing number of athletes embracing the weed business, from Mike Tyson to Nate Diaz.
Tuivasa is no stranger to outside-the-cage ventures either – he co-owns Drink West brewery alongside NRL star Nathan Cleary and fellow fighter Tyson Pedro.
His larger-than-life personality, brawler mentality, and sense of humour have earned him a loyal following.
Even through his recent losses, ‘Bam Bam’ remains one of the most entertaining figures in the sport.
From walk-off knockouts to Joe Rogan-shocking shoeys, he brings energy no one else in the UFC does.
Now, with a new business lit and a fight comeback looming, Tuivasa is again doing things his way – loud, bold, and completely unapologetic.
