Nashville`s Bridgestone Arena is set to host another night of high-stakes mixed martial arts, and among the bouts scheduled to ignite the undercard of UFC on ESPN 70 is an intriguing matchup in what`s billed as the light heavyweight division: Junior Tafa facing off against George Tokkos. While not the main event, featuring Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira, this particular pairing presents a compelling clash of differing experiences and fighting styles.
Junior Tafa, a heavyweight hailing from New Zealand and known by the moniker “The Juggernaut,” steps into the octagon carrying a record of 6 wins and 3 losses. His track record speaks volumes about his approach: all six of his victories have come by way of knockout. His most recent outing saw him secure a TKO win against Sean Sharaf, reinforcing his reputation as a concussive force. At 190 cm and 109.3 kg, he is built for power, a fact his fight history emphatically supports.
Across the cage stands George Tokkos, representing England. Fighting under the nickname “Tuco,” Tokkos holds a record of 10 wins and 5 losses, with 6 of his victories also coming by knockout. While possessing knockout power himself, his recent performance was a unanimous decision loss to Navajo Stirling. Intriguingly, Tokkos is listed with a weight of 93.0 kg (193 cm tall), placing him comfortably in the light heavyweight division, a notable difference when facing a natural heavyweight like Tafa. This weight disparity, despite the bout being labeled `Light Heavyweight` in some contexts, adds a unique, perhaps technically peculiar, dynamic to this particular clash.
Understanding the Fight Timings
For viewers eager to catch the action, the UFC on ESPN 70 event, featuring the Tafa vs. Tokkos bout on the undercard, is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
The main card broadcast is set to commence at 06:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Spectators should anticipate Junior Tafa and George Tokkos making their walk to the octagon approximately two hours into the main card broadcast, estimated around 08:00 PM EST.
For those tuning in from other regions, here are approximate start times:
- USA and Canada (PT): Main Card starts 03:00 PM; Tafa vs. Tokkos Ring Walks around 05:00 PM
- UK and Ireland (GMT): Main Card starts 10:00 PM; Tafa vs. Tokkos Ring Walks around 12:00 AM (next day)
- Australia (AEDT): Main Card starts 09:00 AM (Sunday, July 13); Tafa vs. Tokkos Ring Walks around 11:00 AM (Sunday, July 13)
It is important to note that these times for individual fights are estimates and can shift based on the duration of preceding bouts on the fight card. Fans are advised to check live updates as the event progresses.
Where to Watch
In the United States, the UFC on ESPN 70 event, including the Junior Tafa vs. George Tokkos fight, is available for live streaming via ESPN+.
The Full Event Context
Tafa vs. Tokkos is part of a packed fight card. The event is headlined by the heavyweight showdown between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira. Other notable bouts on the card include Stephen Thompson vs Gabriel Bonfim, Calvin Kattar vs Steve Garcia, and Vitor Petrino vs Austen Lane, promising a full night of diverse mixed martial arts action leading up to and following the Tafa-Tokkos clash.
As fight night approaches, the matchup between the heavyweight knockout artist Junior Tafa and the capable light heavyweight George Tokkos stands out on the undercard as a potentially explosive encounter, despite the divisional curiosities. Spectators should prepare for a dynamic fight where Tafa`s raw power meets Tokkos`s skill and heart.
Rupert Hartwell