Tallison Teixeira gets the TKO just 35 seconds into his UFC debut at UFC 312 – highlights

It didn’t take long for Tallison Teixeira to make a statement in his Octagon debut at UFC 312.

The 6’7″ heavyweight looked to impose his will early, shooting for a takedown and pressing his opponent, Justin Tafa, against the fence. Tafa defended the takedown attempt well, but a knee to the midsection from Teixeira opened up an opportunity for the Brazilian to land a vicious right elbow to the face of Tafa, sending him crashing to the canvas immediately.

With Tafa turtling up against the cage, Teixeira unleashed a few ground-and-pound strikes that ultimately forced the referee to step in and call for a stoppage less than a minute into the heavyweight scrap.

Official Result: Tallison Teixeira def. Justin Tafa via TKO (elbow) at 0:35 of Round 1.

Check out highlights from Tallison Teixeira vs. Justin Tafa at UFC 312:

Tallison Teixeira KO’s Justin Tafa in 35 seconds 🤯

What a debut for Teixeira 😤 #UFC312

pic.twitter.com/Dib9yzb7Jv

— Zach “🅂🄲🄷🅄🅉” Schumaker (@_SchuZ_) February 9, 2025

TALLISON TEIXEIRA WITH THE FIRST ROUND KO IN HIS UFC DEBUT!!! #UFC312 pic.twitter.com/3nrjo9JOfb

— athletic feed (@athleticfeed) February 9, 2025

Tallison Teixeira gets the TKO against Justin Tafa in just 35 seconds, during his UFC debut! #UFC312 pic.twitter.com/yGXQAgfX9E

— 001Sports (@001Sports_) February 9, 2025