What is the meaning of the nickname 'FTA' that Tai Tuivasa uses?
After defeating Augusto Sakai in the prelims of UFC 269, Tai Tuivasa introduced fans to terms like 'FTA' and 'Eshay' in his post-fight interview.
'FTA' stands for 'From The Area'. Tuivasa has the initials tattooed on the inside of his lower lip. The tattoo pays homage to the Western Sydney neighborhood where he grew up. 'Eshay', on the other hand, has been described by Urban Dictionary as "white skinny males who like to think they are 'Roadmen' or 'Gangsters'."
The 'Eshay' culture promotes a particular signature look, comprising Nautica shirts and footwear from brands like Adidas and Nike. Tuivasa was seen sporting the classic Eshay look in pictures that were posted on his Instagram feed.
"SIXTEEN and KEEN out here looking like a lifeguard, Saving these streets WUII," wrote Tai Tuivasa on Instagram.
Tai Tuivasa put Augusto Sakai away with ease
In a stellar performance, Tai Tuivasa overcame the challenge presented by Augusto Sakai. The Australian recorded a KO win in the second round of their clash in the UFC 269 prelims.
In the aftermath of his victory over Sakai, Tuivasa hopped onto the cage and hit a shoey after asking for a shoe and a can of beer.
Watch Tai Tuivasa chug a celebratory shoey right here:
People throwing their shoes to Tai Tuivasa postmatch after he sleeps someone, so he can do a shoey is my favorite new UFC tradition!
https://t.co/VWzwXYUD9U
'Bam Bam' has now recorded four wins on the trot. He suffered his last defeat in a fight against Serghei Spivac at UFC 243 back in October 2019. The fight took place on the same card as Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.
With his win over Sakai, Tuivasa is on his longest run of wins in the UFC, having recorded finishes against the likes of Stefan Struve, Harry Hunsucker and Greg Hardy. All three finishes came in the first round.