The Wallabies have called on the experience of some of the best MMA fighters in the world as they look to turn around last week’s defeat to the Springboks.
Saturday’s Test in Perth looms as a sporting double-header for the region with UFC 305 set to be held the following day.
Tickets to the Wallabies home 2024 Test fixtures are available here.
The card contains several Australian stars, such as Tai Tuivasa, and Steve Erceg, with middleweight champion and Springboks diehard Dricus du Plessis taking on Kiwi Israel Adesanya in the main event.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto got the chance to stand face-to-face with ‘Bam Bam’ Tuivasa as the Australians rallied around each other
“It’s good to come here and mix it with a few of the UFC boys, we’re huge fans of the sport and it’s awesome to get behind a few Aussies that are fighting this weekend,” he said.
“It’s a big weekend of sport here in Perth so it’s awesome to be a part of it and hopefully we can get a result.”
There has been crossover between the two sports before, with top-five ranked welterweight Jack Della Maddalena and rising star Jack Jenkins coming through the union ranks before focusing on making the UFC.
The returning Red got some handy tips to deal with the massive ‘Boks pack if a similar scuffle emerges as their 2022 clash in Sydney.
“I was asking ‘Tai’ what he reckons for this weekend and he said just throw the overhead, coming through with the uppercut and keep the jab ready,” Salakaia-Loto joked.
“I think that’s something I’ll keep in the back pocket."
The Wallabies will name their side on Thursday afternoon, with flyer Marika Koroibete amongst several candidates looking to press their claims for selection.
“He’s been good…he’s a world-class player and the more you have of those guys on your team, it’s certainly going to help,” Salakaia-Loto added on Koroibete’s return to the group.
“We’ve got guys in the same position that can come in and slot into that spot easily because it’s going to take a 40-man squad effort to beat the world champs, like it always does.
“Whoever gets the opportunity to play will be right up for it.”
