Following his reported release from the UFC, Justin Willis is calling for patience as he suggests a 'loser-leaves-UFC' fight against rival Tai Tuivasa.
Willis pointed to a “big miscommunication and a technical difficulty” for his contractual issue with the UFC, telling fans to "be patient" in the meantime. With a 4-1 record inside the octagon, Willis' reported release surprised many onlookers, remaining a ranked contender even after his loss to Curtis Blaydes. Willis' rivalry with Tuivasa has continued along the way regardless, with Tai mocking his foe's departure and 'Big Pretty' responding this week.
“We’re fighting for a contract,” Willis told MMA Junkie. “Whoever loses gets cut. Don’t be a (expletive), homie. What side?”
“Pretty has a simple question for you. Yes or no, do you want to fight?”
While these circumstances may complicate things slightly, Tuivasa has a mutual interest in fighting Willis, recently telling Submission Radio that they'll eventually meet in the cage or out of it. “I’m going to catch up with him whenever I catch up with him,” he said. “At the end of the day, he’s killing his own career, I think, talking (expletive) and then coming out and being (expletive). He needs to be slapped. I’m going to pull his pants down and play with his bum.”
Credit to MMA Junkie for their transcript of both Willis and Tuivasa's comments.
