Brad Tavares
Active 2010–present · rated in 6 editions · peak overall 77.0
Scouting report
A stalwart presence at 185 pounds for over a decade, Brad Tavares built his career on disciplined Hawaiian kickboxing and takedown defense. Hailing from Kailua, Hawaii, the TUF 11 alumnus compiled over twenty Octagon appearances with victories over Krzysztof Jotko and Thales Leites, his durability backed by an 82 Durability rating and 82 Cardio.
Peak ratings
By edition
Tavares scored key victories between 2014 and 2015, outpointing Lorenz Larkin in Duluth and Nate Marquardt in Las Vegas, while a decision loss to Yoel Romero, a TKO loss to Tim Boetsch and a knockout loss to Robert Whittaker in Adelaide. His technical kickboxing combinations, defensive footwork, and sprawl are reflected in a 78 Boxing and 82 Cardio.
Tavares compiled a three-fight winning streak between 2016 and 2017, defeating Caio Magalhaes in Cleveland, Elias Theodorou in Las Vegas, and Thales Leites by unanimous decision at UFC 216 in Las Vegas. His jab, low leg kicks, and takedown defense anchor his 78 Boxing and 82 Cardio ratings.
In 2018, Tavares stopped Krzysztof Jotko in round three in Glendale before losing a five-round decision to Israel Adesanya at the TUF 27 Finale in Las Vegas. A first-round knockout loss to Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC 244 in 2019 followed, but his durable boxing fundamentals, low calf kicks, and consistent pacing support his 78 Boxing and 82 Cardio ratings.
Between 2020 and 2021, Tavares defeated Antonio Carlos Junior at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi and outpointed Omari Akhmedov at UFC 264 in Las Vegas with disciplined boxing combinations and takedown defense. His ring composure, counter-punching, and pace justify his 78 Boxing and 82 Cardio score.
Tavares remained a middleweight veteran between 2022 and 2024, defeating former champion Chris Weidman at UFC 292 in Boston, before losing to Gregory Rodrigues by TKO and Jun Yong Park by split decision in Las Vegas. His durable frame, leg kicks, and defensive wrestling anchor his 77 Boxing and 80 Cardio ratings.
Overall is an editorial rating. It can differ from a simple average of the attributes.
Brad Tavares, Hawaii's steady hand at middleweight
Brad Tavares grew up in Hawaii, played football and ran track at Waiakea High School, and worked as a ramp agent for Hawaiian Airlines after graduating. He turned professional at 19. On The Ultimate Fighter 11 he knocked out Jordan Smith with a knee in under a minute of his elimination fight, and he reached the semi-finals before Court McGee choked him. In a draft he is a reliable middleweight with balanced striking and a chin that held until 2014.
Tavares rating notes
Boxing. A solid 78. He knocked out Phil Baroni in the first round in 2011.
Kickboxing. Level with boxing at 78, so his striking has no obvious gap.
Wrestling. A useful 76, close to his other physical numbers.
BJJ. The lowest number on his card at 70. Court McGee choked him in the semi-finals of the show.
Strength. A good 78, matching his striking numbers.
Durability. Tied for his best at 82. He was not stopped by strikes until Tim Boetsch's second-round TKO in 2014.
Cardio. Also 82 and tied for his best. He got through a run of decisions including Yang Dongi, Riki Fukuda, Robert McDaniel and Lorenz Larkin.
Fight IQ. A well-earned 78. He won the third round against James Hammortree after the first two ended in a draw.
A tie at the top: durability and cardio at 82
Durability and cardio are level at 82, and together they explain his career. He won five straight, all on the scorecards, over Yang Dongi, Tom Watson, Riki Fukuda, Robert McDaniel and Lorenz Larkin, and he later went the distance with Yoel Romero and Israel Adesanya. In a game with long fights, he keeps his shape into the final round.
BJJ at 70 is the low point
Jiu-jitsu is his weakest attribute at 70. Court McGee submitted him with a rear-naked choke in the show semi-finals after Tavares had been rocked late in the third round. He is safer on his feet than on his back, so opponents who can take him down and hold position have the clearest plan.
Keep exploring
Closest middleweight profiles to Brad Tavares, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Rich Franklinbest boxing 82 · weakest bjj 76
- Alan Belcherbest kickboxing 82 · weakest wrestling 72
- Brian Stannbest boxing 85 · weakest bjj 68
- Francis Carmontbest strength 84 · weakest fight iq 74
- Middleweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Protecting your streak: a guide that fits Brad Tavares's strongest attribute, Durability.
Draft Brad Tavares into your build
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Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Brad Tavares is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Brad Tavares's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.