Know Your Fighter: Nikita Laptsevich

Full Name:
Nikita Laptsevich

Age:
23

Where were you born:
Minsk, Belarus

Where do you live:
Gold Coast, Australia

Which gym do you train out of:
Fight Club Jiu Jitsu / Black Dragon Kai

Who are your coaches:
Gavin Hain
Geordie Lavers-McBain
Daniel Lima

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:

  • Purple Belt – BJJ
  • Brown Armband – BDK Muay Thai
  • Orange Belt – Judo

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
BMX, swimming, karate, gymnastics

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I trained karate at age 7 for two years as a hobby. I started judo at 15, and then joined Fight Club at 16. Since then, I’ve been training five days a week with the goal of fighting.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Probably Muay Thai — but I enjoy everything almost equally 😆

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I want to be good everywhere the fight goes. Having participated in many sports growing up (and currently), I feel some things come to me easier than they do to others.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Not a striker, not a grappler — I’m a mixed martial artist. I know I can knock my opponent out, and I know I can submit them.

What is your favourite sport and why:
Other than MMA, probably Muay Thai. I love the high stakes and the fact that a fighter getting dominated most of the fight can still turn the tides at any point.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Max Holloway (I don’t watch sports outside of combat sports 😆)

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Max Holloway

What are your immediate and long-term goals:
Short-term: Win my pro debut convincingly and excitingly.
Long-term: Become a UFC champion and be an exciting fighter.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
A fighter who’s looking to hurt his opponent and get the finish.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Not going to tell you 🤫

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thank you to everyone — your support is very appreciated!

Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you on socials:
Instagram – @nikita_laptsevich

Watch Nikita Laptsevich fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Baxter Pickering

Full Name:
Baxter Pickering

Age:
24

Where were you born:
Queensland, Australia

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
Shindo Newbreed MMA

Who are your coaches:
Coach Kerry Dunne

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Blue belt in BJJ

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Basketball, touch football, swimming, soccer

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I started in 2022 and just loved it. From there it took over.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Saturday fight training is my favourite session. It’s a big push with a lot of sparring. You get to test everything you’ve worked on and see it unfold. It’s really rewarding.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I think I’m unique with the way I grapple and I’m always looking for different techniques. I can be creative and flashy but also hold strong fundamentals. I like to be a bit unpredictable.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Unique and entertaining. I want to always give people a reason to watch. I’d like to get to the point where no one even blinks when I fight, otherwise, they might miss something.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA. Nothing else comes close. There are no distractions, no timeouts, and no shortcuts. It’s just you and your opponent and who wants it more.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Kobe Bryant

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Alexander Volkanovski

What are your immediate and long-term goals:
I want to let loose in the cage and show what I’m capable of. I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself in the past, so I want to enjoy the process and grow through it. Longer term I want to teach and help people grow the way I have. I already work as a disability support worker and PT, so I enjoy giving back.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
They should expect movement, pressure, and creativity. I’m not giving you time to warm up.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
I see myself finding opportunities early. I know where I’m strong, and I’m going to push the pace from the start.

A final message to any friends, family, and supporters:
Thank you all for being by my side from the start. Nothing has ever gone unnoticed. Much love.

Where will any fans or supporters be able to find your socials:
Instagram: @bax_pickering

Watch Baxter Pickering fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13