Champion: Ryan Gray

Former Eternal Featherweight Champion – Ryan Gray

“Ravishing” Ryan Gray made his first walk to the Eternal cage at Eternal 2 on May 11, 2013 — the beginning of an illustrious career. He announced himself with a first-round guillotine choke over Kyle Griffiths, then followed it up at Eternal 3 with another first-round finish, this time a TKO against Quentin Taylor.

Two back-to-back wins lit the fire. Young, hungry, and relentless, Ryan quickly built a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting featherweights — a fighter who never took his foot off the gas. From his home state of Western Australia to Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania, Ryan was always willing to travel, always ready to put on a fight fans would remember.

His championship opportunity came after a highlight-reel knockout — a vicious first-round knee over Garret Gross at Reign Fighting, Eternal’s proving ground series at the time. That win earned him not only a title shot, but also a chance at redemption against Myles Simpson, who had bested him once before.

The stage was set in Myles’ backyard — the Titanium Security Arena in Adelaide. With pressure, grit, and his trademark grappling, Ryan forced the action early and sealed the story with another guillotine choke, submitting Simpson in the first round to capture Eternal gold. Ryan became the Eternal featherweight champion at 25, at Eternal 32 on April 7, 2018.

Ryan’s reign was cut short by health complications that forced him to step away before he could defend his title. Four years later, he made a return at Eternal 64 in 2022, sharing the cage with none other than Diego Pereira in a moment etched into Australian fight history.

From day one, Ryan fought under the tutelage of well-renowned Ben Vickers at Scrappy MMA, home to champions like Mitch Martin, Jack Becker, Rod Costa, Anthony Drilich, UFC’s Casey O’Neill, and UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, all of whom, like Ryan, held Eternal gold. Today, Ryan Gray continues to shape the next generation of fighters in Perth, Western Australia, passing on the knowledge of a true Eternal champion.


Career snapshot:
Eternal MMA Featherweight Champion
9-3 record (7 finishes)
8 Eternal appearances
1 Reign Fighting Appearance

Know Your Fighter: Patrick Hill

Full Name:
Patrick Hill

Age:
28

Where were you born:
Canberra

Where do you live:
Canberra

Which gym do you train out of:
Progression MMA

Who are your coaches:
Duke Didier

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Judo Black Belt, BJJ Brown Belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Rugby League, Rugby Union, Judo

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
Around 2019

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
The hard grappling sessions.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My takedowns and ground control.

How would you describe your fighting style:
High-paced pressure and grappling.

What is your favourite sport and why:
Split between Rugby League and MMA.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Alex Volkanovski

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Alex Volkanovski

What are your immediate and long-term goals:
To fight consistently and win.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
For me to come forward, put the pressure on, and look for the finish.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
With me getting my hand raised at the end.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Make sure to tune in on Fight Pass.

Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you (socials):
Instagram: @patrick.hill_

Watch Patrick Hill fight at Eternal MMA 99 on Saturday, October 11.