Full Name:
Justin Van Heerden
Age:
31
Where were you born:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Where do you live:
Wollongong, New South Wales
Which gym do you train out of:
Freestyle Fighting Gym
Who are your coaches:
Joe Lopez & Alex Volkanovski
What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
BJJ Black Belt
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Wrestling, athletics, gymnastics, rugby, cricket, soccer, rugby league, and basketball
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I started training in 2014, had my first fight six months later, and then went pro in 2017. I made my debut on Eternal 26 and won by submission in round 1.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Spyda and Meatgrinder sessions with all the killers at Freestyle! These sessions push you to the limit — a fight ain’t as hard as the work we do!
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My wrestling and my opportunistic ability to find a finish anywhere in the fight at any time in the fight.
How would you describe your fighting style:
Relentless, calculated, and physical.
What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA — because of the work that goes into it long before you see fighters under the bright lights. It’s high stakes and high risk — it’s the best sport in the world.
Who is your favourite athlete:
Michael Jordan — his willingness to succeed, competitiveness, and pettiness in his pursuit of excellence set him apart.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
GSP — a great example of how to carry yourself as a martial artist, athlete, and man.
What are your immediate and long term goals:
Win my fight against Tasar with a big finish, fight on Eternal 100, and put on another highlight performance. That’s all I’m focused on at the moment.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Entertainment. A kill-or-be-killed approach. High-level mixed martial arts.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
I’m going to finish my opponent and remind everyone why I was the Eternal Champion — and remind them I never lost my belt.
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thank you for all the support and love — it means a lot. But most importantly: Sophia and Justus, you are my whole world and I just want to make you two proud of me.
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find your socials:
Instagram: @LockjawMMA
Watch Justin Van Heerden fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13
