An ANZAC Day Feature on Resilience, Community, and Combat Sports
For many who have served in Australia’s Armed Forces, the end of military life marks the beginning of a much quieter—and often more difficult—battle. The transition back to civilian life can feel disorienting, lonely, and overwhelming. Veterans MMA, a community-led initiative founded by former servicemen Ash Pendergast and James Osbourne, is proving that sometimes the best way forward is through the familiar intensity of combat sports.
Veterans MMA is a combat-based program on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, offering free weekly training in disciplines like Boxing, Muaythai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Freestyle Wrestling. But beyond the punches and rolls, it’s about something much deeper: rebuilding identity, reconnecting with purpose, and restoring a sense of belonging.
A Different Kind of Recovery
While clinical and mindfulness-based treatments can be effective for some, the one-size-fits-all approach often leaves others behind—particularly veterans who thrive on challenge, structure, and adrenaline. Veterans MMA offers a powerful alternative: a space where mental and physical strength are forged together, in the company of those who understand.
“When I was discharged, I found it difficult to transition back into mainstream society; I was desensitised to it, isolated, and alone.”
This sentiment is echoed by many. The loss of camaraderie, the lack of a mission, and the alienation from civilian life can feel impossible to overcome. That’s why Veterans MMA was created not as a therapy session, but as a sanctuary—a place where veterans can train, connect, and feel understood without judgment or formality.
Whether it’s a full-contact sparring session or simply sitting on the mats sharing a coffee, everyone is welcome. Some are chasing fitness goals. Others just need to feel connected again. And for all, it’s about finding a new kind of strength—on their own terms.
From Fighter to Facilitator: Ash’s Story
Ash Pendergast, a combat veteran and co-founder of Veterans MMA, knows firsthand how transformative the program can be—because he lived it.
“After service, I felt like a shadow of the man I once was,” he recalls. “A veteran mate dragged me to a martial arts class, and after one session, I felt so good I had to come back. Six months later, I was a new person.”
That journey culminated in a final fight at Eternal 74—where Ash faced fellow veteran Cole Smith. For Ash, it was a chance to go out on his terms, sharing the cage with someone who understood the experience both inside and outside of combat.
“I gave everything to that camp to go out with a bang,” he says. “To fight another veteran, toe-to-toe, for a cause like this—it was a dream way to retire. Eternal was the perfect place to hang up my gloves.”
The impact on his fellow veterans was immediate. More participants began setting goals—some eyeing amateur fights, others simply engaging more in training and social connection.
“Even those who don’t want to compete get fired up when one of us is in camp. It tightens the bond across the whole community.”
A Fellow Warrior in the Cage: Cole Smith
Ash’s opponent that night, Cole Te Tuhi Puru Smith, is a fellow veteran and owner of Heartbreak Conditioning on the Gold Coast. Cole served with the 2/1 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry from 1999 to 2003. His return to competition wasn’t just about sport—it was a personal triumph.
After suffering two life-threatening strokes, undergoing heart surgery, and being told by doctors he would never compete again, Cole defied the odds just by stepping into the cage. The mental and physical hurdles were immense, and yet, for Cole, fighting MMA again “meant everything.”
Facing Ash made the moment even more significant.
“It felt fitting to return against another infantryman,” Cole said. “Ash was a strong, resilient, experienced fighter—a soldier through and through—and a solid human. It was a war, and I’m proud to have shared that moment with him.”
Cole also praised the Veterans MMA program, calling it “an amazing initiative” that brings purpose, mental balance, and camaraderie back into the lives of those who’ve served.
“It takes a good heart to do something like that for our veterans. Martial arts gives you a way to direct your energy positively—and that’s something we all need post-military.”
Regardless of the result, two veterans went to war—and had the entire crowd on their feet, cheering them on for the battle it truly was.
Coaching With Purpose: Jordan’s Perspective
For coach and athlete Jordan Southern, Veterans MMA has transformed not only the people he works with, but his own reasons for stepping into the cage.
“Preparing for fights while being a coach is awesome—the guys really rally behind me,” Jordan says. “That pressure? I welcome it. It motivates me.”
Each fight camp becomes a team effort. Veterans lend support, energy, and encouragement—eager to help however they can. And the effect is mutual.
“Winning always feels good for half a day,” he jokes, “then it’s back to reality. But I’m lucky that reality is coaching and training—so I’m always winning.”
Jordan’s deeper motivation, however, lies in what the fight represents.
“Since becoming a coach for Veterans MMA, my reason for fighting has changed. I fight for something bigger than myself now. Our veterans have fought for all of us—the least I can do is return the favour.”
Coaching with Perspective: Rob Giuffrida
As Head Coach and Course Director at Veterans MMA, Rob Giuffrida has found deep purpose in working with those who’ve served. While the role comes with challenges, it’s one he describes as the most meaningful of his career—supporting a group of individuals who arrive not just with physical toughness, but with discipline, humility, and a raw honesty shaped by service.
Rob worked closely with Ash Pendergast in the lead-up to his final fight, helping him prepare both physically and mentally for what was to come. Despite Ash carrying serious injuries and heavy expectations, Rob witnessed a level of dedication that set the tone for the entire gym.
“He carried the team on his back with a smile the whole way,” Rob says. “That fight gave the boys belief—it’s still talked about in the gym.”
As a coach, Rob sees how the veterans look out for one another. In his words:
“When you train for yourself, one person gets better. When you train for your partner, the whole team rises.”
Building a Legacy of Support
Veterans MMA isn’t just a gym program—it’s a growing network of support, healing, and shared understanding. The long-term vision is to expand into more camps, competitions, and community-led events—all guided by the feedback of the veterans themselves.
The program is already helping reduce symptoms of isolation, depression, and PTSD—simply by giving veterans a place to belong, to be challenged, and to be seen.
“We’re not here to hand out participation certificates,” Ash says. “We’re here to build a culture of discipline, courage, and integrity—the same values we carried in uniform.”
On this ANZAC Day, as we honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s defence personnel, we also shine a light on what comes after—and those doing the work to ensure that no veteran is left to fight their battles alone.
Who are your coaches? Ryan Gray, Ben Vickers, Will Zwaan.
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist? Blue Belt in BJJ.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up? Tennis, then started MMA.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession? The day I walked out of Scrappy after my first session — I knew I wanted to become a professional MMA fighter.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why? Everything. I love the entire process.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter? My mindset, cardio, strength, and ability to absorb information.
How would you describe your fighting style? Mixed martial arts — I aim to be well-rounded in all areas.
What is your favourite sport and why? MMA — nothing else compares.
Who is your favourite athlete? Marab Dvalishvili.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete? Sharra Bullet.
What are your immediate and long-term goals? Become Eternal featherweight champion, defend it a few times, then smash a fool on Dana White’s Contender Series.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect? That in five years, when I’m on the big stage, they’ll be able to say, “Yeah, I watched him back in the day when he was amateur.”
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out? My hand getting raised.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters: Enjoy the show.
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media? Instagram: @josephbirdmma
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist? Technically still a white belt, but I compete at blue belt level and above.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up? I did karate for a little while when I was younger and started training kickboxing at 14.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession? I took MMA seriously before I even started training it. I moved out of home — and out of the country — at 16 to pursue it. Up until then, I had only trained kickboxing.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why? Sparring — so I can punch Shai Krimotat in the head.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter? Even when things aren’t going well, I stay composed and find a way out. I don’t get overwhelmed, and I don’t get too excited when things are going my way either.
How would you describe your fighting style? Bull in a china shop.
What is your favourite sport and why? K-1 kickboxing — I love the exchanges and the combinations.
Who is your favourite athlete? I wouldn’t say I have one favourite athlete.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete? There are a lot of guys I look up to and try to learn from — Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski are two of the main ones.
What are your immediate and long-term goals? Immediate: win this fight and move on to the pro ranks. Long-term: reach my full potential in this sport and become the best fighter I can be — wherever that takes me.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect? A cracker of a fight.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out? A cracker of a fight.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters: I’m in a place now where I’m truly grateful for the people around me. The support from my gym and everyone who helps me means so much — I feel it every step of the way.
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media? Instagram: @perry.jamesprivate
Which gym do you train out of? Team Compton and OASIS Fight Academy.
Who are your coaches? Steve Compton.
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist? Brown Belt in BJJ.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up? Rugby.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession? I took it seriously from my first amateur fight, but I realised I could really make a run at it after my first fight at middleweight.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why? MMA sparring — it’s the closest you can get to replicating a real fight.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter? I’m very coachable, I fight with aggression, and I carry real power.
How would you describe your fighting style? Aggressive.
What is your favourite sport and why? MMA — because a fight can be won or lost at any second, in so many different ways.
Who is your favourite athlete? Right now, Alex Pereira (Poatan).
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete? Poatan.
What are your immediate and long-term goals? Immediate goal: get my hand raised in this fight. Long-term goal: build my gym, OASIS Fight Academy.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect? An entertaining fight.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out? Sebastian has a good chin, judging from his past fights, so I expect to rock him and finish him with ground and pound.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters: Massive shoutout to my teams — Team Compton and OASIS. And big thanks to my sponsors for this fight: GAIA Hire, Ocean Ink, Barfoot Plumbing, and Regulate Nutrition.
Who are your coaches? Ben Johnston, Nakia Melody, and Uncle Des.
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist? I’m a Blue Belt in BJJ and currently ranked #102 in the bantamweight division in Australia and New Zealand.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up? I didn’t really have one specific hobby, but I was into mountain biking, riding scooters, and playing rugby at school occasionally.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession? From the moment I started training, it was never just a side hobby — it was something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. The day I stepped into TFC, my coach Ben saw potential in me. That’s when I really started to believe I could make a career out of this.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why? Definitely Wednesday evening sparring and Saturday morning sparring.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter? My athleticism, strength, speed, and fight IQ.
How would you describe your fighting style? Like a game of chess — precise and calculated.
What is your favourite sport and why? MMA and boxing. I see them as more than just violent sports — there’s an art to it, a beauty in the craft.
Who is your favourite athlete? Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete? Floyd Mayweather, Canelo Alvarez, Sean O’Malley, Petr Yan, and Ilia Topuria.
What are your immediate and long-term goals? To make it to the UFC before my 30s, make a living out of it, become a UFC champion, retire with my belts, open my own gym, have a farm, and live happily ever after.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect? An entertaining fighter with real skill — and a great talker on the mic.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out? I see myself finishing this fight by KO, TKO, or even submission.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters: Big thanks to all my coaches, friends, family, and everyone coming out to watch. Stay tuned — it’s going to be a banger of a night for TFC!
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media? Instagram: @chivorn_01 Facebook: Chivorn Nim
Which gym do you train out of? The Fight Centre (TFC).
Who are your coaches? Ben Johnston and Darcy Vendy.
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist? Blue Belt in BJJ.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up? Musical theatre — I played the lead in every production I was part of, both in and out of school. I was also the lead singer in a band. I played rugby for a bit too, but I was just too small.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession? In 2021, as a white belt, I guillotined a brown belt in BJJ class. That moment made me realise I wanted to pursue fighting. I started training MMA the same year. After meeting Darcy, I knew I could take the sport all the way. We didn’t properly train together until after my first fight, but from then on he basically took control of my skill development and fighting career — until we both moved to TFC.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why? Wrestling. There’s nothing better than physically exhausting yourself while mixing technique with explosiveness — all without the risk of concussing your teammates. Plus, let’s be real… you’re just sweaty and rolling around with your mates. Name something better.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter? My boxing and wrestling. My hands are fast, sharp, and hard. I’m smart — a young Michael Chandler with a bigger vision. I’m going to the top. 📈
How would you describe your fighting style? My pace and pressure are unlike anything my opponents have felt. Once I get going, I’ll melt anyone standing in front of me at bantamweight.
What is your favourite sport and why? MMA — it’s literally the only sport worth watching. Once you decide that watching simulated murder is fun, how are you meant to go back to watching footy?
Who is your favourite athlete? Ilia Topuria.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete? Darcy Vendy.
What are your immediate and long-term goals? Immediate: Knock this guy out, take one more amateur fight, then turn pro by the end of 2025 or start of 2026. Long-term: Headline an Eternal card in Logan City — either fighting for or defending a title — before heading to the UFC.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect? The best performance on the card. No one does it like Daddi.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out? Perry is skilled, aggressive, and game — probably the kind of guy I’d be mates with if we weren’t fighting. But it sucks for him… I’m going to knock him out.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters: Anyone who knows me knows how much I value the support and love from my friends, family, and fans. The best way I can repay everyone who believes in me is by showcasing the best version of myself. I’ll do it for them, for TFC — and most of all, for LOGAN CITY BABY!!!
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media? Instagram: @daddi_ravioli_mma YouTube: Time2Invest Spotify: Gas In The Tank MMA Podcast
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist? Blue Belt in BJJ.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up? Kyokushin Karate and basketball.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession? Four years ago, after going through a rough patch in life and deciding I needed a change.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why? I love drilling — whether it’s striking or BJJ. I like getting a movement to flow naturally, to the point where it feels instinctive.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter? I’m my biggest critic. I’ve never left the cage thinking I’ve done enough — in my mind, there’s always something to improve. That mindset is why I believe I can be great one day.
How would you describe your fighting style? Every time I step in the cage — win or lose — I’m a different and improved fighter. I’ve blended my karate base with strong BJJ skills and counter-wrestling. Now I’m focused on levelling up my boxing. It’s a lifelong process to become a complete mixed martial artist.
What is your favourite sport and why? MMA and boxing — we’re modern-day gladiators.
Who is your favourite athlete? Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete? Demetrious Johnson.
What are your immediate and long-term goals? To get better.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect? I’ve never had a boring fight. I’m always improving, so expect each fight to be better than the last.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out? I’m going to be fast and sharp.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters: Thank you for the support — I couldn’t do it without you.
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media? Instagram: @daldimadome
Watch Dallas Denniss at Eternal MMA 95 on Saturday, May 3.
Who are your coaches? Ben Johnston, Des Maea, Nakia Melody.
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist? Blue Belt in BJJ.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up? Played rugby league before I started fighting. Also played basketball, cricket, and soccer as a kid.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession? Very soon after I started training. After two years, I quit my full-time job and moved to part-time to focus on MMA.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why? Sparring is number one. I also love wrestling and rolling – all the live work is my favourite.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter? Kicking ability, range, and fight IQ.
How would you describe your fighting style? Good striking, hard kicker, with nasty ground and pound.
What is your favourite sport and why? MMA.
Who is your favourite athlete? Israel Adesanya is my biggest inspiration. In other sports, Ronaldo and Kobe Bryant are also huge inspirations.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete? Israel Adesanya. I also love Jack Della – he’s the man.
What are your immediate and long-term goals? Win the Eternal welterweight title by the end of the year. Be in the UFC by the end of next year.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect? An exciting fight and a violent finish.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out? I think I’ll pick him apart on the feet, stifle his attempts to impose himself, and break him down as the fight goes on. Mid-fight stoppage.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters: Thank you – your support means the world.
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media? Instagram: @nathaniel__law TikTok: @natelawmma
Watch Nathanial Law fight at Eternal MMA 95 on Saturday, May 3.
Which gym do you train out of? Team Compton Training Centre.
Who are your coaches? Steve and Elliot Compton.
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist? Blue Belt in BJJ.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up? Taekwondo for a few years as a kid.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession? I started MMA in 2015 with the intention of getting fit and using it as cardio. Then I really started getting into it. After my first fight, I had a few injuries and life got in the way. Then COVID hit, and training came to a complete halt. I had my second fight two years later, but another wave of lockdowns followed.
It’s been a tricky road juggling a high-level, high-stress job, trying to maintain some form of life, and fitting training into the mix. But for the last 6–7 months, I’ve been taking it seriously with the goal of getting back in the cage and gaining as much experience and exposure as possible.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why? The mental side of things. Knowing you’re going into a pro session where you’re probably going to get merked, but coming out the other side — it makes handling everyday life easier when you’re not getting the crap kicked out of you.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter? My ability to stay calm under pressure, my heart, and my willingness to go into the fire.
How would you describe your fighting style? I like to mix it up. Stand-up is my bread and butter, but I’m not afraid to wrestle or grapple. I tend to counter-strike, but I also enjoy applying pressure and walking through strikes to land my own.
What is your favourite sport and why? Isle of Man TT (motorbike racing). The courage it takes to go full throttle on what is essentially a death machine through streets (not even a track!) is insane. It takes a level of confidence and fearlessness that’s just wild.
Who is your favourite athlete? Michael Dunlop – the guy lost his uncle, dad, and brother and still keeps racing. That’s pure commitment to the sport.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete? Dan Hooker. He brings it every time, always ready for a hard scrap, and his attitude is gangsta.
What are your immediate and long-term goals? My immediate goal is to get my record into the positive, take as many fights as I can this year, and go pro. I’ve never been the most athletic person — I actually hated sports when I was young — so becoming a professional fighter would be the coolest thing ever.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect? A scrap. It might not be the most technical fight, but I’ll throw it all on the line.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out? I don’t think it’ll be an easy fight, but I see myself getting the finish by Round 2.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters: Thank you for supporting me in this crazy sport and believing in me, even when I don’t always believe in myself. It means the world.
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media? Instagram: @iamiman__
Watch Imantha Alahakoon at Eternal MMA 95 on Saturday, May 3.
