Eternal MMA isn’t just an event; it’s the beating heart of Australian mixed martial arts. As the nation’s leading MMA organisation, Eternal MMA has become a showcase for incredible talent, electrifying fights, and the rising stars who are making Australia a powerhouse on the global MMA stage.
For fans of high-octane combat sports, Eternal MMA’s YouTube channel is your front-row seat to all the action. With over 1,700 videos, it’s a treasure trove of top-tier fights, in-depth athlete profiles, expert fight breakdowns, and our highly acclaimed “Laid Bare” series. This is where fans and aspiring fighters alike can immerse themselves in the stories, skills, and spectacular moments that define Australian MMA.
The rise of Australian MMA is undeniable, and Eternal MMA is leading the charge. By highlighting local talent and delivering world-class events, we’re showing the world what our fighters are made of. From seasoned champions to the next generation of contenders, Eternal MMA is where Australian combat sports shine the brightest.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Eternal MMA is constantly innovating and bringing fans exclusive programming that takes the sport to new heights. Don’t miss a moment of the action—subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications to stay ahead of the game.
Join us as we continue to elevate Australian MMA and inspire fans worldwide. The future of combat sports is here, and it’s Eternal MMA.
Get a sneak peek at what’s coming next in Australian combat sports—Eternal MMA is bringing you exclusive programming never seen before. Be the first to catch all the action by subscribing and turning on notifications.
RAPID FIRE SERIES Every Tuesday – 8PM AEST Rapid Fire puts fighters and coaches on the spot with quick, sharp questions that test their wit and IQ. Think fast—watch now!Â
HOT WINGS CHALLENGE! Every Wednesday – 8PM AEST Eternal Flame turns up the heat as guests tackle trivia and banter—loser takes a bite of insanely hot wings. Can they handle the fire?
INSIDERS PODCOAST Every Thursday – 8PM AEST The Eternal Insiders podcast drops every Thursday, hosted by Luke Trahair. Join him for interviews with fighters, champions, veterans, and special guests. Stay in the loop on all things Eternal and Aussie MMA—tune in now!
FREE ETERNAL FIGHTS Regular Upload Classics, future Hall of Famers, knockouts, submissions—every fight from Eternal MMA 1 is uploaded for your viewing pleasure!
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on an incredible 2024 season of Eternal MMA. From unforgettable fights to standout performances, this year has delivered moments that will be etched into MMA history. Our annual awards celebrate the fighters, their achievements, and the stories that captivated fans across Australia and beyond. Here are the highlights from a year of excellence inside the Eternal cage.
FIGHT OF THE YEAR 2024 🏆
Kevin Kophamel VS Harry Webb – Eternal 87
A fight for the ages! With a whirlwind of drama behind the scenes leading up to this fight, Kevin Kophamel and Harry Webb delivered an unforgettable battle at Eternal 87 that had the HBF Stadium crowd on their feet. After five gruelling rounds, Harry Webb claimed the vacant lightweight title, but both fighters earned the respect and admiration of fans worldwide.
KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR 🏆
Khan Deatta – Eternal 82
In just the fourth minute of the first round, Khan Deatta unleashed a devastating elbow that left Jong Hwan Lee out cold. This highlight-reel finish kicked off Khan’s incredible 2024 season, which saw him rack up three consecutive KO/TKO wins. A pure display of power and precision!
SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR 🏆
Luke Dally – Eternal 84
With a twister submission against Sydney West’s Jordan Thomas in the second round, Luke Dally showcased his creativity and skill at Eternal 84. Proving why he’s a top contender in the lightweight division, “The Diamond” shined bright with this unforgettable finish.
COMEBACK OF THE YEAR 🏆
Joseph Larcinese – Eternal 86
Behind on the scorecards and battered from three rounds of war, Joseph Larcinese refused to quit. With just 21 seconds left in the fight, he secured a dramatic rear-naked choke victory over Oden Muscat. A heart-stopping comeback for the undefeated flyweight in 2024!
BREAKTHROUGH FIGHTER 2024 🏆
Yusuke Sato – Lightweight
From his last amateur fight to a viral knee KO highlight featured on UFC Fight Pass, Yusuke Sato made waves in 2024. Representing Japan via Gold Coast, Australia, Sato’s clean finishes and magnetic charisma have cemented his status as Eternal MMA’s Breakthrough Fighter of 2024. A budding superstar in the making!
FIGHTER OF THE YEAR 🏆
Connor Birch – Bantamweight
After a three-year hiatus from MMA following his last amateur fight, Connor Birch made a thunderous entry into the professional ranks with Eternal MMA in 2024. Competing in the bantamweight division, “The Highlander” delivered two spectacular first-round knockouts. At Eternal 87, he stopped Lucas Grasseli in dominant fashion, and at Eternal 91, he landed a jaw-dropping walk-off KO in just 52 seconds. Spending only 4 minutes and 37 seconds inside the cage across both fights, Connor Birch’s dominance has earned him the title of Eternal MMA’s Fighter of the Year!
The 2024 Eternal MMA Awards shine a spotlight on the athletes who left it all in the cage, showcasing their skill, heart, and determination. As we look ahead to another action-packed year, we celebrate the legacy of these incredible moments and the fighters who made them possible. Here’s to a phenomenal 2025 season – we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen a significant surge in global talent over the years, and one of the most exciting developments is the resurgence of Asian fighters on the international stage. Eternal MMA, Australia’s leading mixed martial arts organisation, has become a pivotal platform for Asian athletes to showcase their skills, gain invaluable experience, and build the credibility needed to secure opportunities such as the Road to UFC—a direct pathway to earning contracts with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Through its partnership with UFC Fight Pass, the world’s largest fight streaming platform, Eternal MMA has amplified its reach, bridging the gap between Australian MMA, Asia, and global audiences. Among the standout athletes contributing to this resurgence are two Japanese champions, Bantamweight Kuya Ito and Flyweight Takeshi Taniguchi, who embody the high-level talent emerging from Japan’s rich martial arts culture.
Kuya Ito: The Relentless Bantamweight Champion
Kuya Ito, Eternal MMA’s Bantamweight Champion, represents the epitome of resilience and dedication. With a professional record of 16 wins, 8 losses, and 1 no contest, the 28-year-old fighter from Nagano, Japan, has built his reputation on grit and determination. Known for his grinding style and ability to go the distance—evidenced by 13 decision victories—Ito’s career trajectory has been remarkable.
Starting his journey in karate as a child, he made his MMA debut at just 18 years old at ZST 35 in 2013. After three years of balancing work and training, Ito made the bold decision to quit his job and relocate to Tokyo to pursue MMA full-time under the guidance of his coach, former wrestling Olympian Kazuyuki Miyata, at Brave gym.
Before claiming Eternal MMA gold, Ito held the Grachan Bantamweight title in Japan. Now on a three-fight win streak, he has not only represented the Eternal belt but also secured a championship bout back in Grachan, presenting him the unique opportunity to regain his former title in Japan. This dual representation of Eternal MMA and Japanese promotions underscores the symbiotic relationship between the two regions in nurturing top-tier talent.
Takeshi Taniguchi: The Energized Flyweight Champion
At just 26 years old, Takeshi Taniguchi has made an indelible mark as Eternal MMA’s Flyweight Champion. Hailing from Kobe, Japan, Taniguchi boasts a professional record of five wins and one loss. Training out of Shooto Gym Kobe and CMBT Training Centre in Australia, his journey to championship glory has been nothing short of inspiring.
Taniguchi was relatively late to MMA, beginning his training at 20. His hard work and infectious energy quickly set him apart. After a three-fight win streak, he seized the underdog opportunity of a lifetime to challenge then-champion Frank Jankowski from Perth, Australia. Training at CMBT on the Gold Coast leading up to the fight, Taniguchi delivered a stellar performance, claiming the title after five grueling rounds. His dynamic personality and technical prowess make him a fighter to watch on the international stage.
A Rising Superstar: Yusuke Sato
Born in Kumamoto, Japan, 25-year-old Yusuke Sato now resides on the Gold Coast. With a magnetic personality that draws the crowd, Sato made a huge statement in his professional debut with a first-round knockout at Eternal 90—a highlight that has garnered over 200,000 views on social media. Still a student studying in Australia, Sato is on a meteoric rise. Riding the wave of increased interest in MMA, he has the potential to become the next superstar, further strengthening the bond between Japanese talent and Eternal MMA.
A teammate of flyweight champion Takeshi Taniguchi, CMBT Training Centre’s Yusuke Sato wins in front of crowd on the Gold Coast, at Eternal 90.
Eternal MMA: A Crucial Platform for Asian Fighters
Eternal MMA’s commitment to fostering talent extends beyond Australia’s borders. By providing a competitive platform for Asian fighters, Eternal has enabled them to gain exposure to Western audiences and prove their mettle against world-class opponents. This exposure is invaluable for fighters aiming to make a name for themselves internationally.
Notable matchups, such as Jack Becker VS Koshi Matsumoto and Khan Deatta VS Jong Hwan Lee, further highlight the synergy between Eternal MMA and Asia’s vibrant MMA scene. These bouts not only showcase the high-level competition but also contribute to the growth of MMA as a global sport.
With its UFC Fight Pass partnership, Eternal MMA ensures that its athletes gain visibility on the most prominent fight streaming platform, bringing them one step closer to opportunities like the Road to UFC. This partnership not only elevates individual fighters but also strengthens the ties between Australian and Asian MMA communities.
The Future of Asian MMA Talent on the Global Stage
The success of fighters like Kuya Ito, Takeshi Taniguchi, and Yusuke Sato illustrates the potential of Asian athletes in the world of MMA. Eternal MMA’s role in this resurgence is significant. By offering a stage for these fighters to shine and facilitating their journey toward global recognition, Eternal MMA is cementing its position as a vital bridge between Asia, Australia, and the broader MMA world.
As more talent emerges from regions like Japan, the collaboration between Eternal MMA and UFC Fight Pass will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of MMA, ensuring that the world witnesses the best that Asian fighters have to offer.
You can rewatch Eternal MMA events on UFC Fight Pass, the premier platform for fight fans worldwide.
Australia’s leading MMA organisation, Eternal MMA, joined forces with Proper No. Twelve to deliver an unforgettable experience for one lucky fan, celebrating their partnership with an all-expenses-paid trip to the Gold Coast. This double-header weekend on November 29 and 30 showcased the best of MMA while highlighting the synergy between these two iconic brands.
The campaign kicked off with a nationwide competition, culminating in Blake P. from Adelaide, South Australia, being announced as the winner on November 18. The prize package included flights, accommodation, transportation, exclusive merchandise, and VIP access to Eternal MMA’s action-packed events.
Reflecting on his experience, Blake shared his gratitude: “I just want to take a moment to thank Eternal MMA and Proper No. Twelve for an incredible weekend on the Gold Coast. The hospitality was amazing from start to finish.”
Blake on the right ready for the Proper Weekend for Eternal 90 and 91.
From the moment Blake and his guest arrived, they were treated to a luxury experience. “We were greeted by a luxury chauffeur who took us to the Mantra at Southport. Waiting for us there was Sean, Eternal’s videographer, who showed us to our rooms and handed us some awesome goodies, including merchandise and a 1L bottle of Proper No. Twelve,” Blake recounted. The VIP treatment extended to an exclusive tour of the venue, where they even got to step inside the Eternal cage for a face-off.
Blake and his friend were chauffeured from the airport to Mantra at Southport by Black Carriage.
The weekend was a feast of MMA action, beginning with Night One’s thrilling matchups. Highlights included Deng’s precise knee strikes followed by hammer fists, Sato’s clinical performance culminating in a knee up the middle, and Larcinese’s incredible comeback that captivated fans.
Night Two elevated the excitement to new heights. With only one main card fight going the distance, it was a showcase of finishes that left the crowd in awe. Blake’s standout moments included Connor Birch’s walk-off KO, Dom Mar Fan’s rear-naked choke victory, and Darcy Vendy’s spectacular knockout. “Night Two was next level—easily the best card I’ve seen live,” Blake said. “What a crazy two nights! I’m so grateful to Proper No. Twelve and the Eternal MMA team for their hospitality and for making this trip possible. I still can’t believe I actually won this—it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
This unforgettable weekend was more than just a celebration of elite MMA; it marked a milestone in the partnership between Eternal MMA and Proper No. Twelve, uniting fight fans across Australia. Together, they delivered an unparalleled experience, cementing their commitment to supporting and growing the sport.
Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations as Australia’s leading MMA organisation continues to set the bar for unforgettable events!
At Eternal 91, the stage was set for a clash of titans. Darcy “The Usurper” Vendy, representing The Fight Centre Brisbane, stepped into the cage to challenge the seasoned John Fraser, a two-time Eternal MMA Australian middleweight champion with a storied legacy. In a battle that captivated the MMA world, Vendy delivered a stunning third-round knockout, claiming the coveted Eternal MMA Middleweight Championship and cementing his place among Australia’s elite fighters.
A Legacy to Uphold
For Darcy Vendy, the stakes were more than just “gold”. The belt he sought had recently been vacated by his coach and mentor, Ben Johnston, a legend in Australian combat sports. Johnston’s own reign as champion ended with his retirement, leaving the belt vacant and a void to fill. Adding to the intrigue, Johnston had also defeated John Fraser during his championship run. With this backdrop, Vendy faced immense pressure to uphold his team’s legacy and prove himself as a worthy successor.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Darcy Vendy’s rise in the Eternal MMA ranks has been nothing short of inspiring. Born in Ararat, Victoria, and now based on the Gold Coast, the 29-year-old fighter represents the next generation of Australian MMA with six appearances on Eternal MMA (including a Reign Fighting appearance). Training out of The Fight Centre Brisbane under the guidance of Ben Johnston and Thomas Cooper, Vendy honed his skills through relentless effort and a strategic approach to the sport.
Vendy entered the Eternal 91 main event on a three-fight win streak, boasting a professional record of 6-3, including three knockout victories and two submissions. Among his notable wins are triumphs over Jack Della Maddalena, Alfred Stoddart, and Ty Duncan, as well as Jack James and Abel Brites. Known for his athleticism, endurance, and problem-solving abilities, Vendy’s fighting style emphasizes dismantling opponents’ skill sets, leaving them with no path to victory.
The Fight: A Defining Moment
The clash with John Fraser was billed as a battle of contrasting narratives. Fraser sought to reclaim his glory and solidify his legacy as the best middleweight in the country. Vendy, on the other hand, was determined to seize his moment and usher in a new era. The fight’s tagline captured the drama: “Will John Fraser reclaim glory, or will Darcy Vendy rise as Australia’s new middleweight king?”
The fight unfolded as a technical and physical showcase. Vendy’s preparation and game plan shone through as he weathered Fraser’s attacks, controlled the clinch exchanges, and capitalized on openings. In the third round, Vendy delivered a decisive blow, a knockout that not only ended the fight but also marked the beginning of his reign as champion.
A Champion’s Reflection
In his post-fight speech, Vendy opened up about the personal growth that paralleled his athletic journey. He spoke about the time he’d spent repairing relationships with his parents and how deeply fulfilling it was to have their support. Surrounded by people who push him to chase his goals, Vendy emphasized the importance of community and connection in his success. His heartfelt words resonated with fans, showcasing the character behind the fighter.
What’s Next for The Usurper?
Darcy Vendy’s victory at Eternal 91 is a stepping stone to even greater ambitions. While his ultimate goal is to enter the UFC and compete at the highest levels, his current focus is clear: to defend and reign as the Eternal Middleweight Champion for as long as necessary. Vendy is committed to solidifying his dominance on the regional stage before making his mark on the global MMA scene.
For fans, seeing Darcy Vendy’s name on a fight poster is a promise of high-level competition, strategic brilliance, and explosive finishes. As the Eternal MMA Middleweight Champion, Vendy is poised to inspire the next generation of fighters and continue building his legacy in the sport.
Rewatch Darcy Vendy’s incredible performance at Eternal 91 today on UFC Fight Pass.
Follow Darcy Vendy on Instagram at @theusurpermma to stay updated on his journey and witness the rise of one of the most dangerous middleweights in the region.
What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Brown Belt
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Football.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
The second I had my first roll in bjj I knew I was gonna do this for the rest of my life. Within a month of training I had decided it would be my career.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
I find joy in every training session. Always learning, so it’s always fun.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I can grapple and ground and pound better than anyone on the local scene. And the grapplers that are close to my level I can beat in the stand up battle.
How would you describe your fighting style:
Pressure heavy and violent
What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA. There is no greater test than combat and there is no sport closer to full on combat then mma.
Who is your favourite athlete:
Khabib
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Khabib
What are your immediate and long term goals:
Immediate goal is to put on a show this fight. Over the next year I would like to get signed international
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
The most exciting grappler in Australian mma
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Violent finish. Either ground and pound stoppage or I snatch up a neck and put him to sleep.
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Enjoy the show.
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you socials:
Follow me on Instagram. street_buddha_mma
Watch Dom Mar Fan fight at Eternal MMA 91on Saturday, November 30.
What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Purple belt in BJJ
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Skating and bmx
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
Started at 17 took it seriously around 18/19 turned professional at 24
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
I love it all, some days I prefer striking and others I prefer grappling. My favourite day of the week is Monday since I get to do what I love all over again with the people I love
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My mindset and my relentless pursuit of my passion. I believe I do more than pretty much anyone
How would you describe your fighting style:
Scientific street fighting
What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA and boxing are my favourite sports
Who is your favourite athlete:
Conor McGregor, Dennis Rodman, and Roberto Duran
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Jack Jenkins, Bryce Mitchell, Kazushi Sakuraba, and Nick Diaz
What are your immediate and long term goals:
Immediate goal is to win my next fight by finish, long term goals is to live a happy, healthy life and go as far as I can in this sport. Self improvement is what I’m all about and giving back to the people in my life.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Excitement, humour, and a great fight,. I’ve never had a boring fight in my life.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
I see me and Ethan standing in the middle and having a shootout, the fans will be the real winners with this fight.
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thankyou to everyone who watches my fights and tune in November 29th it’s going to be an absolute barn burner.
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you socials:
Instagram is alastairvmma
Watch Alastair Volders fight at Eternal MMA 90 on Friday, November 29.
