Know Your Fighter: Matt Kindness

Full Name:
Matt Kindness

Age:
25

Where were you born:
Scotland

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
DTV Academy

Who are your coaches:
Dylan Andrews, Vince Perry, Daniel Matheson

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:
Rugby union

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
My first fight was in 2021 and it became an obsession after that.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
My favourite aspect of training is getting a little bit better every day.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
Wrestling.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Forward pressure.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA – it’s the best all-round sport to watch and be a part of.

Who is your favourite athlete:
George St-Pierre

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
George St-Pierre

What are your immediate and long term goals:
Immediate goal is solely focused on this fight and winning.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
A mixture of all things.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Winning by any means necessary.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thank you for all the support. It’s been a long layoff, and I don’t intend to keep it that way.

Instagram:
@matt_kindness

Watch Matt Kindness fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Andrew Patara

Full Name:
Andrew Patara

Age:
31

Where were you born:
Logan City

Where do you live:
Brisbane

Which gym do you train out of:
Gamebred / Ignite

Who are your coaches:
Ryan Dunstan, Jason Lonergan

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
None

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Footy

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
A couple years ago

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
I would spar every day if I could, but it’s no good for the brain haha

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
Will to win any way possible

How would you describe your fighting style:
Front foot, forward pressure and spin jaws

What is your favourite sport and why:
NRL — up the Wahs!

Who is your favourite athlete:
Shaun Johnson

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Roy Jones Jr.

What are your immediate and long term goals:
Short term: Spin jaws
Long term: Look good doing it

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Get ready for the show, I guarantee you’re gonna get your money’s worth

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Absolute chaos is on the way

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
I’ve been preparing for this for a long time. I’m gonna make you all proud

Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you on socials:
Instagram: andrew.patara

Watch Andre Patara fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Quinlan Kelly

Full Name:
Quinlan Kelly

Age:
25

Where were you born:
Townsville, Australia

Where do you live:
Brisbane, Australia

Which gym do you train out of:
Integrated MMA HQ

Who are your coaches:
Adrian Pang

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:
Being from North Queensland, I was like most kids my age — I lived and breathed Rugby League. All I wanted to be was JT, even had the headgear to match.

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I had my first MMA fight at 16 and won by second-round TKO. From then on, being a professional fighter was all I ever wanted to be.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
It’s got to be Thursday sparring night. It’s all good to drill and work on skills, but to me nothing beats having the openness and freedom to express yourself fully during sparring. Putting all the pieces together and testing your skills with real consequences is what I love.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My ability to put guys away. I only need a small moment and I can change a fight quickly — there’s a reason all my wins have come by stoppage.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Dangerous. Ultimately, I’m looking to back you up, cut you off and find your chin. But I do like to initiate a shootout and back my speed and power to get it done.

What is your favourite sport and why:
Apart from MMA, it would have to be Rugby League.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Alexander Volkanovski — it’s so inspiring to see an Aussie at the pinnacle of the sport.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Still Volk.

What are your immediate and long term goals:
Immediately, I’m not looking past my next fight. It’s a very tough test and I can’t wait to prove what I can do. Long term, I want that Eternal welterweight belt around my waist.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
If you like KOs, I’m your guy. I’m coming to put my opponents to sleep.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Expect fireworks. We both go forward and push the action — this is going to be a war.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Truly appreciate the love and support of all the people behind me.

Instagram: @quinkelly2000

Watch Quinlan Kelly fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Paiariki Cook

Full Name:
Paiariki Cook

Age:
25

Where were you born:
Christchurch, NZ

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
Sunshine State Wrestling

Who are your coaches:
James Sargison, Tapu Opetaia, Lucas Zions

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Purple Belt, Nationals Champ

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Everything – My mum, when she was around, used to set up mini triathlons on the weekend for fun. She got the whole neighbourhood and community involved.

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
When I was able to keep up with pros in the training room.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Me and Lucas going to war on the pads for an hour – building heart.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
You’ll never break me.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Make you miss, make you pay – pressure on, break you down, make you quit.

What is your favourite sport and why:
If I wasn’t fighting, I’d be pig hunting in the bush.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Zachary Alderson

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Jai Opetaia

What are your immediate and long term goals:
Win this fight. Turn pro. Hunt whoever is next.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Heart.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Make him dig deep and see what he’s about.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thanks to my team at Opetaia Boxing Gym, Sunshine State, and to Lucas. I’ve moved up to the Gold Coast and wanted to create our own team — with a specialist in each field, no distractions and strictly just hard labour. I’m looking forward to showcasing what we’ve been doing together for the last year.

I’d like to say my thanks to my community at home. As a village, they’ve rallied behind me on this one — giving me an opportunity to take a couple of days off work each week and to help get some extra PTs in. Love to the village back home for that.

Where will any fans or supporters be able to find your socials:
Instagram: ridetheredhorse2.0

Watch Paiariki Cook fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Luke Melrose

Full Name:
Luke Melrose

Age:
28

Where were you born:
Ulladulla, NSW

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
CMBT Training Centre

Who are your coaches:
Miles Muecke, Brentin Mumford, Jesse Yada, Reece McLaren

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:
NRL, Karate, Muay Thai

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I took MMA seriously around 2021 after I finally healed a disc protrusion in my neck. This took about 6 months of physio and exercises every morning to overcome. I’ve wanted to pursue MMA professionally since before my first amateur fight.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
My favourite aspect would just be the relationships you develop along the way, but I also love routine and the self-confidence of knowing I can protect myself. Favourite session would have to be sparring. Nothing is more novel to me than the mind games and tricks to land strikes or takedowns in unsuspecting, creative ways.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I don’t have much aggression or anger—I’m just hyper-competitive. This means I’m always thinking about how I can win, and not about how I can get back the last strike I took.

How would you describe your fighting style:
I’m an all-rounder. Definitely a bit of a brawler at times, and I use my cardio later in rounds to push the pace. I prefer to strike but am not afraid to shoot a takedown if I need to.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA – craziest sport in the world.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Alexander Volkanovski

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Alexander Volkanovski – I love his speeches. “Adversity is a privilege” resonated with me, among others.

What are your immediate and long-term goals:
To go on a win streak at pro and get some finishes. Put on a few kgs of muscle. Go to the UFC.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Action, violence, & pressure.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Louie looks like he has a good chin on him from watching his previous fights. I see myself landing some big shots on the feet and Louie coming forward looking to clinch up and wrestle. He won’t get me down, and I will make him quit over 15 minutes. TKO stoppage.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
I appreciate you all. This is just the beginning. Watch this space.

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

Watch Luke Melrose fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Jayden Turner

Full Name:
Jayden Turner

Age:
21

Where were you born:
Australia

Where do you live:
Australia

Which gym do you train out of:
Integrated MMA

Who are your coaches:
Adrian Pang and Grego Penaloza

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Blue 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:
I’ve been training MMA for almost 2 years and have been wanting to compete and train seriously for roughly 18 months now.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Favourite session is Tuesday night MMA shootboxing and sparring because you get to mix it all in and use all martial arts to your advantage.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I can do it all — and I’m going to prove I can do it all.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Creative, fun and dangerous.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Sean O’Malley.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Muhammad Mokaev.

What are your immediate and long term goals:
Immediate goal is to win this fight. Long-term goal is to go pro.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
I’m going to rag-doll him until he gets tired, then finish him with some nasty ground and pound or a submission.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
I’m going to rag-doll him until he gets tired, then finish him with some nasty ground and pound or a submission.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thanks to my family, friends and teammates who are supporting me and always pushing me.

Instagram: @jden_turner

Watch Jayden Turner fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Gus Muirhead

Full Name:
Gus Muirhead

Age:
25

Where were you born:
Port Augusta

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
Shindo MMA

Who are your coaches:
Kerry Dunne

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

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Swimming, rugby, and BMX

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
At the beginning of 2024 I began training MMA and knew from very early on I wanted to pursue this.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Saturday morning fight training. It’s always a hard session, but I leave on a high feeling like I’ve started the weekend right.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My persistence and dog mentality. I want to win and I’ll never give up until the last bell has rung.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Forward pressure and blitz striking combined with strong wrestling.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA — it’s raw and real. No other sport gives the same feeling as stepping into the cage.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Mike Tyson

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
GSP and Volk

What are your immediate and long term goals:
To secure a fast victory on Eternal 98 and return to fight again ASAP. Make my way through the rankings and eventually to the Eternal belt.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
A fight full of mayhem showcasing all areas of MMA.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
A fast finish by any means necessary.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Strap in and get ready for a show.

Where will any fans or supporters be able to find your socials:
Instagram: @Gus.Muirhead
TikTok: @gustrainsmma

Watch Gus Muirhead fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Finn Noonan

Full Name:
Finn Noonan

Age:
25

Where were you born:
Wollongong

Where do you live:
Tweed Heads

Which gym do you train out of:
Unite MMA

Who are your coaches:
Brad Gawthorne

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

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Boxing, Rugby, Tennis

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
2024

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
The way you feel after you’ve given everything in a tough session.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
Discipline, mentality, and heart.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Mixed Martial Artist.

What is your favourite sport and why:
Mixed Martial Arts – a combination of different nationalities and fighting styles in a constant pursuit to be the best.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Mike Tyson

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Mike Tyson

What are your immediate and long term goals:
I want to reach my highest potential and truly show the skills I have.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
An exciting fight.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
With a finish.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thank you to everyone who supports me. I’m glad to be on this journey.

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

Watch Finn Noonan fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Isaac Hutchings

Full Name:
Isaac Hutchings

Age:
19

Where were you born:
Inverell, NSW

Where do you live:
Sunshine Coast, QLD

Which gym do you train out of:
Oasis Fight Academy

Who are your coaches:
John Martin-Fraser, Ryan Doyle, and Jordy Scouse

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Chess, karate, and many sports in between

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I only began to take MMA seriously a bit over a year ago when I moved to the Sunshine Coast. My passion was found in the dungeon gym of Vice Training Centre.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
My favourite aspect of training is that everyone in the room is always pushing each other to be their best selves—both inside and outside of the gym.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My grit. Never count me out.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Like a good home-cooked meal—got all the staples in there but sprinkled with a bit of spice.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA is my favourite sport. Who doesn’t love seeing people brawl?

Who is your favourite athlete:
Corey Sandhagen

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Corey Sandhagen and Petr Yan

What are your immediate and long-term goals:
My immediate goal is to make my MMA debut. Long-term is to have a long and meaningful career in the sport.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
They should expect nothing short of tenacity. Win, lose, or draw—my only goal on fight night is to cause as much damage to my opponent as humanly possible.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Win, lose, or draw—from the first bell to the last, I’m not gonna stop until I inflict as much damage to my opponent as humanly possible.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Tune in early—this card will be a banger from start to finish.

Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you socials:
Instagram: @isaac_hutcho

Watch Isaac Hutchings fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Callam Baird

Full Name:
Callam Baird

Age:
22

Where were you born:
Brisbane

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
Empire Martial Arts

Who are your coaches:
Ricky Budgen
Jake Anderson
Shaun Johnson
Nicholas Grant

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
BJJ Blue Belt
Taekwondo Black Belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Taekwondo

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
Started taking it seriously in 2023 — had my first fight in 2024.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Sparring every day — it’s my favourite session.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My striking ability.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Very entertaining.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA — it’s the greatest sport in the world.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Volkanovski

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Volkanovski

What are your immediate and long-term goals:
I’m not looking past this next opponent. Once I win this fight, then I’ll think about what’s next.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
A fan-friendly scrap.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Pushing the pace from the jump — a real scrap whether it ends in a sub, KO or decision.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Come out and represent in the crowd — it’s gonna be an awesome night!

Instagram:
@cxllam03

Watch Callam Baird fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13