Darcy Vendy: The Usurper’s Rise to Eternal MMA Glory

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.

Know Your Fighter: Cole Smith

Full Name:

COLE SMITH

Age:

43

Where were you born:

Gisborne New Zealand

Where do you live:

Gold Coast QLD

Which gym do you train out of:

Heartbreak conditioning

Who are your coaches:

Dylan Andrews and Cam Bracewell

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

Purple belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Hunting and rugby

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

26-27years

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:

Like it all , all fighting styles I have a interest in

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

Resilience

How would you describe your fighting style:

Not sure , evolving

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA and boxing

Who is your favourite athlete:

Muhammad Ali – Micheal Jordan

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Cain Velasquez

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Get the win and then see how far I can go at my age knowing how much I missed out on during my recovery from surgery and stroke

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

A man willing to put it on the line

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Hard fought

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thanks for the support

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

Colehbc

Watch Cole Smith fight at Eternal MMA 91 on Saturday, November 30.

Know Your Fighter: Dom Mar Fan

Full Name:

Dom Mar Fan

Age:

24

Where were you born:

Brisbane

Where do you live:

Brisbane

Which gym do you train out of:

Team Compton Training Centre

Who are your coaches:

Steve Compton

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 91 on Saturday, November 30.

Know Your Fighter: Alastair Volders

Full Name:

Alastair Volders

Age:

25

Where were you born:

Carlton, Melbourne

Where do you live:

Melbourne

Which gym do you train out of:

Absolute MMA and The Ring gym

Who are your coaches:

Simon Carson and Andrew Colgrave

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.

Know Your Fighter: Liam Brewster

Full Name:

Liam Brewster

Age:

30

Where were you born:

Moranbah

Where do you live:

Brisbane

Which gym do you train out of:

Ignite Martial Arts

Who are your coaches:

Ryan Dunstan – Head Coach Michael Koch – Ju juistu Coach Jake Piper – Pad holder and Striking Coach

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

White

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Rugby League Rugby Union

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

I took up mma at around the age of 24 after I finished doing powerlifting from the age of 18 Always had a love for mma and combat

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:

Sparring Wrestling Movement drills And Conditioning

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

Creative and never knowing what I’m gonna do Also I’m a kill or be kill type fighter

How would you describe your fighting style:

Creative and unpredictable

What is your favourite sport and why:

Combat/MMA/Boxing

Who is your favourite athlete:

Billy Slater

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

George St Pierre and Alex Pierrea

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Growing as a person, Upskilling myself and traveling the world Also to start a family

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

A War is coming

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I see this being a technical fight to start and slowly turning into a bloody war

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank them all for all the support and truly I’m so greatful to everyone who has been on this incredible journey

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

@lycan_lbrewster

Watch Liam Brewster ight at Eternal MMA 90 on Friday, November 29.

Know Your Fighter: Darcy Vendy

Full Name:

Darcy Vendy

Age:

29

Where were you born:

Ararat, Victoria

Where do you live:

Gold coast

Which gym do you train out of:

The fight centre brisbane

Who are your coaches:

Ben Johnston, Thomas cooper

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

None

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Soccer, rugby,basketball,kendo

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

Seriously as a hobby about 1 year into training after winning my first grappling competition. As a profession only 3 years ago

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:

Long term skill development and problem solving Nothing is as engaging as the amount of variables in mma

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

Athleticism Problem solving Endurance

How would you describe your fighting style:

Winning

What is your favourite sport and why:

Aside from mma, kickboxing or some sort of esport High amounts of information processing

Who is your favourite athlete:

Rob whittaker

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Rob whittaker

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Take the eternal MW title Defend title in feb/mar Contender series in July Ufc MW title in the next 2-3 years

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

A complete deconstruction of my opponents skillsets and they’re primary ways of winning

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

2/3rd round submission or tko exiting the clinch

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Can’t wait to do what you all know I can

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

@theusurpermma

Watch Darcy Vendy fight at Eternal MMA 91 on Saturday, November 30.

Know Your Fighter: Jackson Weir-White

Full Name:

Jackson Weir-White

Age:

26

Where were you born:

Ipswich

Where do you live:

Ipswich

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 possess as a martial artist:

Nil

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Rugby league Athletics Tennis

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

Maybe after my first fight when I was 21

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:

The daily pro team class. 10am with the crew at Team Compton. It’s always sink or swim

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

Determination, competitiveness, gas tank. I’ll always want to go just a little bit longer or a little bit farther than my opponents. Push them to breaking point.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Pressure fighter. My favourite fighter in any domain of all time is GGG. The most humble well presented man out of the ring but inside he was a monster who gave ground to nobody.

What is your favourite sport and why:

I think MMA is definitely my favourite sport. However Watching QLD in the State of Origin Series is a close second

Who is your favourite athlete:

Fighter Gennady Golovkin MMA – Alex Volk Other sports – John Daly (Golf) he’s a vibe

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Boxer – Gennady Golovkin MMA – Alex Volk Craig Jones – who doesn’t love him

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Immediate – show the eternal organisation they just landed a new crowd favourite Long term – UFC

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

Barn Burner, Money Well spent, nonstop action.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I’ve been out for over a year with injury. Excited to get back in there and showcase my exciting damage orientated style

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you all so much for the support. It’s so good to be back doing what I love. Can’t wait to celebrate a long career ahead with you all.

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

@Jackson_Weir

Watch Jackson Weir’White fight at Eternal MMA 90 on Friday, November 29.

Know Your Fighter: Osh Jackson

Full Name:

OSH Jackson

Age:

29

Where were you born:

New Zealand

Where do you live:

Goodna

Which gym do you train out of:

CMBT

Who are your coaches:

Sam and miles CMBT

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

Lowest ranking

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Rugby league, bowling and 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:

Spyda Fridays or Thursday wrestle

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

Ticker

How would you describe your fighting style:

South Auckland

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA

Who is your favourite athlete:

Payne haas

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Justin Tafa

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Enjoy life and fighting

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

Fireworks

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

A finish

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Grateful and blessed !! Gang

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

osh_jt275

Watch Osh Jackson fight at Eternal MMA 90 on Friday, November 29.

Know Your Fighter: Moses Deng

Full Name:

Moses Deng

Age:

23

Where were you born:

SOUTH SUDAN

Where do you live:

Perth, Western Australia

Which gym do you train out of:

Wolves Den

Who are your coaches:

Stephen Walton

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

3 stripe white belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Track and field/ gridiron (American football )

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

Started training at 19, turned pro within 4 years

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:

Favourite session is any session to do with striking

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

Speed and timing has always been my strong points physically as well as explosiveness.

How would you describe your fighting style:

My fighting style is a mix of taekwondo and traditional kickboxing. Very flowing but explosive and counter striking heavy

What is your favourite sport and why:

Favourite sport is sprints ( track and field) since it’s what I grew up with.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Usain Bolt

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Favourite combat athlete is Alex Pereira

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Put together a strong winning streak. Be in the flyweight title picture by this time next year.

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

Expect a masterclass, lookin to get my first pro win and start it off with a devastating finish.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I see me being very aggressive, pushing the pace and hunting for the finish. If it goes the distance expect a diverse range of striking attacks every round

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

It’s the killmonger era, see y’all at the top.

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

instagram: moses__deng TikTok: moses_kmonger Twitter/X: moses__deng

Watch Moses Deng fight at Eternal MMA 89 on Saturday, October 26.

Know Your Fighter: Steven Wong

Full Name:

Steven Wong

Age:

34

Where were you born:

Perth, Australia

Where do you live:

Perth, Australia

Which gym do you train out of:

Luistro Combat Academy

Who are your coaches:

Romel Luistro – Head Coach Tom Barns – Wrestling Coach

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

Brown Belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Athletics and Football

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

During covid and the 4 major surgeries i had in 2020. When everything is taken away from you, you realize what is most important

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:

“Going live” as you get to test where you are at, what technique works and expose holes in you game that need improvement. I love mixing all of the elements together. Boxing, wrestling, BJJ and kickboxing and hitting clean techniques in training.

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

I will never give up.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Box and wrestle

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA – its the ultimate test for the body and the mind. It requires physicality, you need to be fit and strong, mental resilience so you don’t cave under the stress and pressure of conflict and competing, and knowledge so that you can learn new techniques, upskill and study the best way to cut weight.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Michael Jordan – I love his mindset and competitive nature.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

I don’t have one favourite, I enjoy watching all fighters and seeing how they implement their game plan, whether it’s to keep the fight standing so they can strike or to get it to the ground so they can grapple.

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Keep fighting and competing locally on eternal until my body gives out or i have multiples loses.

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

win lose or draw, I want to be entertaining, I want to leave it all in the cage and give 100%. I want to finish the fight and not go to a decision. i want there to be a clear winner

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I think the fitter person will win. I think the fight will be determine by the wrestling and who can defend the takedowns and who can secure the takedown and who is most efficient with their energy expenditure.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Come down and support the local fight shows and fighters.

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

Instagram @Wongyyy

Watch Steven Wong fight at Eternal MMA 89 on Saturday, October 26.