Know Your Fighter: Matthew Iann

Full Name:

Matthew Iann

Age:

23

Where were you born:

Blacktown Western Sydney

Where do you live:

Blacktown

Which gym do you train out of:

Australian Top Team

Who are your coaches:

Suman & Ashkan mokhtarian

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

Blue belt BJJ

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Started playing soccer when I was 4 years old and transitioned into kickboxing/Muay Thai when I was 12.

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

Had my first amateur K1 fight when I was 14 then first MMA fight when I was 18. I have always known I was going to take this on as a profession.

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

I have always loved K1 style training. But training sujitsu with the Suman has given me the confidence to grapple with anyone.

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

I live and breathe fighting. I am a pure athlete I do anything I can to become a better fighter.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Unstoppable. I am clean and calculated but I have the dog in me ready for deep waters.

What is your favourite sport and why:

I am a fan of a lot of sports but nothing more I enjoy watching then MMA

Who is your favourite athlete:

Lionel Messi. My background is Argentinian and his story undoubtedly makes him the greatest of all time

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Wanderlei silva I would love if soccer kicks were still around.

What are your immediate and long term goals:

5-0 on the Australian regional pro scene UFC debut 11-0 UFC world title 12-0 UFC world champion

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

High pace. Heart of a lion. A bloody war.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I will frustrate him and he will pressure right into one my KO shots

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

I will represent my family name, hometown, gym with pride. IANN BLACKTOWN ATT

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

Instagram handle: Mattyiann

Watch Matty Iann fight at Eternal MMA 88 on Saturday, September 14

Know Your Fighter: Nate Law

Full Name:

Nathaniel Law

Age:

25

Where were you born:

Auckland, New Zealand

Where do you live:

Logan

Which gym do you train out of:

The fight centre

Who are your coaches:

Ben Johnston

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:

Cricket and soccer as a kid and then played rugby league from 12-19. Also played basketball in high school

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

I started at 19 just to learn how to fight a bit and know how to defend myself. I quickly fell in love and started training every day and had my first fight after 8 months of training

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

Sparring and wrestling for sure. I just love competing

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

I think my distance management and kicking are some key skills, physical strength and endurance,strong takedown defence. And just a strong competitive drive

How would you describe your fighting style:

Striking at long range, controlling pace and space, on the inside I like to knee and elbow and heavy ground and pound if the opportunity presents itself

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA, I think it’s the ultimate sport and we are the ultimate athletes because we can beat any other athletes in a fight

Who is your favourite athlete:

Has to be israel adesanya, also a big fan of Kobe Bryant and Usyk/ GGG in boxing

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Israel adesanya, usyk GGG, Cory sandhagen and Leon Edwards

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Immediate goals are to win this fight obviously then become the best welterweight in Australia then be in the ufc in a few years

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

a great performance and you’ll be watching someone who comes to hurt his opponents not just hold on and stall to the final bell

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I think I’m gonna knock him out, I don’t think he’ll be able to take the punishment I will put on him for 3 rounds

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

The support I receive both from the fight centre community in Australia and all my team friends and family in New Zealand is unreal and it’s so motivating for me to push that extra 1% knowing how many people I have behind me so just want to say how much I love and appreciate it

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

nathaniel__law on instagram natelawmma on TikTok

Watch Nate Law fight at Eternal MMA 88 on Saturday, September 14

Know Your Fighter: Jesse Medina

Full Name:

Jesse Medina

Age:

33

Where were you born:

Albury

Where do you live:

Mildura

Which gym do you train out of:

Mildura Martial Arts

Who are your coaches:

Augustas McCallum

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

Black belt in BJJ

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:

Started at age 16 then started competing in BJJ at 17 and MMA at 19. Turned pro at 21

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

Work shopping – can break down the difficulties I am experiencing and work on new ideas and discuss with training partners.

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

Experience, always dangerous

How would you describe your fighting style:

Still have levels i can reach

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA – love watching and putting it all on the line. Only 1 person will emerge the winner and rely on yourself

Who is your favourite athlete:

GSP

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

GSP

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Win this fight. Establish myself as a top featherweight and win 1 last belt before I retire

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

I always look to finish and put on a show.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

This fight will be a high paced fight and I feel it will take place everywhere

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you everyone who have supported me in my career thus far

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

Instagram

Watch Jesse Medina fight at Eternal MMA 88 on Saturday, September 14

Know Your Fighter: David Martinez

Full Name:

David Martinez

Age:

31

Where were you born:

Darwin NT

Where do you live:

Moffat Beach Caloundra On the Sunshine Coast

Which gym do you train out of:

Ignite Martial Arts & Vice Training Centre

Who are your coaches:

Ryan Dunstan, Ryan Doyle & Chris Jaffrey I also work with Steve and Elliott Compton and Dom Mar Fan

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:

All of them, Footy, Rugby, Cricket, Basketball and Athletics (track & field).

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

As a hobby in 2011 as a profession I turned Pro in 2018

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

Probably the same as every other mma fighter ever haha Sparring of course, there’s nothing quite like punching someone in the face and vice versa.

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

My ability to bounce back from adversity of any kind. You could say I’m hard headed haha

How would you describe your fighting style:

Annoying pressure…. I walk my opponents down, it’s suffocating to them.

What is your favourite sport and why:

Hmmm let me think…….. MMA of course, kinda self explanatory, its what I’m good at, or so people say.

Who is your favourite athlete:

GSP

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

GSP & Volk

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Immediate goal is always the opponent in front of me. Long term goals, to become the best undisputed lightweight in Australia and New Zealand and earn myself a contract on the world stage.

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

Excitement and lots of smiles, I absolutely love what I do and it is very hard for me not to smile before, during and after my fights. They can expect to see constant pressure and something new each fight.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I am not one for predicting fights however, I do feel my pressure style is a nightmare for anyone to deal with. I will as always look to take my opponent into very deep water and when the opportunity arises finish them.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you to all my family, friends, coaches, team mates, sponsors and supporters for always having my back. I would never be able to do any of this without their support.

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

@the_smiling_assassin_1

Watch David Martinez fight at Eternal MMA 88 on Saturday, September 14

Know Your Fighter: Alfred Stoddart

Full Name:

Alfred “themakerjack” Stoddart

Age:

30

Where were you born:

Zimbabwe

Where do you live:

Sydney

Which gym do you train out of:

Sbg Australia

Who are your coaches:

I’m coached by Ben power as my head coach Nick Kennedy is my striking coach. I train with mmafft as well

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

Purple belt in bjj and black shirt striking at sbg.

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Basketball and martial arts kickboxing , taekwondo , some muai thai.

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

2019 and as a profession 2022

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

Learning improvement bit by bit

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

I adapt extremely well.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Pace control

What is your favourite sport and why:

Boxing because so many layers

Who is your favourite athlete:

Thomas Edwards Patrick brady

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Anderson sliva the greatest of all time

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Fight and fight often and adapt and gain experience also putting on banging fight while doing it. Long term eventually start focusing on making it to a big show

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

A fight I have a pretty high iq at times and im always looking to finish.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I feel like we will throw hands but also im thinking gogoplata finish

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Enjoy this version of me i just enjoy being in a fight.

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

Follow me on insta at themakerjack

Watch Alfred Stoddart fight at Eternal MMA 88 on Saturday, September 14

Know Your Fighter: Declan Wolfinden

Full Name:

Declan Wolfinden

Age:

26

Where were you born:

Townsville

Where do you live:

Brisbane

Which gym do you train out of:

Team Compton

Who are your coaches:

Steve & Elliot Compton

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

Brown belt BJJ

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Basketball Rowing Chess

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

2018

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

Favourite session is mma grappling.

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

Grappling, jiu jitsu

How would you describe your fighting style:

Long range striker, top heavy grappler

What is your favourite sport and why:

Mma – because it brings all disciplines into one competitive setting and allows a dominant styles to evolve.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Tom Nolan

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Arman Tsarukyan

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Fight MMA at the highest level

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

A fight to remember

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

A fast paced first round, a takeover in the second round followed by a TKO.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Enjoy the show

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

Instagram- Declanwolfinden

Watch Declan Wolfinden fight at Eternal MMA 87 on Saturday, August 17.

Know Your Fighter: Justin Van Heerden

Full Name:

Justin Van Heerden

Age:

30

Where were you born:

Johannesburg, South Africa

Where do you live:

Wollongong, Australia

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 brown belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Wrestling, gymnastics, rugby, cricket, soccer, basketball, hockey.

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

2016

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

Spyda session, because it’s 10x harder than a fight and we do the work!

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

My genetics, athleticism and my mental fortitude.

How would you describe your fighting style:

A more calculated Charles Olivera I will find a finish everywhere

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA that’s a stupid ass question

Who is your favourite athlete:

Brian Dawkins (Weapon X) NFL

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Aleksander Karelin

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Knock out Rod Costa, win a world title, represent Australia and South Africa on the world stage.

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

A finish at any possible moment in the fight! I am the best unsigned featherweight in Oceania

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I will finish this fight Inside the distance

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you for all the support and love! Appreciate you all!

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

LockjawMMA on Instagram

Watch Justin Van Heerden fight at Eternal MMA 87 on Saturday, August 17 on UFC Fight Pass.

Know Your Fighter: Colton Kielbasa

Full Name:

Colton Kielbasa

Age:

28

Where were you born:

Chicago, Illinois

Where do you live:

Phuket, Thailand

Which gym do you train out of:

Southside MMA

Who are your coaches:

Sammy Cassidy, Campbell Symes, Ermek Kumachaev

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

Rainbow belt in akido master of sport, turquoise belt in South American ground karate.

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Wrestling, and football

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

I wrestled most of my life and wrestled in the Marines. Following the Marines I moved to Thailand to start fighting

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

When the session finishes and I can go enjoy a good massage in Thailand. Getting the full experience of Thai culture.

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

I’ll tell you my greatest weaknesses. I work to hard, I care to much and sometimes I can be too invested in my training

How would you describe your fighting style:

Grinding style

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA. I love to see two athletes get in a cage half naked and get all up in each other.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Dennis Rodman

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Hasbulla

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Win this belt and come back to Thailand and enjoy Nana Plaza a bit. Long term do that but with a lot more money

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

The Monster Mash

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Finish

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you for all the support enjoy the show

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

Instagram: Coltk_mma

Watch Colton Kielbasa fight at Eternal MMA 87 on Saturday, August 17 on UFC Fight Pass.

Know Your Fighter: Aidan Aguilera

Full Name:

Aidan Aguilera

Age:

33

Where were you born:

Subiaco

Where do you live:

Melbourne

Which gym do you train out of:

Adrenaline MMA

Who are your coaches:

Cris Brown

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:

I started wrestling at 13 then moved to BJJ at 15 and kickboxing at 16 before trying MMA at 18 and having my first fight at 19.

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

I started wrestling at 13 then moved to BJJ at 15 and kickboxing at 16 before trying MMA at 18 and having my first fight at 19. At about 23 I realised I hated the idea of working a 9-5 for the rest of my life so I quit my job and have pursued mma ever since.

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

I love upskilling and helping training partners meet their goals. Sparring day is obviously the best day of the week but honestly my favourite part of the journey is helping the young guys coming up towards their goals with the experiences and knowledge I’ve picked up on my own path.

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

Versatility, I can finish a fight almost anywhere. I also have a decent amount of explosiveness and power so if I land clean I can do damage quickly.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Athletic, fast starter. Explosive striker with decent grappling and wrestling.

What is your favourite sport and why:

I mean come on, MMA. I’ve spent my life trying to get half decent at it.

Who is your favourite athlete:

It’s hard to beat prime Jose Aldo.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Jose Aldo

What are your immediate and long term goals:

I’ve been fighting for a long time and I know my best years are probably in the rear view. I’m in the game for the love of it now – I just want to perform well and do my training partners my coaches and myself justice. I look at every fight as my last now – So I just want to cap off my career the right way with a solid fight against a solid opponent and this may just be the one.

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

I’m probably going to do something cool and then my opponent will wet blanket me for the rest of the fight.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I think Jack is going to walk into range trade with me for a bit and look for the takedown. I want to try put him down before he gets to my legs, stay off the cage, if I end up on my back I’ll be looking to do damage until I can get up or score a submission.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you all for supporting me all these years on this crazy journey. I’ve had an absolute blast – I hope you had fun coming along for the ride with me, I loved having you on board.

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

@aidanaguileramma on instagram

Watch Aidan Aguilera fight at Eternal MMA 87 on Saturday, August 17 on UFC Fight Pass.

Know Your Fighter: Connor Birch

Full Name:

Connor Birch

Age:

26

Where were you born:

Sydney

Where do you live:

Sunshine coast QLD

Which gym do you train out of:

Tribal MMA

Who are your coaches:

Paul Birch & Mitch Ferdi

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

Purple belt bjj

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Rugby league, rugby union little bit of boxing and traditional martial arts here and there

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

2011 we went to Thailand for the first time to train when i was 13 or 14 and held my own with the kids over there and thought i could have a good crack at this so i dont have to get a real job

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

Sparring is always fun as i get to practise my kung fu

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

Timing and speed

How would you describe your fighting style:

Sharp and fast

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA so many variables ,styles and skills to appreciate and no two fights are the same

Who is your favourite athlete:

Jackie moon

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Mike tyson

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Win this fight then win the next one and then the ones after that

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

The Spine buster and batista bomb

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Bit of a feeling put process then once i get my reads and figure out my oppnents timing hit a flying armbar

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thanks for the support and lets have a good punch on

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

Cbirch__

Watch Connor Birch fight at Eternal MMA 87 on Saturday, August 17 on UFC Fight Pass.