Know Your Fighter: Owen Tincombe

Full Name:
Owen Tincombe

Age:
21

Where were you born:
Perth

Where do you live:
Bibra Lake

Which gym do you train out of:
Scrappy MMA

Who are your coaches:
Ryan Gray and Ben Vickers

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:
Aussie rules and TKD. I also rode BMX, and it destroyed my shins.

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I began to take fighting seriously as soon as I trained for the first time. I got absolutely smashed, but I felt incredible afterward. I remember feeling extremely lightheaded after my first session as I tried way too hard to fight the chokes. From there, I became obsessed with the idea of being the best I could possibly be at this. Since then, I have stuck at it consistently, only taking breaks if I have no choice. I have done this for too long and learned too much to quit.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Just being present at the gym with the Scrappy team is always a great vibe and will never fail to improve my day.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I consider my strength to be my well-roundedness as a fighter. If striking doesn’t work for me, then grappling can and vice versa.

How would you describe your fighting style:
I ask myself this a lot. I only aim to be entertaining and to also finish the fight. I do not want to leave a win to the judges. To me, that is not a win.

What is your favourite sport and why:
Ice hockey is fun to watch. When they throw down, it’s just a bonus.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Eliud Kipchoge

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Justin Gaethje

What are your immediate and long-term goals:
Immediate goal is to put in less than 15 mins of work next Saturday. After that, I plan to finish off my apprenticeship as a mechanic before I look for another matchup.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Chaos and maybe a couple of low-IQ moments.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Chaos and maybe a couple of low-IQ moments.

A final message to any friends, family, and supporters:
“You fans tune in, I never let you down until now, I won’t start.” – Tito Ortiz

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

Watch Owen Tincombe fight at Eternal MMA 93 on Saturday, February 22.

Know Your Fighter: Julian Giustiniano

Full Name:

Julian Giustiniano

Age:

27

Where were you born:

Perth

Where do you live:

Perth

Which gym do you train out of:

Saltwater Jiu jitsu and the LLC MMA team

Who are your coaches:

Oliver Barley and Aaren Bean

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

BJJ purple Belt. NAIA collegiate wreslter.

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Rugby, wrestling, tae kwon doe, schoolyard mischief

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

2020 post covid after coming back from college.

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

Sparring and roadwork: The hard stuff. Also film study watching people beat each other up is fun.

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

Fast feet, high pace, bully pressure, rasslin.

How would you describe your fighting style:

High pressure, fast foorwork, throwing people. Brexit style.

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA and folkstyle wrestling.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Tom and Terry Brands.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Frankie Edgar

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Win the next fight, Eternal bantamweight champ

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

High pace, fast exchanges, people getting thrown

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

2 dudes fighting each other in a cage, wear him down with pressure and movement.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Its a been a long road back but here we are, thanks for the support

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

Instagram julian_g_157

Watch Julian Giustiniano fight at Eternal MMA 93 on Saturday, February 22.

Eternal 92: Sydney Official Weigh In

Eternal 92: Sydney Official Weigh In
Friday, February 7
Mercure Parramatta

Stephen Costello – 77.6kg

David Martinez – 77kg

Sebastian Szalay – 65.9kg

Tasar Malone – 65.4kg

Alan Philpott – 62.5kg (misses weight by 800 grams)

Tomoya Hirakawa – 61.5kg

Cam Rowston – 83.9kg

Alfred Stoddart – 83.9kg

Shane Parker – 57.2kg

Shaun Etchell – 57.2kg

Luke Stokman – 92.9kg

Blair Bretag – 92.7kg

Emil Jeries – 84kg

Christian Lapham – 84.2kg

Kris Ustijanovski – 61.7kg

Korey Sutcliffe – 61.7kg

Alexander Poniris – 66kg

Mayson Nobetsu – 66.2kg

Know Your Fighter: Alan Philpott

Full Name:

Alan Philpott

Age:

32

Where were you born:

Ballymena , Northern Ireland

Where do you live:

Sydney

Which gym do you train out of:

Lions den academy / BBMA

Who are your coaches:

Luke Pezzutti, Johnny BarraBena

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

Northern Irish champion Irish champion Bamma British champion Purple belt bjj

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Tried my hand in soccer , rugby , tae kwon do , boxing and mma

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

16 years old I transitioned from boxing to mma. At 18 I turned pro after 17 amateur fights in 2 years , captured Irish title and was selected to represent Ireland to fight team USA in Chicago

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

The sessions depend on what I’m feeling. At the moment pad work with coach Johnny and Luke’s Tuesday and thursday mma classes . Working on weaknesses and getting better is the main thing

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

Counter punching and fight iq most of the time . Not scared to take risks

How would you describe your fighting style:

Crafty , Confident , exciting , no fear , inspiring to younger generation , alway up for the fight

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA , because it’s my life

Who is your favourite athlete:

This varies each week depending on my mood haha

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Terrance Crawford would be top of the list

What are your immediate and long term goals:

To get as much experience and as far as I can go so I can help my future fighters and students not make the mistakes I did . Open my own gym

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

Fun, fast , exciting , clinical performance

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I see me feeling it out to start and when I settle dominate and finish fast

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

The support and backing I receive is really uplifting and keeps me going. Having others support and believe in me makes me want to succeed for them as much as me

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

@alanphilpott92- Insta Alan Philpott facebook

Know Your Fighter: Emil Jeries

Full Name:

Emil Jeries

Age:

27

Where were you born:

Sydney, Australia

Where do you live:

Sydney

Which gym do you train out of:

Origin MMA

Who are your coaches:

Nurbolat Kuandyk Philip Kim Rodney Williams

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:

I grew up doing athletics. Moved to soccer then eventually found MMA

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

I started MMA in 2016, trained for a year or so then i had 4 years away as i went to university and worked full time in construction management. I’ve been on and off since then. But recently i have quit my job and am focusing on training and competing full time.

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

Sparring days of course. Nothing compares to having an all out war with a juiced 40 year old accountant who just lost his kids/house in a divorce settlement every Tuesday night

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

I can find a finish no matter the position

How would you describe your fighting style:

All rounder

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA – i find every other sport boring and ghey

Who is your favourite athlete:

Jon Jones

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Jon Jones

What are your immediate and long term goals:

I want to be active, 3-5 fights this year and eventually make the big leagues by the end of the year / early next.

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

Just a kid whos down for a scrap

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Christian is a great striker, fun to watch too. Honestly I don’t like to predict results of fights but I know for sure I will hit him harder than anyone he has faced before and I’m capable of mixing it up and confident wherever the fight goes.

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 – emiljeries

Know Your Fighter: Shaun Etchell

Full Name:

Shaun Etchell

Age:

31

Where were you born:

Launceston

Where do you live:

Launceston

Which gym do you train out of:

Furnace MMA/ Launceston boxing club

Who are your coaches:

Steve Wallace twigs Millwood Korey Sutcliffe

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

Purple belt Eternal flyweight champion Eternal bantamweight champion Legion bantamweight champion

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

AFL football

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

18 years old I trained for 2 weeks before I had my first amateur fight then made my professional debut 3 weeks later

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

Playful sparring and sparring in general

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

well rounded in all aspects of the sport speed power endurance but striking stands out

How would you describe your fighting style:

Pressure

What is your favourite sport and why:

AFL I think some of them can convert into great marital artists

Who is your favourite athlete:

Mike Tyson Anderson Silva

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Anderson Silva Robbie Lawler

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Win my fight February 8th get married 3 weeks later then work my way back into a title fight

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

Face paced exciting fight in your face fight

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

A Finish half way through the second into the 3rd

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

@thebuzzsawmma

Know Your Fighter: Sebastian Szalay

Full Name:

Sebastian szalay

Age:

30

Where were you born:

Perth

Where do you live:

Wollongong Sydney

Which gym do you train out of:

Freestyle MMA

Who are your coaches:

Joe Lopez

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

Purple belt BJJ Karate Black belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Karate

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

Age of 24 started to train MMA turned pro 25

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

Sparring Get to test myself and things I have been working on

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

My footwork and timing

How would you describe your fighting style:

Striker

What is your favourite sport and why:

Martial arts Been a family thing since I can remember

Who is your favourite athlete:

GSP

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

GSP

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Defend my belt and be best FW in Australia and go to UFC be a champion

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

A technical striker who can finish a fight at any time

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Finish.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you to all my sponsors family and Friends couldn’t do it without you

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

Sebszalay

Know Your Fighter: Alex Poniris

Full Name:

Alexander Poniris

Age:

26

Where were you born:

Sydney Australia

Where do you live:

Sydney Australia

Which gym do you train out of:

Warrior training academy

Who are your coaches:

Michael mcsevney

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

Brown belt BJJ black belt taekwondo

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Played Soccer growing up Started martial arts at 12 yrs old

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

6 years ago started mma Started making it a profession about 4 years ago

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

Favourite session is sparring Love the feeling during sparring and after sparring, feels good completing a hard sparring session with your team.

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

I am an all round fighter, happy where ever the fight goes

How would you describe your fighting style:

Well rounded

What is your favourite sport and why:

Mma Most entertaining sport in the world

Who is your favourite athlete:

I don’t have one

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Josh culibao

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Have a busy year this year, hopfully get 3-4 fight in and then a title shot for eternal. Make it to the ufc and become champion

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

A very entertaining fight

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

A finish

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you very much to all my friends, family and supporters for always supporting me and backing me.

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

Alexanderponiris on instagram

Eternal MMA 2024 Awards

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!

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.