Kamikaze target shift: Josh Kuhne lowers the scope at Eternal’s Featherweights

May 7th, 2022 will forever be known as the date that one of the greatest – if not the greatest mixed martial contest in Australian combat sports history was witnessed by fans live at Southport Sharks on the Gold Coast for Eternal 72.

Two of the most electric lightweights in the country stood toe to toe for fifteen straight minutes without conceding an inch until the final horn sounded. A relentless display of striking coupled with seemingly endless cardio from both combatants had the crowd in attendance on their feet for almost as long as the contest lasted.

Wins and losses aside, Josh Kuhne and Dimps Gillies would leave the arena with their stock elevated astronomically higher than what they came in with – and what they came in with was already experiencing a boom time.

Kuhne VS Dimps was an early Fight of the Year contender.

“I have never seen anything like that in my life! If you are not on your feet at home in your living room, get off your couch and get on your feet for these gentlemen!”

  • Appropriately stunned words immediately preceding the fights conclusion from co-promoter and stand-in commentator, Ben Vickers.

“Violence personified here tonight at Eternal 65!”

  • Echoing’s not remotely in the realm of hyperbole from lead commentator, Tanera Nathan.

Making the walk for just his fourth professional fight in his young career, Kuhne would finally find a challenger who would escape his wrath beyond the first round. Not only that, but Gillies would also fight the Kamikaze firepower with his own brand of evenly matched weaponry to outlast Kuhne and hand him his first defeat.

As the old saying in combat sports goes; you either win or you learn. It is Kuhne’s firm stance that he drew nothing but positives away from a fight that will live long in the memory of fans for years to come.

“Officially on my record, it’s a loss. But for me that was a massive gain – a massive win,” said Kuhne.

“I knew where I was lacking in so many departments, but it was a matter of going through the experience to be able to (understand it properly).

“I was lacking a bit of experience in there, a bit of composure, I wasn’t sticking to the game plan. There was a lot of things that I felt like I was aware of, but I had to go through the motions to really feel the repercussions of not seeing those things done.

“I’m still pretty new to the game. I’ve been getting blasted going through this MMA journey, taking fights actively and running my way up through the rankings pretty quickly.

“I was rushing a bit, so I took a bit of time to step away and slow things down; think about my process, look at everything as a whole and not feel that rush.”

An entertainer at heart.

The time after the fight with Gillies allowed Kuhne to think clearly about what he wants from the sport and what he can do best benefit his career opportunities in long run.

Having fought as high as welterweight during his amateur outings, Kuhne would go on to compete exclusively at lightweight for his first four professional bouts.

Running through his first three opponents relatively unchecked, Kuhne made the discovery during his rampage on the 70 kilogram division that he could make an even further drop in weight class for his future fights.

“I knew that it was possible about two fights ago that I could make featherweight, but as per most things leading into my last fight it was an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ (mentality),”  he said.

“Now that I’ve taken my last loss against Dimps, I wanted to come back and make improvements in every aspect that I could and take the sport as professionally as I could. That’s meant going down a weight class, being big for the division and being extra disciplined with my diet.

“The other thing is too, if the UFC is looking for featherweights for a call up – they’ll have a featherweight. If they’re looking for lightweights for a call up – they’ll have a lightweight. I can complete in two weight divisions, and I think that’s pretty appealing.”

At this stage of Kuhne’s career, it is beginning to paint the picture of a theme centred largely around one aspect…

Sacrifice.

A family man with a supporting wife and twin boys at home, Kuhne also runs his own tattoo business on the Gold Coast. A rewarding lifestyle and commitment, but certainly not without its challenges as he pursues his dream of being a full time competitive mixed martial artist.

On top of the extra discipline required to make weight in a smaller division, Kuhne made the choice to move his fight camp south from the Gold Coast all the way to Freestyle MMA in Windang, New South Wales – home of UFC pound for pound king and reigning featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski.

Taking him further away from home and his family, Kuhne concedes that it was the best choice he could make in order to push himself to the next level.

“It been massive,” said Kuhne of his new camp.

“To be surrounded by a lot of other good featherweights, lightweights, obviously the likes of Alex himself; there’s no better training partners or coaches. I’ve got Joe Lopez there looking after me; he’s mad old-school. I get a lot from learning and training with him. He keeps me disciplined.

“Overall, it was a massive move for me. Being away from home, being in New South Wales, being away from business, being away from my kids and my wife – everything. But to be away at Freestyle and to do my camp there, it was pretty rewarding. I’ve definitely felt the benefits from it.”

Looking ahead to his matchup with Abdalla Biayda in a new weight class at Eternal 72, Kuhne is adamant that the devastating power he exhibited as a lightweight will be making the journey down with him.

Kuhne takes on Biayda on the upcoming Eternal 72 card.

Known for his relentless striking onslaughts from the opening bell that all six of his first opponents as an amateur and professional failed to withstand, Kuhne warns that the extra weight cut will have no negative impact on the firepower that he possesses in his hands.

“That power is going to be maintained one hundred percent,” he professed.

“When I rehydrate, I feel like I’m going to be the same size as I am as a lightweight. Because of how the weight cut is, where I normally sit and what I walk back in at; I feel like I’m going to rehydrate exactly the same as I would at lightweight, but as a featherweight.

“To say I’m going to be too big for the division? Yeah, I’m going to be big. These featherweights? I don’t know how they are going to handle this power.”

It’s a chilling prospect for any competitor who dares to share the cage with Kuhne at any weight, let alone in a weight class that he will have a potentially distinct size advantage in. With a renewed focus on conditioning, diet and an overall approach to the game, Kuhne assures that his newfound home at featherweight will still see him accompanied by the Kamikaze spirit.

“I go out there and I press the action, that’s still me,” he said.

“You are still going to get the Kamikaze performance (but) there’s going to be an element of professionalism that wasn’t there last time, implemented this time.”

“They put me on this platform for a reason, there’s a reason people tune in watch my fights. I make people feel those raw emotions. I make people feel like they are in the Gladiator times. I want people to feel those raw emotions when they see me fight.

“That’s what I do when I get in there. I’m there for the people, I fight for the people and I’m an entertainer at heart.”

  • Eternal 72 can be versed Friday, December 2nd live and exclusive on UFC Fight Pass. Fans can visit eternalmma.com to purchase tickets for this event.

Justin Van Heerden set to lock jaws with former opponent for the Eternal MMA Featherweight Championship.

Eternal 27 saw a young Justin Van Heerden make the walk for just his second professional fight after winning his debut by submission in the first round at Eternal 26.

Fighting against a more experienced opponent in Diego Pereira – who at the time had already competed in four professional matches, Van Heerden would suffer his first defeat at the hands of the Brazilian by way of first round knockout.

Fast forward more than five years later, the former training partners are set to face each other once again. This time, they are set to battle it out for the now vacant Eternal MMA featherweight championship.

With a professional record that now stands at 10-5-0, Van Heerden’s recent resume boasts an impressive three-fight winning streak. During this run, all three wins came by way of submission, with his most recent win coming via a signature rear naked choke against an opponent seemingly no one else was lining up to fight.

Van Heerden recently picked up his 3rd straight win at Eternal 67.

Now with his first chance to become an Eternal MMA champion, Van Heerden is primarily focused winning the belt itself, rather than avenging a previous loss to his fellow title challenger.

“Obviously being that it’s a title fight – that’s pretty cool,” said Van Heerden.

“It’s big that’s it’s on Eternal, it’s the biggest promotion in the country. It’s got that meaning behind it. Obviously, its shown that if you win that title and hold that title, it can open some pretty big doors.

“In terms of the rematch with Diego and trying to get one back – I’m going to relish the opportunity to do that. But, in terms of me sitting there and thinking like I need to go out of my way to do that? No, not really.”

“I’m happy. I’m getting in there and fighting for a title and I’m fighting someone else that’s been around for a hot minute doing their thing. But do I think that it’s something that I needed to get back? Not really.

“The only loss that really stings when I look at it would be the (Rod) Costa fight. The Diego loss was early in my career, it was my second pro fight. Back then I was barely even training any striking. I was just relying on what got me to the dance and that was my wrestling. I went in there with a more experienced guy, a more well-rounded guy at that time.”

“When I called him out after the (Alan) Philpott fight, it just made sense at the time. I wouldn’t say I’ve dwelt on it and thought that I need to get that one back. But I have an opportunity to do that and (also) win a belt. So, it means a bit more than the first fight.”

Five plus years removed from their first meeting; it is fair to say that both athletes who will be competing for the now vacant featherweight title have made considerable growth as mixed martial artists. Both men have since gone earn their place amongst the most popular and widely respected athletes in the country today.

For Van Heerden – a native of South Africa who now calls Australia home, the man who faced Diego Pereira in just his second pro fight is all but a distant memory. The man who will step into the cage to fight for his first championship belt will reflect years of dedicated obsession to the craft – a complete transformation from the boy who couldn’t count on the resources he has at his disposal today.

Van Heerden has improved leaps and bound since his first fight with Pereira.

“Vastly, completely different,” said Van Heerden of his metamorphosis.

“Obviously, I’m older – I’ve matured not only as a fighter, but as a man. I was a young guy getting into MMA and I was just relying on a one-dimensional approach. I didn’t have the knowledge and the approach I have now. I didn’t have the help of my nutritionist; I didn’t have the help with my strength and conditioning; I didn’t know anything.

“Now, the man that’s walking into that cage is a well-rounded mixed martial artist – I think I’ve shown that fight to fight this year, especially in my last fight with (Mohammad) Alavi.

“If (Diego) is coming into this fight and thinking that it’s going to be the same type of fight and it’s going to be the same type of guy (from the previous fight) you are getting in there with, you’re in for some nasty surprises because I’m dangerous everywhere.

“If there’s a lapse at any point, I’m going to put you away.”

Training out of Freestyle MMA, it must be almost impossible for any fighter who wants to dedicate himself to the sport to not make exponential growth within their respective skill sets. At the same time as receiving his tutelage under the legendary Joe Lopez – Van Heerden has the enviable resource of training alongside the UFC pound for pound greatest fighter on the planet in Alexander Volkanovski, who of course currently holds the most prestigious featherweight title in the world.

With Van Heerden looking to follow suit and claim Australia’s most prestigious belt in the same weight class, he admits that the advice he receives from Volkanovski has been invaluable to his career aspirations.

“I take a lot from the example that Volk sets, and he is always someone that has said ‘you have to be undeniable’ – I feel like that’s what I’ve done this year. I’ve worked very hard to take the tough fights and take the people that no one wants to fight – go out there, get the wins and not only get the wins but get the finishes in these fights and make myself undeniable.

“I feel like I’ve done that, especially with the Alavi fight. He was undefeated, I beat him and made myself the undeniable number-one contender – made myself the undeniable number-one featherweight in the country by a mile.

“This fight here (with Diego) is my fourth fight inside ten months. Another win, another finish – that’s four fights, four wins plus an Australian title… Its pretty hard to argue that I’m not the best featherweight in the country and not the most deserving of what’s next.”

Undeniable is certainly the most appropriate phrase that comes to mind regarding Justin Van Heerden’s claims. His surging run of late has painted a picture of a fighter who is beginning to scratch the surface of his high potential – a dedicated student of the game who is yet to enter the prime years of his fighting career.

4 straight wins and a belt could open some doors for Van Heerden.

With Eternal 72 just around the corner, Van Heerden assures fan he is looking to keep the momentum in his favour.

“I believe I’m going to get a finish inside the distance,” he said.

“I’m going to find a finish and it can come at any point. It could be on the feet, it could be in the grappling, it could be anywhere at any time. I’m trusting in my ability; I’ll just stick to what I need to do – go out there and perform the way I perform, and the finish is going to come. I don’t need to rush anything. The better part is I’ve got an extra ten-minutes to do my work, if needed. So, we’ll just go on that.”

“Anyone watching this fight, anyone attending the show, they can expect that it’s going to be an action-packed fight. They can expect that they are going to see a very high-level of mixed martial arts and they can expect that they are going to see a finish – that’s what I’ve brought this year, that’s what I’ve brought fight to fight. I’ve showcased improvements fight to fight, so it’s going to be no different (in this fight).

“If you’re watching this co-main event, it’s not going to be boring and it’s going to be a finish.”

  • Eternal 72 can be viewed Friday, December 2nd live and exclusive on UFC Fight Pass. Fans can visit eternalmma.com to purchase tickets for this event.

El Pantera Negra rising: Diego Pereira primed for Eternal championship status.

Eternal 72 carries more than one storyline for Diego Pereira, as he continues preparation to fight for the Eternal featherweight title on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

 A former title challenger already in his career, Pereira will be looking to make good on his second attempt at championship status. Across from him also contesting the now vacant championship will be his former teammate and streaking contender – Justin Van Heerden

A man he has already knocked out in devastating fashion.

The last four years has seen Pereira fight a virtual who’s who of the Australian MMA scene, a path that has led him back to once again compete for a title. A win against the highly regarded and well-travelled veteran Alan Philpott at Eternal 69 cemented Pereira as one of the contenders to the belt vacated by the UFC’s newest Australian signing – Jack Jenkins.

It was a statement win for Pereira. A build up to a fight that was rife with animosity from both parties, culminated in Pereira submitting Philpott with a rear naked in the second round after a back-and-forth contest in the opening stages.

Pereira snatched the rear-naked choke VS Philpott at Eternal 69.

Speaking with Eternal MMA, Pereira gave his thoughts on what it means for him to be competing for an Eternal MMA championship once again.

“It means a lot. I’ve been with Eternal since the early days,” said Pereira.

“I still hold the record for fastest knockout and other fight of year (contenders), I’ve done a tonne with Eternal and seen them grow over the years. So, I feel privileged in a way, and very happy that I was able to contribute to it. I am still around and am now able to see them as the number-one promotion in Australia and New Zealand. I have also grown with them as an athlete in the company. I have become the top guy now, getting my second shot at the title.

“It feels good because I am going to capture it. I am going to become that champion and I know that I am going to be the one that is really going to carry the flag and raise Eternal to new levels.”

In order to be the one to carry the flag going forward, Pereira must first get by a man he already bested five years ago at Eternal 27.

A fight that occurred in the early stages of their careers, Pereira took the win with a highlight-reel knockout over Van Heerden in the closing stages of the first round – a vicious right hand that left the South African native unconscious on the canvas.

Fast forward five years and the pair are set to meet once again, only this time, with much more at stake. Both competitors have made exponential leaps in their combative abilities since then, each blazing a trail on their path to the top of the Eternal MMA rankings – the previous meeting seemingly a distant memory.

It is Pereira’s staunch belief, however, that time does not heal old mental wounds.

“Whenever something impactful happens in your life and it causes a traumatic event, or something hurts and impacted you in a moment in time, you never forget that.

“You can move past it; you can certainly do that. But somehow, someway, it is still lodged in your brain. That’s just how human beings are programmed.”

“Now, bring it back to the fight itself. Think about how significant that was. A professional mixed martial arts bout in front of a huge crowd – big moment, live event, there a many people watching. You prepared for that moment for months. You knew that thing was coming, you thought about it every day, you went to the gym daily – training and working towards it.

“You get to that moment and a thing happens such as a KNOCKOUT – you get face-planted by a punch in front of a crowd. You don’t think you are going to remember that? Of course, you are going to remember that.

“Now, do I think he has moved past it? Yes, I do. His previous performances have shown that. But to say that doesn’t affect him in some type of way or trigger some emotion; that’s a lie. So, that will definitely play a factor in this fight. Especially when he feels that power again, because I’m going to catch him.

Pereira carries power in both hands (and legs).

“When I touch him again, all those memories are going to rush right back, and he knows this.”

With six of his seven wins under the Eternal MMA banner finishing inside the distance, the man they call ‘El Pantera Negra’ has developed a reputation as finishing machine.

A dangerously well-rounded mixed martial artist with fast hands, dependable footwork and a solid grappling game, Pereira has the tools to finish a fight at a moment’s notice in any fashion he pleases. It was Pereira himself who stated prior to his last fight that he had no intention of the fight going the distance and he kept good on his word.

This time around, however, Pereira is aware that the stakes are much higher. Tasked with facing a former foe who has made his own elite level strides in the game, Pereira knows that a more measured approach may be needed in order to secure the first championship of his career.

“I’m looking to put on a good performance as I always do,” he said.

“I have trained a lot for this. I have prepared just like I know Justin has prepared. We both come from strong camps. So, this is going to be a spectacle for the people.

“We have five rounds with which to work, and there is a lot riding on the line here. I’m not going to be throwing myself in the fire. I’m going to be methodical in my approach, I’m going to impose my will and apply my martial art.

“I’m not going to be (reaching) for a finish, that will materialise itself as the fight plays on because we are going to be looking to finish each other (at some point). We will be looking to impose our wills and, in that process, one of us is going to get caught and I can tell you; it’s not going to be me.”

When it comes to the potential of claiming championship status, it isn’t lost on Pereira that a title belt around is waste is a virtual key to unlock new opportunities.

Always methodical in his approach to the game outside the cage as well as inside, Pereira has always been a man who ponders the future, whilst never looking too far past his next opponent.

“I think it (championship win) puts me in a very good spot, especially with the UFC coming around in February,” he said.

“I’m not thinking past (Justin), I just think it puts me in a very good spot. Like I said, Eternal being the number-one promotion in the region; they have put many guys on the map. So that puts me in a very good position.

“I carry myself as a champion, because that’s just what I do. It is like me to go out there and act, walk, talk and do as a champion would daily. Whether I have the belt around my waste of not, it doesn’t really matter. It’s a mindset. But of course, the status in a way does matter when we talk business.

“So, having that will really catapult me and put me in a very good position when we are talking about potential UFC (opportunities).”

El Pantera Negra understands what’s at stake, at Eternal 72,

Ever a man of the people, Pereira assures fans that they are guaranteed to get value for their money.

“This fight is going to be good, like, really good unlike any other,” he professed.

“Whenever there’s a rematch, there’s always a lot more on the line. You have two people who are familiar to each other on a competitive level having fought each other once – then becoming teammates and have that experience on a personal level.

“Five years on, we go and face each other again having both gone on a very good streak. And now, there’s a vacant title on the line that could potentially catapult our careers.

“This fight has the makings of fight of the year one hundred percent, if not the decade or even the history of Eternal. So, fans should really tune into this because I am in the best form I have ever been in; mentally, physically, skillset-wise.

“I’m in my prime and so is Justin. This is going to be the people’s main event, so, you really do not want to miss this.”

  • Eternal 72 can be viewed Friday, December 2nd live and exclusive on UFC Fight Pass. Fans can visit eternalmma.com to purchase tickets for this event.

Know Your Fighter: Tom ‘Big Train’ Nolan.

Eternal MMA sits down with Tom Nolan for a quick-fire Q&A ahead of his fourth professional fight at Eternal 72 against Adam Cook.

Age:

22.

Where were you born:

I was born in Toowoomba.

Where are you based now:

Brisbane.

What gym do you train out of:

Team Compton Training Centre.

Tom Nolan looks to remain undefeated at Eternal 72.

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

I’m a BJJ brown belt.

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Growing up I played Rugby League.

Where does the nickname ‘Big Train’ come from:

‘Big Train’ from the UFC PlayStation game. It was the nickname my mate chose for my in-game character, in reference to Thomas the tank engine.

When did you first decide to dedicate yourself to the sport of MMA:

I graduated high school and then I had a title fight the next weekend. The very next day I moved to the Gold Coast to pursue full time training for two years. During the coronavirus period, I went back to work for a couple of years. Now, I am back full-time training again in Brisbane.

Favourite aspect of training:

Sparring.

What do you consider to be your greatest strengths as a mixed martial artist:

My biggest strengths would be my creativity, length and my cardio.

What can fans expect to see from you when you step inside the cage:

Creative attacks that you won’t often see.

‘Big Train’ likens his style to Sandhagen and Pettis.

Can you compare your style to any high level mixed martial artist:

Cory Sandhagen and maybe Anthony Pettis.

Which fight do you consider to be your standout performance so far:

Between either my last finish over Niam (Stephen) or when I spinning back-kicked Mitch Bayliss in my last amateur fight – that was pretty sweet.

Do you have any accolades that you have achieved as a combat sports athlete:

I’m a two-time amateur champion.

What are your goals for both the immediate and long-term future with mixed martial arts:

Immediate is to have some amazing fights and put some people away viciously. Long term is obviously to be the UFC champion.

How do you see yourself getting your hand raised at Eternal 72:

Absolutely by knockout 100%. But, if the opportunity shows, I will choke him. (Either way) I think he goes to sleep.

A message to the fans and your supporters:

To the people who have already been supporting me, I appreciate you all very much. To anyone else who is tuning in to this one… do not blink.

  • Tom Nolan vs Adam Cook can be viewed Friday, December 2nd live and exclusive on UFC Fight Pass. Fans can visit eternalmma.com to purchase tickets for Eternal 72.

Eternal Icons: Mitch Martin

Mitch-martin-eternalmma

 Eternal MMA pays tribute to its ‘Icons’ who have contributed to the growth and success of not only Eternal MMA, but Australian combat sports in its entirety. All the way from the grassroots of local martial arts education to the pinnacle of international competition, we salute those who have been vital in guiding Australian mixed martial arts in its endeavours at every level. 

This week, Eternal MMA is proud to profile Mitch Martin. 

Mitch-martin-eternalmma

As a professional mixed martial artist, Martin boats a 100 percent win-record at 8-0-0. Having won the Eternal MMA bantamweight championship in just his second bout with the promotion, Martin would continue to defend his title right up until he took a step back from the competitive side of the sport. 

A keen outdoorsman with a passion for sustainable living, Martin currently splits his time between living a “hunter/gatherer” lifestyle and training in martial arts on a casual basis. 

A true pioneer in the smaller weight classes, Martin is widely regarded as one of the hardest workers in the room – A trait that has also played a major part in him becoming one of the most widely respected athletes in Australian combat sports during his impressive title reign. 

Professional career record: 

8-0-0 

▪ 3 wins via knockout. 

▪ 3 wins via submission. 

▪ 2 wins via decision. 

Eternal MMA record: 

7-0-0 

▪ 3 wins via knockout. 

▪ 3 wins via submission. 

▪ 1 win vs decision. 

Eternal MMA events: 

Seven events in total: 

  • • Eternal 11 vs Ryan Robertson. 
  • • Eternal 25 vs Mick Addison – Won the Eternal MMA Bantamweight Championship. 
  • • Eternal 29 vs Tyrell Hogan – Defended the Eternal MMA Bantamweight Championship. 
  • • Eternal 30 vs Chris Morris – Defended the Eternal MMA Bantamweight Championship. 
  • • Eternal 38 vs Jason Petropoulos – Defended the Eternal MMA Bantamweight Championship. 
  • • Eternal 41 vs Kairin Moses – Defended the Eternal MMA Bantamweight Championship. 
  • • Eternal 48 vs Luke Morris – Defended the Eternal MMA Bantamweight Championship. 
mitch-martin-eternal-mma

Eternal MMA achievements/accolades. 

  • • Eternal MMA Flyweight Champion. 
  • ▪ Five successful title defences. 

Fond memory fighting for Eternal MMA: 

Mitch: There’s nothing but good memories from fighting on Eternal, obviously except for the weight cut – that sucked! Everyone’s friendly, everyone’s supportive. All the crew – it’s all very professional. Not once was I there and I left with a bad taste in my mouth. It was just a really healthy environment. There was no bad competitiveness. Everyone was a gentleman (or gentlewoman). Nothing bad to say about any of it, to be honest. It was a really good, competitive sport on a professional platform. The main thing that Eternal did was give a good name to the sport; that’s how I felt. 

Toughest Eternal MMA opponent: 

Mitch: That’s a good question. No fight is easy. None of them were easy. I’ve come away with concussions from most of my fights. The one that stuck with me the most was versing Jason Petropoulos. He was a very strong opponent, and he was dominating for most of the fight, pretty much right up until the end. He was a tough guy; he wasn’t giving up. I felt the most exhausted after that fight, I would say. 

Standout performance fighting for Eternal: 

Mitch: The Kewl Bonez (Chris “Kewl Bonez” Morris) one was pretty textbook. I felt that I executed that (fight) pretty good. That was a first round (stoppage). But every fight that I’m in, there’s always something I pick and work on and try to build on for the next one. I’d have to say the Kewl Bonez was definitely the sharpest one, I felt good going into that. I felt ready, I felt confident. That was probably the one I’m most happy with. 

Current or past Eternal MMA fighter you enjoy watching: 

Mitch: All the guys from my gym; I love watching them. Obviously, I’m around those guys and some of them I help prepare for fights a little bit. Jack Della Maddalena with getting the recent UFC contract – his fights were always top-tier performances. I loved watching his fights. Brentin Mumford was another good one; he always brings a good fight. Whether it’s his performance or bringing his heart, he’s always a good one to watch. One of my personal favourites was Callan Potter. Not only because he was a really good dude, but his heart is unstoppable. That guy just won’t take a step backwards. I really looked up to him with a lot of my fights. Just the pure dedication he had was really influential. 

Greatest career achievement: 

Mitch: Probably the confidence that it (mixed martial arts) gives you in life. I feel like I don’t have anything to prove. I feel quite happy walking away from arguments or fights. Any confrontation, I feel more than happy just walking away. The biggest thing that I’ve taken outside of the cage is a more relaxed approach to life. (Inside the cage) I was ranked number one in Australia for the bantamweight division on Tapology for a couple of months, which was pretty cool to look at; that made me smile. 

Current involvement with mixed martial arts: 

Mitch: I’d say “casual”. It’s not something that I put as a priority. Which is good, because it has been a priority for a good amount of time in my life and a lot of my other hobbies and lifestyle was put on hold because of that. So, I didn’t want to have any pressure to come back or to train. I am enjoying it more with a casual approach. Sometimes I might train three, four, five, six times a week. Others, I might miss a week’s training because I’ve been busy, or I’ve been away. 

What do you hope your legacy will be as a competitive martial artist: 

Mitch: You only get one shot at it. No champion has ever been a quitter. You can’t go in there half-arsed. You have to go in there with the mindset that it’s either win or die. My coach would always say “never come out with anything, leave it all in the cage”. I’ve taken that into all my fights. 

Rod Costa has double-champ ambitions ahead of Eternal 71.

Eternal MMA returns to Perth this Saturday for Eternal 71 with another strong card of fighters set to impress the Western Australian audience.

Standing atop the bill for his third main event in a row will be local fan-favourite and former featherweight title challenger, Rod Costa.

Coming off an impressive submission win at Eternal 68 over an eager up-and-comer in Michael Mannu in his bantamweight debut, Costa has no doubt that he has rightfully earned his second shot at Eternal silver wear.

“I think some people were saying that they didn’t understand why it was a number one contender fight, because he hadn’t fought in a couple years,” said Costa.

“To be honest, even though I got the finish and didn’t get myself into too much trouble, he was very good. Things just clicked for me in that fight.

“I’m happy because it was my first bantamweight fight. I think I made the weight easy. I felt really good on the day, and I really do think he’s one of the best guys I’ve fought in terms of skill.

A successful Bantamweight debut for Rod Costa.

“I felt like it was a really good win because I felt his potential. I’m looking forward to seeing who he fights next and how that goes because I don’t think he sat on the couch for two years doing nothing (prior to our fight), I think he was training, and he was very sharp.”

After mounting back-to-back wins against two of Australia’s elite regional scene contenders in Justin Van Heerden and Diego Pereira, Costa would ultimately fall short in his first bid for a title belt at the hands of former Eternal MMA featherweight champion and now UFC prospect, Jack Jenkins.

Fighting at featherweight for most of his career, Costa saw an opportunity for a competitive reboot with a drop down in weight class.

In a move that paid immediate dividends, Costa shared that while the extra cut in weight was always going to be mental challenge, the physical rewards were ultimately worth the added stress.

“I felt really good,” said Costa.

“It’s what everyone goes through – the more you cut, the more training camp becomes a bit more of a daunting task. The more you can concentrate on technique and improving in other aspects instead of focusing on your weight, I think the better it is.”

“The good part is that I feel really strong for the weight. I feel like it would be hard to find someone that could overpower me. Even if they were bigger than me, it would be hard to find someone that would be stronger than me.

“I remember talking to Mannu and he was heavier than me on the day (of the fight). I felt like strength for strength I did pretty good in that division.

“On the day, I felt really good. I felt fit, I felt like I could go forever.”

With his attention now turned to another main event title fight on October 29th at the HBF Stadium, Costa feels he is more prepared than ever to make the biggest statement of his professional career.

Across the other side of cage from him will be Tasmanian native and former Eternal MMA bantamweight champion – Shaun Etchell.

Following an unsuccessful bid to earn himself a shot in the UFC with a first-round loss at ‘Road to the UFC 2’ in Singapore, Etchell will be looking to regain the title that he ultimately gave up in pursuit of the highly coveted intentional opportunity.

As far as Costa is concerned, he will be expecting to face a dangerous Shaun Etchell in search of redemption.

“I expect the best version of Shaun Etchell, because if it was me and I had come off a (lost) opportunity like that, I would be eager to jump straight back into another opportunity to prove that I’m better than my last showing.

“I think that’s what I did with Jenkins. I was so eager to come back and prove that I can do better.”

“I think if you are a competitive guy, which I think Etchell is, as soon as you lose, you just want that loss gone. So, I think he’s eager to come back, I think he’s going to fight as hard as he’s ever fought. I think he’s coming for it.

“I think I’m going to get the best Etchell we have ever seen.”

It’s no secret to any MMA fan who has seen Rod Costa fight that his biggest weapons lie within his truly world-class grappling game. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the world-renowned Filipe Pena as well as former medallist at the IBJJF world championships, Costa has earned himself a well-deserved reputation as being one of the most dangerous submission specialists in Australia today.

Costa’s strengths definitely lie in his grappling.

With Etchell’s recent loss coming by way of first round submission, Costa believes he will be able to find the same path to victory, though he concedes that it will be no easy task against such a high-level opponent.

“His last fight was a quick fight; he got caught with a submission and my strong game is submissions,” he said.

“I did watch that fight, people kept telling me that the way he lost is the best part of my game and so it’s a good matchup for me. But I don’t like to think that the match is going to be easier than what it’s going to be and then he comes out he’s fixed the holes that made him get caught-out in his last fight.”

“Like any fight I have, my goal is to try and get a good position with my grappling and finish from there. But also with every fight, I don’t want to rush and try to get there too quick and then make a mistake and pay for that mistake.”

“I like the match he had with Sam Hibberd, which was back and forth, and he showed a lot of heart. He basically out-paced and out-hearted Hibberd. So, I’m expecting that type of fight.”

With a renewed focus and another win under his belt, Costa is primed to make waves in the new weight class that he will compete for a championship in at Eternal 71.

As for any prospects at his former 65.7kg stomping ground, Costa is adamant that he has every intention of returning to featherweight sooner rather than later.

“I want the featherweight title after this one,” he said.

“There’s a card in February. If I’m good to go, I want to be on that card in Perth and I’d like that to be for the featherweight title. But I don’t know how quick those boys that are going to fight (for the featherweight title at Eternal 72) would want to and defend it or even if Eternal would give that shot to me. I just think it’s a really good option.”

With his previous title bout adversary having vacated the Eternal featherweight title for the UFC, Costa believes it could be the perfect opportunity to achieve double-champ status on Australian soil.

Having previously bested the two men who will compete for the vacant featherweight title at Eternal 72, Costa looks to be in prime position to see his long-term vision become reality.

“If Jenkins was still the champion, I don’t think I would get that shot, but I beat Diego (Pereira) and I beat (Justin) Van Heerden. So, I think it’s a really good story and a very good chance that I could fight for that (featherweight) title whichever way that fight goes. I think I would be a fool to not take that chance.

“If Eternal does want to give that chance to me – if I win the bantamweight title, that would be my first option. But if not, if those guys don’t want to defend that quickly, I’d still like to take a matchup in February if I’m healthy.”

Never one to overlook an upcoming opponent, Costa has always cut pensive figure when discussing his future. Never one to make brazen predictions on the outcomes of his matchups, Costa has historically laid out his plans for the long-term future while seemingly being at peace with any potential outcomes – for better or worse.

Costa has double-champ aspirations.

It is the kind of old school mentality of a storied combat sports athlete that is refreshing to see; an approach to his ambitions that reads something of a ‘let’s draw straws and see who’s going to dance’ type of story, while always being rightfully confident in his ability to get the job done. It is that same mentality and approach to his game that has led to Costa slowly becoming one of the most popular fighters competing under the Eternal MMA banner.

While he still harbours the dream of competing at an international level, Costa sees no other place he would rather compete on home soil than the organisation he believes gives athletes their biggest platform to shine in this part of the world.

“It’s no secret, I’m getting older, I’m trying to look for some kind of international opportunity,” said Costa matter-of-factly.

“I wouldn’t fight for anyone else here in Australia, I wouldn’t fight for any of these other promotions. I’m sticking with Eternal for obvious reasons. Not just because I train with Ben (Vickers) and the other guys – it’s the best promotion to give you a future in the sport. The more wins I get with Eternal, the better it is for me.”

“Obviously I have lofty goals. It might not happen at all, but if I’m planning the best future for me (it would be) – get the bantamweight (title), get the featherweight (title), then I (could) defend them once or twice, but always looking to the next international opportunity if I can get something.”

  • Eternal 71 main card can be viewed Saturday, October 29th live and exclusive on UFC Fight Pass.

 Eternal Icons: Tim ‘Quickdraw’ Moore 

Tim-Moore-wins-via-rear-naked-choke

 Eternal MMA pays tribute to its ‘Icons’ who have contributed to the growth and success of not only Eternal MMA, but Australian combat sports in its entirety. All the way from the grass roots of local martial arts education to the pinnacle of international competition, we salute those who have been vital in guiding Australian mixed martial arts in its endeavours at every level. 

This week, Eternal MMA is proud to profile Tim ‘Quickdraw’ Moore. 

Tim is a former Eternal MMA flyweight champion who competed eight times under the Eternal MMA banner, winning five of his bouts in total including one successful defence of his flyweight championship. 

Like many other children growing up in the northeast of Australia, Tim first found his way into the world of sport via rugby league. After finding himself dealing with some adversity at the age of 19, he decided to enter a mixed martial arts gym in hopes of setting himself on a better path. 

Soon after commencing training six nights a week, Tim made the choice to fight professionally after getting some wins under his belt. Realising that he had the potential to fight at a high level, he dedicated himself to the sport and went on to become a true icon of the regional MMA scene in Australia. 

Tim was one of the first athletes to compete under the banner of Eternal MMA, having fought on Eternal 1 at Southport Sharks on the Gold Coast. Tim also holds the distinction of being one of only four athletes to compete in Eternal MMA’s first three events. 

tim-moore-vs-luke-morris

Professional career record: 

12-8-0 

▪ 2 wins via submission. 

▪ 4 wins via knockout. 

▪ 6 wins via decision. 

Eternal MMA record: 

5-3-0 

▪ 2 wins via submission. 

▪ 3 wins via decision. 

Eternal MMA events: 

Eight events in total: 

  • • Eternal 1 vs Jacob Mahony. 
  • • Eternal 2 vs Adam Corbett. 
  • • Eternal 3 vs Greg Penaloza. 
  • • Eternal 6 vs Shaun Etchell. 
  • • Eternal 8 vs Shane Parker. 
  • • Eternal 12 vs Shaun Etchell – Won the Eternal MMA Flyweight Championship. 
  • • Eternal 14 vs Luke Morris – Defended the Eternal MMA Flyweight Championship. 
  • • Eternal 45 vs Stephen Erceg. 

Eternal MMA achievements/accolades. 

  • • Eternal MMA Flyweight Champion (one time) 
  • ▪ One successful title defence. 

Fond memory fighting for Eternal MMA: 

Tim: The very first Eternal (event) was the main event that I fought on, so that would be up there with the fond memories. 

Toughest Eternal MMA opponent: 

Tim: It would have to be (Shaun) Etchell in the first fight that we had. Even (Jacob) Mahony in the first (Eternal 1), that was pretty tough. 

Tim-Moore-wins-via-rear-naked-choke

Standout performance fighting for Eternal MMA 

Tim: When I fought Adam Corbett. There wasn’t anything particularly special about it, but he tried to fight me in the carpark before the fight. I was walking in by myself into the venue as him and his team were walking out. There was a bit of trash talk before the fight and he just offered me out in the car park – properly had a crack at it. I just had a bit of laugh and said, “see you in a few hours, mate!”. 

Current Eternal MMA fighter you enjoy watching: 

Tim: Naveed Hassanzada – he fought recently. He’s a flyweight that I got to do a little training with recently. I’ve always liked his fighting style. Hoani Selwyn – he just went pro. There’s always good up-and-comers like Josh Kuhne. There’s Dimps (Gillies) who has been there forever. There are so many dudes coming up but it’s the flyweights mainly for me. 

Greatest career achievement: 

Tim: Winning the (Flyweight) title. Not even winning the title – defending the title. A lot of people had won it and didn’t defend it. 

Current involvement with mixed martial arts: 

Tim: I was helping Shannon Ross for a recent fight that he had. After that, I just kept my own training rolling on from there. I’ve been training a couple nights a week for the last couple of months now. I’m trying to get more regular (with training) and maybe fight later in the year. I feel like my body and my mind is still pretty sharp. Once things even out at home, I’m definitely keen to get back into it. So, towards the end of this year, I think we can make that happen. 

Life outside of mixed martial arts: 

I’ve got my wife and three kids which obviously keeps me pretty busy. During the week I have a building company of my own. So, I’m on the tools as a chippy throughout the day, finish that and then I’m a family man at home. 

What do you hope your legacy will be as a competitive martial artist: 

Tim: Obviously my record isn’t the greatest, but I’ve never turned down a fight or cherry-picked an opponent. Anyone that was ever offered to me, I always said yes, whether it was a smart idea or not. I think a lot of fans know that with the opponents that I’ve fought. 

Eternal Icons: Callan ‘The Rockstar’ Potter. 

Callan Potter Eternal MMA Icon

 Eternal MMA pays tribute to its ‘Icons’ who have contributed to the growth and success of not only Eternal MMA, but Australian combat sports in its entirety. All the way from the grass roots of local martial arts education to the pinnacle of international competition, we salute those who have been vital in guiding Australian mixed martial arts in its endeavours at every level. 

This week, Eternal MMA is proud to profile Callan ‘The Rockstar’ Potter. Callan is a former Eternal MMA lightweight champion who competed three times under the Eternal MMA banner, winning all three of his bouts. 

Professional career record: 

18-9-0 

▪ 10 wins via submission. 

▪ 6 wins via knockout. 

▪ 2 wins via decision. 

Eternal MMA record: 

3-0-0 

▪ 2 wins via submission. 

▪ 1 win via decision. 

Eternal MMA events: 

Three events in total: 

Callan Potter takes the back against Brentin Mumford for win via rear naked choke.

Eternal MMA achievements/accolades. 

  • • Eternal MMA Lightweight Championship (one time) 
  • ▪ One successful title defence. 
A happy Callan Potter with the strap with a win over Brentin Mumford.

Fond memory fighting for Eternal MMA: 

Callan: I’ve earned plenty of great memories at Eternal. As far as sticking to the fights, going through that real ‘transition moment’ that some people have had to go through in their fights; being exhausted, being bloody, being beaten up and standing up off the stool coming into the third-round against B.J. Bland is a moment that will stick with me forever. He’s a super tough guy, and I knew that my gas tank was almost on empty and his wasn’t far above (empty) either. Just knowing that it was going to be one of those rounds was a pretty special moment. 

Toughest Eternal MMA opponent: 

Callan: All three of those guys were ridiculously tough. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career, but something I pride myself on is I always try to find the toughest fights. As much as they were all tough, I really have to put Brentin (Mumford) up in that slot. I don’t think I’m alone in saying this, but during that period, Brentin was the bogeyman of the lightweight division. He was big, he was knocking people out with crazy techniques. I was always chasing tough fights, but I just knew that when that was going to get booked, that was going to be a hard fight. 

Current Eternal MMA fighter you enjoy watching: 

Callan: I’m huge into the local scene at the moment. I love the UFC, but more so than the UFC, I love the local scene. Obviously, Eternal is the premiere promotion on the local scene at the moment. Very easy answer – I’m loving Kaleb Rideout, the ‘Krazy Horse’. That kid has won me right over. I love the way he gets about it. He took on Kevin Jousset when no one was lining up to take that fight. He didn’t take that fight (for the sake of) being tough and taking the fight, he came out with the obvious intention to win and fought his backside off. I’m a massive fan of the Krazy Horse. 

Greatest career achievement: 

Callan: Obviously getting my hand raised in the UFC cage, that’s really hard to beat. (There are) two things that I really hang my hat on besides obviously taking hard fights whenever I could; one is never missing weight. Never once have I missed weight on the scales which I’m really proud of. Two, my whole Jiu-Jitsu career, every belt I’ve ever received is from the same coach from start to finish. In a sport where people are shifting and moving, trying to find a better answer here and there, I’m very proud that I’ve taken every single belt that I’ve got from Jamie Murray. I like to think that that’s a highlight of the personality and traits that I have. 

Current involvement with mixed martial arts: 

Callan: I deal with a lot of the evening classes (at Resilience Training Centre). We have quite stable of not only a few pro athletes, but a lot of amateur athletes coming through. We have a great coach in Dan Kelly; obviously Dan’s commitments are mixed with Australian Judo. (So), there’s myself, Sam Hayward, who’s a sensational coach, he’s very educated in the sport of MMA. Ben Sosoli is there. Between the four of us, we work quite well. We have guys that have been there a little bit longer, but we all work in unison. There are things that I learn off Ben and Dan and visa-versa. We all share our knowledge together really well. 

Life outside of mixed martial arts: 

I’m working with a company called ‘Wormald’ – that’s all fire protection. So, I’m working within the portables department there. That’s a full-time position. Three evenings a week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, I go to the gym. Tuesday, Thursday I’m back home with the family. Weekends are now very open. We’ve got the caravan now and I like to spend as much time (as possible) jumping in the caravan and going out. My poor now-wife has had to spend many years being dictated by a fighter career. Now that it’s been pulled up-stumps, she’s very happy to take the lead role in what our plans are for most weekends, which I’m happy to follow. 

What do you hope your legacy will be as a competitive martial artist: 

Callan: Legacy is sometimes a big thing; I don’t want to say that it doesn’t mean much to me. The people that are close to me they are the ones that I worry about. The ones that have worked close to me and seen the inside battles, they’re the people whose opinions matter to me. People on the 

outside are going to form their own opinions, but I hope that my body of work speaks for itself. Not (necessarily) the wins that I’ve got, the accolades I’ve achieved or the or the titles that I’ve won, but the way I’ve carried myself. Like I’ve said, I’ve never missed weight, never turned down a hard fight and sadly been put in many dubious positions in a lot of my fights that I’ve still managed to come back and win. So, I’d like to think that while I might not have been blessed with a lot of the greatest skill, I’ve shown a bit of a ‘blue-collar’ grit in my career and maybe that’s how I’ll be remembered. 

Spotlight: Costa Vs Mannu 

August 20th will see Eternal MMA return to the west coast of Australia for the third time in 2022,  with the HBF Stadium in Perth playing host to a strong card at Eternal 68. 

Atop of the bill stands Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert and resident fan favourite Rod Costa, as he looks get  back in the win column when he faces an up-and-coming prospect and former Eternal MMA main event winner – Michael Mannu. 

Coming off a tough featherweight title loss against Jack Jenkins at Eternal 64, Costa now makes the  decision to move down to bantamweight as her enters the next phase of his fighting career. 

A naturally smaller featherweight by his own admission, Costa believes the time is now to make a  statement in a lighter weight class and diversify his options as a professional in the future. 

Costa was all heart, in his recent Featherweight title bout.

Speaking with Eternal MMA, Costa shared his thoughts on making the move down weight-class  ahead of his fight on Saturday. 

“Number one, I’m not looking to just win a couple fights on Eternal, I’m not looking to be a local  hero – I’m doing this because I want to fight the best people I can fight with the little time I have  left,” said Costa. 

“If you move on to that next level like One FC, Bellator, UFC – any of those big promotions which is  everyone’s goal right? I’m not going to lie and say that’s not my goal. If I want to do that, I think I’m  too small for featherweights at that world-calibre level. 

“Number two, I just lost the fight to (Jack) Jenkins. It wasn’t a fight that was close. So, I think I would  be hard-pressed to get an immediate rematch, or a title shot soon in that division.” 

While it was a tough loss for Costa against Jenkins, the former title challenger sees more than one  avenue on his way back to a shot at Eternal MMA silver-wear, regardless of weight-class. 

“I know (Justin) Van Heerden’s going to fight for the title,” he said. 

“If Van Heerden wins, I think I have a good shot to fight him again because I beat him pretty convincingly (at Eternal 60). So, I’m not out of featherweight completely.” 

With featherweight on hold for the time being, Costa is happy to turn his attention to the next  weight-class down as he looks to the future. 

Costa feels he’s still in the title picture at Featherweight.

“They said whoever wins this fight (against Mannu) is going to fight for the bantamweight title, so, that’s one fight and then a title-shot.” 

“I’m also looking at the future. I want to start making the cut to bantamweight and get used to the  pre-fight routine. It’s very easy for me to make featherweight. I can honestly train and eat normal and then one week out, I can dial down on a couple of things and then I can make featherweight.” 

Less than a week out from another home match in Perth, Costa has been enjoying some of the new found adulation that comes with the territory of being one of Australia’s most popular competitors  on the regional circuit.

A world-renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Costa has found that he is starting to become  recognised in public more for his exploits inside of the Eternal MMA cage, rather than his success on  the mats. 

“I went to a comp last week to coach my guys and three people came to me and (asked) ‘Oh are you  Rod that fights on Eternal?’ – Not one of them were talking about Jiu-Jitsu or (asking) ‘are you the  guy the medalled at worlds?’,” said Costa with a laugh. 

“Three (other) people came up to me and got photo’s, it was weird. But it’s all due to Eternal. It is very cool.” 

Looking ahead to his opponent at Eternal 68, Costa was calm in his assessment of the potential  challenge that awaits him in on other side of the cage. 

“I saw one of his fights, he fought against a dude that trains with us now – (Anthony) Drilich,” he  said. 

“He’s got a lot of heart, good cardio. He lost that first round to Drilich, he got knocked around pretty  bad. He stayed composed, came back and beat Drilich pretty bad, too.” 

“I literally watched that fight twice and then I didn’t really think about it anymore. I know that he’s a  southpaw and a couple other things we have to watch out for, but we’ll go out there and see what  happens.” 

News of current Eternal MMA featherweight champion – Jack Jenkins surfaced shortly after Costa  shared his thoughts with Eternal MMA. The young Australian is now destined for a UFC audition on  Dana White’s Contender Series in late September, a prospect that may see Costa seemingly closer to  a follow up title shot at featherweight sooner than he forecasted. 

For now, however, the eyes of the Scrappy MMA product are firmly lowered on his next test at  Eternal 68 before he plots his next path to a title shot in the future. 

“Chael Sonnen says this a lot and I love it, he said, ‘the worst thing that can happen in a fight is that  you have an expectation, and the fight (ends up) being harder than what (that expectation) is.’ So, I  think that first fight with Van Heerden, he thought my striking was shit and he was going to come in,  stay away from my grappling and just pick me apart on the feet. 

The first knockdown I had just changed his whole game. He froze a little bit, he never shot. I think even if he shoots on me (in a potential future matchup) it will be a tough fight, he’s a very good  wrestler. I think my jiu-jitsu is better than his, but I think he is a better wrestler than me. 

“I feel like that will be a very interesting fight, I think it will be a very hard back-and-forward fight. So,  I will be looking forward to that fight if I can get it (again) if he wins. 

“But apart from Van Heerden, the next thing is a Bantamweight title shot if I get over Mannu.” 

Facing Costa out of the blue corner – Melbourne Victoria’s own – Michael Mannu will be looking to  upset the hometown favourite, as he prepares for his second main event with Eternal MMA in as  many fights with the promotion.

With over two and half years between now and his last fight, the 25-year-old has been staying well prepared between matchups as he looks ahead to what will be the toughest challenge of his young  career. 

“For the most part, the last two and half years I’ve been training the whole time,” said Mannu. 

Although he hasn’t fought in a few years, Mannu has stayed active in the gym.

“It’s not like I took a break from the sport or had a bad injury where I wasn’t able to train for a long  time. The lockdown laws in Victoria were very strict for a while, and just a bit of bad luck with fights  as well. We’ve had events cancelled, I’ve had opponents injured, I’ve had an opponent deported.” 

“I’ve just been working a lot on my skills – all facets of MMA, my strength and conditioning. So, I  think I’m a different fighter now (compared) to my last fight. 

“I think I’m really under the radar at the moment, so to have an opportunity like this is really exciting  for me. No one knows who I am or what I can do, so being able to go out there and show it on UFC  Fight Pass on the biggest show in the country is very exciting.” 

“The previous opportunity’s falling through would (have all been) worth it for this opportunity I’m  getting now.” 

While Mannu is excited to finally get the chance to fight a high-level opponent like Costa, he is  acutely aware of the dangers that the former IBJJF medal-winner presents. It is the confidence in his  own abilities, however, that Mannu believes will see him get the job done come Saturday. 

“Obviously with Rod, his jiu-jitsu is very good,” he said. 

“He’s a very skilled black-belt, probably the most dangerous guy I’ve fought in terms of grappling  credentials.” 

“(But) I think he’ll find the bantamweights – they’re a bit faster than the featherweights. I think he’s  going to see that I’m the fastest guy he’s fought. I’m (also) a very smart, disciplined fighter – a very  cerebral fighter. He’s going to be hoping I make mistakes, but there won’t be many mistakes for him  to capitalise on.  

“He’s tough and its fifteen minutes – a three round fight, but I think I’m going to be in control from  the start until the very end.” 

Perhaps a good omen of sorts for Mannu is that he will be headlining his second main event for  Eternal MMA exactly 34 cards after he topped the bill at Eternal 34 back in May of 2018. While he is  not superstitious by his own admission, Mannu is very much aware of what is at stake for him should  he get his hand raised against Costa. 

“This is the number-one contender fight for the bantamweight belt on Eternal,” he said. 

“So, the winner of this one gets to fight Shaun Etchell later in the year. And that (would) completely  flip my year around – from having no fights to ending the year with two big fights on UFC Fight Pass.  

“I’d assume the title-fight would be a main event, or a maybe a co-main on a big event. If that’s the  case, that’s two headliners on the biggest show in the country on UFC Fight Pass to finish the year.”

A title shot is on the horizon, with a with over Costa.

With all eyes set to be on the main event at Eternal 68, Mannu believes it is the perfect platform to  establish himself in the hearts and minds of fight fans as he manifests a future that he has long  dreamt about. 

“You never know how things could work out. I could get these two fights, then I’m 7-2, two massive wins and the UFC is coming to Australia in February… Things can happen overnight, stars can be  made overnight. 

“I’m really seeing the light at the end of the tunnel here. This is my big opportunity and I’m ready to  make the most of it.” 

– Eternal 68 main card can be viewed August 20th live and exclusive on UFC Fight Pass.

Enter Krazy Horse: The Kaleb Rideout welterweight title reign begins. 

Kaleb Rideout Welterweight

 For more than a decade, Australia has produced a consistent offering of mixed martial artists that have risen to international prominence. It is no longer a secret that Australia is emerging as a sleeping giant on the world stage. 

Names such as – Tai Tuivasa, Jimmy Crute, Tyson Pedro, Jack Della Maddalena, Casey O’Neill, Jamie Mullarkey, Jacob Malkoun and Josh Culibao are all currently riding the trail blazed by the likes of Mark Hunt, Robert Whittaker, Alexander Volkanovski, Daniel Kelly, Kyle Noke and Jake Matthews to name a few. 

The growing number of Australian exports have seen a wide variety of success that has included everything from champions, future hall of famers, top contending challengers and blue-chip prospects. 

With a multitude of talent exporting at a higher level than ever for Australia, more and more fans are turning their attention to the grassroots of MMA in order to spot the next generation of fighters making their rise in the sport. 

It’s a good thing too, because at least for right now, the most exciting Australian mixed martial artist is still on our shores. 

… And he just became the Eternal MMA welterweight champion. 

For all intents and purposes, Kaleb Rideout is perhaps the most accessible combat sports athlete currently competing on the regional scene of combat sports – a stark contrast to the otherworldly showmanship that he exhibits as a competitive martial artist. 

A natural-born entertainer, Rideout has made a priority of giving the fans a show every time he steps foot inside the cage, and it is far from a case of style over substance. 

YouTube Kaleb Rideout, the results speak for themselves. 

July 16th, 2022, saw Eternal MMA produce one of, if not its biggest card in it’s almost ten-year existence, with Rideout slated to close the curtains in his championship fight against City Kickboxing product – Kevin Jousset. 

Coming off a spinning back-fist knockout over his previous opponent at Eternal 64, Rideout was primed to make another statement in is young professional career. 

With the vacant welterweight title on the line, Rideout produced a bell-to-bell performance bodied by a plethora of unorthodox striking, non-stop pressure, high octane pace and endless cardio. 

Speaking with Eternal MMA, Rideout spoke shared his thoughts on the biggest win of his career to date. 

“I can’t explain how I feel,” said Rideout. 

“As soon as they said I was champion, I literally lost my feet and just collapsed in the middle of the cage. It’s something I’ve been training so hard for. Not just in this camp, but all the camps before that, ever since I was 2-2 as a pro. 

“I’m still on the comedown from it, really.” 

The long-lasting comedown from Rideout’s performance has been a mutually felt feeling for those in attendance as well as watchers tuning in on UFC Fight Pass. 

Fans were treated to an exceptionally unique display of striking at a relentless clip that included countless spinning back-fists, spin kicks, overhand hammer fists and several other techniques that oozed with style points. 

One such technique that Kaleb pulled out of his handy toolbox was something not many of us can say we have seen before – hammer-fist strikes to his standing opponents’ knee? 

“This is just the start of my style,” said Rideout. 

“I have got plenty more tricks in my bag that I didn’t even get to show. You have only seen little glimpses. 

“The standing hammer-fist at the start of the fight that caused massive damage to his face, the damage I was inflicting in all these random positions that I was in. The unorthodox strikes that I was throwing from punches to the legs to hammer fists to the legs – its just the start really. 

“I was so glad in a way that we went the five fives, because you could see what I’m actually capable of. My fitness is through the roof. I could have done another five fives after (the fight). 

“The only thing that you didn’t really get to see was my ground game, which is a bit disappointing. But at the same time, in my opinion, fans don’t come to see grappling in the cage. Why would they? 

“They want to see striking, so I give them everything I can with my strikes.” 

“I said it at the end of this fight, and I will say it leading up to every other fight – I will stand and throw down as much as I can. 

“I’m hunting for my Robbie Lawler vs Rory McDonald fight.” 

There is no doubt that Rideout is on a collision course to get his wish at some point in his career. By his own admission, his fighting style and desire to entertain the fans are at the forefront of his mind whenever he prepares to step foot inside the cage. The fact that he is just so damn good at getting wins on his record at the same time has been an exceptionally welcome byproduct of his fan-friendly skillset. 

It’s one thing to be flashy, it’s another thing to put it all together and become a title belt holder – Kaleb Rideout is now both. 

To the surprise of many, one judge saw the contest in favour of Jousset to the tune of three rounds to two, while the other two judges saw it in favour of Rideout at 50-45 and 49-46 respectively. 

A split decision victory for the first-time title challenger. 

“I was very ‘fight-aware’ in that fight the entire time,” said Rideout. 

“As soon as that final bell rang, and Kevin and I embraced after the fight, I said ‘it’s going to be a split decision’. I just didn’t know how the judges were going to score it.”

“I knew he had the takedowns, he had the control (time), but I was doing the most damage. So, I could see that being more favourable to the judges.” 

“I knew I had the rounds with my aggression and my striking, he wasn’t landing anywhere near the amount of punches or significant strikes as I was. 

“Looking back at it now that I’ve had time to reflect and watch the fight, it’s hard to see the split decision. I think I won four out of the five rounds. But the judges called it a split and I’m not going to argue with it. It’s still a win in my books.” 

Back at home and now with some distance from the title fight, Rideout can see clearly now just how dominant he was for the majority of the contest. By his own admission, however, Jousset was one of if not the toughest out of his professional career. 

“The best way to describe (Jousset) – he’s honestly like the French Terminator,” said Rideout. 

“I was punching him hard – I mean, I was hitting him… hard. My right hand is ridiculously swollen. He just kept walking forward. 

“I think I hit him with five clean punches and a clean elbow, and he just didn’t bleed! His bloody bones, every time I hit him, it just felt like steel.” 

“His toughness is ten out of ten. I’ve hit a lot of people with those shots and a lot of them have dropped.” 

“I knew his gas tank wouldn’t be as good as mine, (but) I was surprised in the fourth and fifth rounds that he was still very fit. You could still see that he deteriorated a bit, but the volume was on all day. 

“I expected him to shoot more takedowns on me, but the longer the fight went, he very rarely did what I thought he would do. So, it just gave me free reign to stand there and throw.” 

A fan of the game as well as a student of it, Rideout somehow found time towards the end of the fourth round to shoot his shot with a very familiar face at cage side. 

Strategising against him was Kevin Jousset’s world-renowned coach, Eugene Bareman – most notably the long-time mentor of current UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. 

Not one to miss an opportunity, even with his opponent in a dominant position against him, the man they call “Krazy Horse” seized the opportunity to have a quick word with the City Kickboxing lead man. 

“It was just a spur of the moment thing,” said Rideout with a laugh. 

“He (Jousset) pinned me and took me down against the cage, I looked to the left and I saw Joe Lopez there and I was like ‘oh sh*t, hey Joe!’. I was a little bit concussed; I think. 

“And then (I saw) Eugene and thought, it’s not the right time but (I said) ‘hey Eugene, can I get a photo after this?!’. Then we had a bit of a banter war and he (Jousset) got up and kicked me in the ribs, which hurt.” 

It’s a 2022 kicking off on the right foot for Rideout. With two wins from two fights, including his recent title win, the sky is looking like the limit for the newly crowned champ. 

Splitting his time between work as a plasterer and training as a mixed martial artist, Rideout leads a typical life of a regional circuit athlete. Three days after winning the championship fight, it was back to life as usual on the tools for the Picton, New South Wales resident. Only this time, with all the attention that comes with the territory of being an Australian champion. 

With the welterweight title around his waist, the proud representative of his gym – XXX Fight Academy said the reception back home with his teammates was electric. 

“They absolutely loved the fight because it was so entertaining” said Rideout. 

“I feel like a celebrity walking around the gym right now, it’s great.” 

Celebrity aside, Rideout knows that his road as a high-profile combat sports athlete is barely beginning. Now 7-2-0 as a professional, he has put together a run of five wins in a row on his way to the welterweight title. 

Earning himself a reputation as one of the most electrifying mixed martial artists in the country, Rideout is ready and willing to face whatever challenge is placed before him whenever the time comes. 

With a new addition to the family set to arrive in November, however, Rideout will be looking to face the next challenge either before or after what will be the most important moment in his life. 

“My first child is on the way – a little girl,” said Rideout beaming ear to ear. 

“I’m building a granny flat right now out the back of my missus’ parents house for me, her and the little one.” 

“But as I’ve said, at the end of the day, It’s Cam’s (Eternal MMA promoter, Cam O’Neill) call. Whatever he wants to do, I’ll just turn up and do what I do best. It doesn’t bother me; a fight is a fight at the end of the day.” 

“I will always be here to entertain.” 

– Eternal 67 can be replayed on UFC Fight Pass.