Know Your Fighter: Michael Moss

Full Name:

Michael Moss

Age:

32

Where were you born:

Nowra

Where do you live:

Camden

Which gym do you train out of:

XXX fight academy

Who are your coaches:

Moey Nathan Summo Aydin

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 pretty much participated in most sports growing up. I love competition no matter what it is. As a young boy I competed in Athletics, with my best events being 100m, 200m and relay. In my early teens i started AFL and i played to 21 years of age. I played for a number of teams and representative teams, I was even scouted for the reserves grade sydney swans and played a number of games for them before moving over to martial arts.

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

I was 21 and decided to move on from AFL, I would regularly get into a biffs on the AFL field so MMA made sense. I also loved watching the UFC. After winning my first fight in 27 seconds, I was hooked and wanted to see where MMA would take me.

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

Making long life friends has definitely been the best part of my martial arts journey, other then that, it’s pushing yourself to your absolute limits in training so your better then the day before.. All my training sessions are my favourite in each different way, but Monday sessions with moey and the crew is always a highlight.

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

I know im not the best or the most talented so I work hard in everyway to be the best I can be. Being in the military is definitely a strength because I train and prepare for real combat everyday where your enemies arent playing by the rules.

How would you describe your fighting style:

I have an all round fighting style I am happy for the fight to go anywhere, if i am losing in one area, I will switch to another to find something that works. Adapt and overcome any situation.

What is your favourite sport and why:

It was AFL but it’s definitely MMA now. There is just so much to learn and life is definitely not long enough to learn it all.

Who is your favourite athlete:

I don’t really have a favourite athlete I have a favourite for each sport.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Combat athlete would be Tim Kennedy not just for what he did in the UFC, but he was also a special forces green beret in the US military. He didnt just know combat sport, he knows combat. I’m reading his book at the moment, its called scars and stripes.

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Immediate, enjoy my time back in the cage after 5 years off due to work commitments. Long term hopefully work doesnt get to busy again so I can keep active.

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

Violence from the get go.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

It could go anywhere but at the end of the fight I know my hand will be raised.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

I am blessed to have so many good people in my life, that will be there or watching online. Thanks again for your continuing support. Jobs on…

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

Mossy_mma

Watch Michael Moss fight at Eternal MMA 84 on Friday May 24 live and exclusive via ufcfightpass.com

Know Your Fighter: Alfred Stoddart

Full Name:

Alfred Christopher Jack Stoddart

Age:

30

Where were you born:

Zimbabwe africa

Where do you live:

Sydney Australia

Which gym do you train out of:

Sbg Australia/ mmafft

Who are your coaches:

BEN POWER HEAD (MAIN HEAD COACH) NICK KENNEDY STRIKING RENATO SUBOTIC SECOND (HEAD COACH)

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

Purple belt bjj sbg black belt striking.

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

I played basketball and loved boxing and twekwondo.

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

Right out of high i started training every day for 2hr learn kicking then boxing that was from 2013 to 2017 . Then i joined sbg and started training bjj and striking i took it seriously as a way to challenge myself in 2018 and competed over 60 times in bjj mathes kickboxing and my mma debut. 2021 is when i started taking it seriously as a profession and the job i want to do and be around forever. I’ve fought 8 times since then im on track for 5 fights this year.

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

I loveee bjj its the most fun i have during the week hard rolling at high levels it just fun. I love striking too just hurts more haha

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

My mind. It allows me to not be phrased by the short term win or set backs and focus on the goal on improving every day every min at everything.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Free! I can do it all i just need to put it all together as it comes and not let my self get in the way of the flow.

What is your favourite sport and why:

Boxing, 1000 years of human finding a way to win and not lose so many storys so many ways to tell them. The wwe pro wrestling crowd control stories and athletes pulling of some amazing things and now straight up wrestling it a battle of wills that is unmatched .

Who is your favourite athlete:

Tom brady dudes a anime character in real life

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

In aus josh togo and john martin clean workers technical as hell. In the world right now high tech Vasily loma

What are your immediate and long term goals:

5 fights this year. Long term the ufc.

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

To follow the journey of someone just like them trying to push through and make it great. To know that im coming to put on a show for them I’d reather lose then have a boring fight you pay money to come see a show i wanna deliver.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I don’t. Fights are what they are i don’t look at what the should or should be everything is possible in this sport i forgot that lesson and it got taught to me my last time out.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you for watching me and having my back I’ll be around for a bit so keep watching keep yelling and keep being you!

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

Themakerjack on Instagram and jack stoddart on Facebook.

Watch Alfred Stoddart fight at Eternal MMA 84 on Friday May 24 live and exclusive via ufcfightpass.com

Quillan Salkilld Locked In For DWCS

OFFICIAL! Eternal MMA Lightweight Champion Quillan Salkilld (6-1) is locked in for Dana White’s Contender Series.

Following in the footsteps of previous Eternal champions, Perth’s Salkilld will be entering the Octagon with a six-fight win streak and two championship defenses to his name.

Salkilld’s MMA career started in 2018 at Eternal 37, and he ended his amateur apprenticeship in 2020 at Eternal 53 with a record of 8-3. Salkilld made his professional debut in 2021 at Eternal 56, where he eventually created a string of dominant fights, positioning himself as the number one lightweight in Australia, solidified by his ownership of the Eternal lightweight belt.

Already on the radar with an opportunity on the Road to UFC that didn’t eventuate in late 2023, Quillan Salkilld continued his reign in Australia with two more dominating championship bouts. We’re excited to see what Quillan has to offer in the next chapter of his career, and rest assured, the world will be watching the rise of this future MMA superstar.

Keep an eye out for future announcements regarding Quillan Salkilld’s DWCS fight and more.

Know Your Fighter: Damian Volar

Full Name:

Damian Peter Volar

Age:

29

Where were you born:

Australia

Where do you live:

Salisbury, Adelaide, South Australia

Which gym do you train out of:

Element Martial Arts

Who are your coaches:

Matt ‘Fev’ Becker Dimitri ‘Zeus’ Zacharia

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

Purple Belt in BJJ #1 Ranked Am LHW in Australia/NZ #2 Ranked Am MW in Australia/NZ XFC Am LHW Champion x2 DFC Am MW/LHW Champion

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Australian Rules Football U9’s > Seniors Gridiron (American Football) 2012 > 2019

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

In 2020 I changed Gyms and started training 6 days pw. In 2022 I quit my FT job to pursue fighting as a profession. Haven’t looked back since!

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

My favourite aspect of training is becoming 1% better everyday. My favourite session is Sparring, getting to put together everything we learn into practice and fine tuning the skillset and game plans. Also enjoy my Sunday – Family Time

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

My greatest strength as an athlete/fighter would be my Mindset, Fight IQ and ability to adapt on the fly.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Relentless Pressure Heavy Top Game

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA (UFC) of course is the passion but Gridiron (American Football) The NFL is stacked with talent and sheer freak athleticism.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Top 3: 1) Ray Lewis 2) Wayne Gretzky 3) Steven Bradbury

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipović from the old school days was always entertaining to watch, having grandparents from Croatia I felt a connection there. Prime Conor McGregor on the come up, not the come down. But I do have a soft spot for Dustin Poirier, one of the best to have never been (Undisputed Champion).

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Immediate Goals: Win Pro Debut, 1-0 Long Term Goals: UFC 👊🏼

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

When you see my name on a fight poster you can expect a dog fight, I won’t stop coming at you until one of us gets put away.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Time shall tell but my hand will be raised & I’ll be leaving the cage victorious.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

See You At The Top! 🫡

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

Instagram @honeybear_mma

Watch Damian Volar fight at Eternal MMA 84 on Friday May 24 live and exclusive via ufcfightpass.com

Know Your Fighter: Joseph Larcinese

Full Name:

Joseph Larcinese

Age:

25

Where were you born:

Australia

Where do you live:

Sydney

Which gym do you train out of:

Igor MMA

Who are your coaches:

Igor Breakenback Igor Praporshchikov Jacob Larcinese (Younger Brother) Joshua Culibao

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

Blue Belt in BJJ trying to get my blue belt at Igor mma still competed a lot in local bjj competitions with getting medals from white to purple (no-gi)

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Tennis all year in high school Video game nerd Rugby and Soccer when I was a kid

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

started BJJ when I was 19 years of age. My brother and I started training mma 1 year before joining the gym. We Trained in our backyard learning all of our striking and wrestling (during covid). Then we joined Igor mma 2 years ago and had my first mma fight within 4 weeks. From the very beginning I left my career/job which I finished uni for to train to become a professional fighter.

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

My favourite aspect of training is the hard grind when camps begin. Im not a big fan of out of camp training. My favourite sessions are when my younger brother Jacob tries to make me give up and break me.

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

My greater strength as a fighter is my ability to perform in the fight and put on a show for the people.

How would you describe your fighting style:

I bring that old school grappling energy in my stand up

What is your favourite sport and why:

I hate sports I find them boring to watch. My favourite thing to do is weights training. Ranging from calisthenics, body building and strength training.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Currently my favourite is Money Moicano and Dricus du plessis but khabib brought me into the sport. So one of those three at the moment.

What are your immediate and long term goals:

My goals right now is to try stay as active as possible and to keep putting on exciting fights for the people. My long term goals is to make this an actual career and to be the best.

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

If fans see Joseph “Big Sexy” Larcinese on a fight poster they should expect big knockouts, big submissions and big fights. I always try my best to bring a big fight for the people’s entertainment.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

This fight will not go to the decision. One of us is either going to get knocked out or subbed.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you for all the support. I never understood why people said this until now. It truly does help when you have people supporting you as simple as wishing you good luck.

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

joe_larch98

Watch Joseph Larcinese fight at Eternal MMA 84 on Friday May 24 live and exclusive via ufcfightpass.com

Know Your Fighter: Jack Hayes

Full Name:

Jack Hayes

Age:

30

Where were you born:

Adelaide

Where do you live:

Seaford, South Australia

Which gym do you train out of:

M16 Fight & Fitness

Who are your coaches:

Myles Simpson for MMA, Declan Moody for BJJ, Adam Collet & Tayla Ford for wrestling

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

Bjj Brown Belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Grew up playing footy and tennis

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

I started training at Ringworks in 2012 doing Muay Thai casually to get fit with no intentions of fighting.
After about 2 years I ended up training 5 days a week and started doing mma and had my first amateur mma fight in 2016.
I had a terrible amateur career going 0/5 and in 2019 I thought fuck it. If I’m going to do this I’ll have a crack professionally and went on to win my professional debut.
Coming into 2024 I’m currently 2/2 as a professional and looking to get the ball rolling for a big year.

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

My favourite session of the week is wrestling, easily the hardest and most demanding aspect of mma.

I enjoy it for the simple reason of hard work, there’s no places to rest in wrestling like there is in jits. It’s just a constant chain between attacking and defending.

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

I believe my greatest strengths as a fighter are my wrestling, striking power and decision making.
I might not be the tallest, fastest or even strongest but I believe my ability to choose when to mix my striking in with my wrestling makes me a dangerous fight for anyone.

How would you describe your fighting style:

I’d describe my style as a brawler/ wrestler.

What is your favourite sport and why:

It would have to be MMA because of how exiting it is to watch and the fact there’s so many variables with it. Martial arts is the only sport where you could be whooping ass for 14 minutes and your opponent lands one good punch and you loose. You don’t really get that vulnerability in other sports

Who is your favourite athlete:

Favourite active athlete would hands down be Alexander Volkanovski.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Alexander Volkanovski / Frankie Edgar

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Immediate goals is simple to have an active year.

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

They should expect and exiting fight with a good mix of striking and grappling.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

See me getting the finish within the 3 rounds. Either submission or KO

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thanks everyone for the support, always appreciate it. Can’t wait to go out there and do my thing!

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

Instagram: @hayzelnut6

Know Your Fighter: Quillan Salkilld

Eternal MMA sits down with lightweight challenger Quillan Salkilld for a Q&A ahead of his championship fight against Blake Donnelly at Eternal 76.

Age:

23

Where were you born:

I was born in Perth. I spent my most of my childhood in Broome.

Where are you based now:

I am now based in Perth.

Which gym to you train out of:

I train at Luistro Combat Academy.

Who are your coaches:

My main coach in Romel Luistro.

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

I have received my brown-belt in jiu-jitsu.

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

When I was growing up, I got in to skating a lot. That was one of my first dreams – I wanted to be a professional skater. I also got into Aussie Rules footy as well, that was my second dream before MMA – I wanted to be an AFL player.

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

I first went all in on the sport when I got my first win. After I got my first win, that’s when I decided that this is what I want to do full-time, I want to keep chasing that feeling.

Favourite aspect of training:

Seeing myself and my team build. We have been working together for years, seeing everyone steadily improve, seeing where we have come from and where we are at now – we see the trajectory of where we are going to go.

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

My greatest strength is my ability to absorb information. My ability to learn anything and get better.

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

I’m not sure, but I’d like to be like Zabit Magomedsharipov. He’s such a complete fighter and he has a really cool style. He’s someone who I guess I aim to be like.

Who would you consider to be some of your favourite combat sports athletes:

Nothing really comes to mind as a “favourite”. I like a lot of people. Guys like Zabit and Conor McGregor – one of the guys who got me in to training. Before I even started training, I was hearing about him and kind of became a fan beforehand.

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

I’d say my last fight in February of this year. I found my mindset and everything going into that fight was bulletproof. I felt invincible in there. I think I really showcased my skills that night.

What are your goals for both the immediate and long-term future:

Immediate goal is to win the Eternal lightweight belt. My long-term goal is to win the UFC lightweight belt.

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

They can expect to see a complete martial artist. They’re not going to find any holes in my game, they’re going to find out that I’m good at everything.

How do you see yourself getting your hand raised at Eternal 76:

The perfect way would just be a finish inside of five-rounds.

A final message to your fans and supporters.

I just want to say thankyou to everyone. Especially my close friends, family, teammates, coaches – everyone that’s been looking out for me for the last four or five years. I just want to say thankyou and one day I will pay it back.

Know Your Fighter: Peter Templer

Eternal MMA sits down with Peter Templer for a Q&A ahead of his co-main event bout at Eternal 75 against Lachlan Stitt.

Age:

25.

Where were you born:

I was born in Adelaide, but I’ve been in Mackay most of my life.

Where are you based now:

Mackay

Which gym to you train out of:

Mackay MMA

Who are your coaches:

It’s changed a little bit recently, but David Garnham’s always sort of my head coach. I’ve got Dan Moulder – he’s more of a striking coach. I do a bit of work with some other guys – Clint McLachlan, Danny Borg… Ash Clein’s been holding pads for me. So, I’ve got a few guys to work with.

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

I got my black-belt six months ago in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Always played soccer from a young age. I was pretty serious about soccer until I got to about fifteen, then I stared training MMA. That sort of took over, I still played (soccer) for a couple of years but it’s all MMA now.

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

I started when I was fifteen, but the gym was only (operating) two or three times a week (back) then. As we’ve grown, we train five or six days a week for the last eight years or so.

Favourite aspect of training:

Definitely just those hard, long rounds rolling or wrestling where we can just go hard. Striking, you have to be obviously a bit more controlled.

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

I took naturally to jiu-jitsu – I had a pretty natural grasp on that nice and early. Also, I think I can be coached pretty well. I don’t get stuck in my ways and I can adapt quickly to new information.

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

Not so much in recent years, but I used to really like to emulate Rory MacDonald – he was just one of those earlier than guys that was straight MMA, he didn’t have a super specific specialty. Just MMA from the start.

Who would you consider to be some of your favourite combat sports athletes:

Not so much one favourite, I’ll pretty much just support the Aussie’s. If they’re Australian, even Kiwi, that’ll do – I’ll back them guys.

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

The last one against (Michael) Tepou was definitely a great fight for me. We stuck to the game plan; another heavy striker similar to Lachlan in that regards (albeit) a very different body. The game plan worked perfectly, stuck to it and came away nice win.

What are your goals for both the immediate and long-term future:

Short-term obviously (is to) win this one this weekend and perform. Long term – even out the record, get a couple more wins and then start looking for that Eternal title.

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

Most of my wins have definitely come from jiu-jitsu, but I think my striking has definitely caught up in recent years doing a lot of work with Dan Moulder. They can expect a different fight from the usual this time around.

How do you see yourself getting your hand raised at Eternal 75:

I don’t like to have anything set in stone so I’m ready for anything. But I think it might be a KO/TKO this time around.

A final message to your fans and supporters.

Big thanks to all my coaches, all the people coming to watch – it’s a long way to travel from Mackay to “Goldy”. I’ve got a decent crew coming to support. (Also), all of the other people and training partners that have helped me in this training camp and along the way.

Know Your Fighter: Tasar Malone

Eternal MMA sits down with Tasar Malone for a Q&A ahead of his professional debut at Eternal 74 against Tom Pratt.

Age:

26.

Where were you born:

I was born on the Gold Coast and grew up in Beechmont up in the sticks.

Where are you based now:

Bit of a tricky answer… but in my car! I saved up all my pennies and bought myself a van to live in out the front of the gym on the Gold Coast.

What gym do you train out of:

CMBT.

Who are your coaches:

The one’s leading from the front would be Miles Muecke, Jesse Yada, Glen Sparv, Brentin Mumford, James (Powell) and Darcy Vendy.

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

I was lucky enough recently to be awarded my purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

I started off playing soccer as a young boy. I transitioned to AFL in my late teens and got close to getting drafted. That didn’t happen, but I believe everything happens for a reason. Now, I’ve found MMA.

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

When I was younger, even from five years old I was running around telling my parents that I was going to be a professional athlete and a great one at that. I always chased that belief because that was one of the first things that popped in to my mind and body as something that I wanted. As I said, I got close to the AFL, I was getting paid at a certain stage playing senior footy for a few weeks. I got lost a little bit for a couple months (before) I got introduced to mixed martial arts by a friend. After doing literally the first training session, I fell in love with the sport.

Favourite aspect of training:

I love it all. I look at it (like) there’s always something to learn – a never ending pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. 

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

Two things: No ego – but I’m very coachable and a quick leaner. I love being told and taught things. Second thing would be my adaptability to situations and my mindset to always find a way out or find a way to get it done. “Self-determination”, I would say.

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

I tend to be a bit of a wild man! Whether it’s things like climbing cages, doing back flips, throwing everything into all my shots, takedowns – you name it. I used to be a bit all over the place; I’m trying to work on being a lot more structured and methodical with my approach. But I guess if I’m being me, I love being a wild untamed beast! (ha-ha) if that’s a way of putting it.

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

My mindset on martial arts has always been that everybody is unique. Without having ego, I feel like I am my own (fighter), but the person I have always looked up to and wanted to (emulate) the most has always been George St-Pierre. Just the way he carries himself inside and outside the octagon; how he fights. I’d say he’s the person I’ve always wanted to follow in the footsteps of. But as I said, I want to be me and bring my own style and flavour.

Who would you consider to be some of your favourite combat sports athletes:

George St-Pierre.

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

I’m not sure if I could pick one, but going off my last performance I believe I didn’t even get hit with a strike. I’ve had ten fights now and ‘touch wood’ – I haven’t even blead inside the (cage).

What are your goals for both the immediate and long-term future:

Short term is obviously this weekend. I’m very much someone who lives in the present moment. Tomorrow is never promised, so I just focus on what’s in front of me. We’ve put a lot of work into this coming weekend so I’m just focusing on that. Long term: I’m the type of person that will always aim for the stars and reach as high as I possibly can with the team that’s around me. If I continue showing up, putting in the work, dedicating myself and sacrificing for this, I believe that the Australian championship belt will be wrapped around my waist (before moving) on to bigger and better things.

How do you see yourself getting your hand raised at Eternal 74:

I am very much in the belief that it’s a fight at the end of the day and there are so many variables. I like to see everything in front of me in the rawness of the moment. If you give me a sniff of an opportunity, I’m willing to go one-hundred and ten percent to jump on that opportunity. Whether it’s on the feet with a shot, whether it’s ground and pound, TKO, or a submission.

A final message to your fans and supporters:

I used to be in the mindset that this is an individual sport, but it’s really not. I’m super blessed and grateful for not only my team that help support me to actually get in there and be on the playing field, but also all the messages of love and support from all the people like my friends, my family, my supporters and fans. I see it all, I feed off it. I’ve received a lot in this last week and it’s something that really reminds me of how many people are behind me. That spirit, that energy – I just carry that in there and I just feel untouchable. I love you all, I appreciate every single one of you. I’m super excited for this weekend and to go to battle with the entire army that’s behind me.

Follow Tasar on Instagram

Watch Tasar on YouTube

Eternal 74 main card can be viewed live and exclusive March 18th on UFC Fight Pass. Tickets can be purchased at www.eternalmma.com for anyone wishing to attend the event.

Stephen Erceg, Australia’s number one flyweight, signs a multi-fight deal with the world’s number one fight promotion.

Microsoft Word – Stephen Erceg X UFC PR.docx

Australia’s No.1 flyweight (125 lbs) fighter, Stephen “Astroboy” Erceg (9-1 MMA) has signed

an exclusive multi-fight agreement with the UFC.

Last year Stephen was scheduled to have his audition for the UFC on the globally televised Dana White’s Contender Series, but due to visa issues he was unable to perform on the big stage and he headed back to Australia.

The resilience shown during this time is a testament to Erceg’s character, a man who is not only capable and confident inside the cage but continues to put in the work outside it and leaves little to chance in chasing his goals.

Over the weekend at Eternal MMA 73, Stephen added another victory to his resume with a slick first-round submission of Japanese fighter Soichiro Hirai (4-2 MMA). In what was expected to be a close contest “Astroboy” showed his ability to dominate on the ground and stop the fight early.

As he headed backstage, filled with adrenaline and heart pumping off a quick stoppage victory he did not expect the following events. Mick Maynard and Hunter Campbell, two of the senior executives at the UFC were waiting for him and he was offered a contract on the spot.

Courtney Hard Day, Rival Sports Management: “Steve had to overcome quite a few setbacks last year including well documented visa issues which kept him out of his Contender Series bout. The team at Rival Sports are thrilled that Steve is now where he deserves to be, fighting the best athletes in the biggest MMA promotion in the world.”

Cam O’Neill, Eternal MMA: “There is excitement in the air across Australian MMA and the future looks bright for Eternal MMA fighters. We are looking forward to more athletes following in the footsteps of Stephen Erceg and being given the opportunity to compete against the best in the world.”

Eternal 74 will be held at Southport Sharks, Gold Coast on March 18 with the two title fights. The welterweight strap is on the line with champion Kaleb Rideout(7-2) defending against Joseph Luciano (7-1). In the co-main, the Lightweight champion David Martinez (9-4) will be fighting Blake Donnelly (6-1). You can catch the main card action on UFC Fight Pass and the prelims free on the Eternal MMA YouTube.