From the very beginning, Tim Moore has been part of Eternal MMA’s DNA. One half of the main event at Eternal MMA 1, he was there when it all began. On September 15, 2012, Moore and Jacob Mahony went to war for three rounds of blood-and-grit violence that helped define what Eternal would become.
History was made with the main event between Tim Moore and Jacob Mahony at Eternal 1.
Born in Penrith, raised by his grandfather in Binnaway, NSW, and now calling Burleigh Heads home, Tim’s path to the cage wasn’t straightforward. After moving to the Gold Coast at 18, he spent his early twenties navigating life’s challenges before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, a turning point that gave him direction and purpose, and ultimately, changed his life forever.
Outside the cage, Tim is a husband, father of three daughters, and a hardworking painter-plasterer by trade. His days start early on job sites and end on the mats, where he passes on his experience as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, training and coaching the next generation. For Tim, fighting has never just been about competition: it’s about community, balance, providing for his family and setting an example for his girls.
Through the mid-2010s, Tim was one of the most active fighters in Australia. He competed across multiple promotions, collecting belts and main event wins at a time when those titles truly meant something. Every bout added to his reputation as one of the country’s toughest flyweights, a fighter who showed up, fought hard, and helped build the Australian MMA scene from the ground up.
In 2016, redemption came when he defeated Shaun “Buzzsaw” Etchell at Eternal 12, becoming the Eternal Flyweight Champion. For over two years and seven months, he held the belt, a testament to his consistency and toughness during an era that shaped Australian MMA. He later tested himself internationally in the Philippines, earning valuable experience abroad before life pulled him temporarily away from competition.
When he returned, it wasn’t about titles. It was about proving that same fire still burned. He’s the kind of fighter who never knows when to call it quits, and that stubborn resilience is exactly why fans love him.
Throughout his career, “Quickdraw” has shared the cage with Australian fighters like Stephen Erceg, Shane Parker, Shaun Etchell and Sean Gauci delivering some of the most memorable moments in Australian MMA history. Originally slated to face Parker back at Eternal 1, the matchup finally happened at Eternal 8 in 2014, and now, fittingly, they run it back once more at Eternal 100.
For Tim Moore, this isn’t just another fight, it’s a full-circle moment. From helping launch Eternal MMA to representing its legacy more than a decade later, his story embodies what the promotion stands for: perseverance, passion, and the refusal to ever give up.
Tim prepares for one last dance in the cage with the team at Sunshine State Wrestling.
As he prepares for one last dance, surrounded by a smaller but tighter team, Tim says this camp has been the most enjoyable of his career. Everyone’s chasing the same goal: to make each other better. And as the lights come on at Eternal 100, “Quickdraw” steps forward once again, a fighter, an entertainer, and a true champion of Eternal MMA.
Born on August 5, 1993, in Launceston, Tasmania, Shaun Etchell’s path to becoming one of Eternal MMA’s most iconic champions began far from the cage. A natural athlete, he grew up playing AFL, racking up more than 150 senior games before making a life-changing switch to combat sports. At just 18, he walked into a gym for the first time, trained for two weeks to take his first amateur fight, and only three weeks later made his professional debut. It was the kind of boldness that would come to define his career.
Seasoned with competitiveness, Shaun transitioned over to MMA with ease.
Under the guidance of longtime coaches Steve Wallace and Twigs Millwood at Furnace MMA and the Launceston Boxing Club, Etchell built a reputation for his relentless pace, explosive speed, and endurance. His walkouts, backed by Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival, became an unmistakable signal for fans , “The Buzzsaw” was coming. Etchell’s style was all pressure: a forward-moving storm of striking and aggression that kept opponents guessing and audiences on their feet.
That energy carried him to history. On July 19, 2014, at Eternal 6, Etchell crossed the Bass Strait with an undefeated record to face hometown favourite Tim “Quickdraw” Moore at a sold-out Coolangatta Hotel. Headlining an eight-fight card, the two flyweights went to war trading takedowns, scrambles, and exchanges the full distance. When the dust settled, Etchell’s hand was raised by unanimous decision, crowning him the first-ever Eternal Flyweight Champion and marking Tasmania’s arrival on the national MMA map.
Years later, after a brief hiatus from competition, Etchell returned to the cage to chase something no one had achieved before. On May 7, 2021, at Eternal 59 in Melbourne, he stepped up to challenge “Slammin” Sam Hibberd for the bantamweight title. It was a main event worthy of the moment, five hard-fought rounds of grit and skill, with Etchell once again dictating the pace. When the judges delivered their verdict, it was unanimous. Etchell had done it again, this time making history as Eternal’s first-ever two-division champion.
Following that triumph, Etchell’s performances earned him an opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage through Road to UFC. Even though he didn’t come away with the win, he showed the same grit, heart, and determination that made him a fan favourite back home: the kind of fighter who never backs down, no matter the stage.
From humble beginnings in Launceston to standing atop two weight divisions, Shaun Etchell’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and pressure. He’s faced and fought against some of Australia’s toughest names, including Shane Parker and Rod Costa, sharing the cage with fellow icons who helped shape the country’s MMA landscape. Every time Bad Moon Rising hits the speakers, fans know exactly what’s coming: chaos, heart, and the unmistakable buzz of a fighter who made history and gave them some of the most memorable nights in the Eternal cage.
On July 25, 2015, Eternal MMA made its long-awaited debut in Perth with Eternal 11 — a grassroots event that would quietly lay the foundation for a movement. Held inside a boxing ring at the WA Italian Club due to the state’s then-active cage ban, the night featured 11 fights, six finishes, and an energy that hinted at what was to come.
For Western Australia, this event meant more than just fights. It was the beginning of a pathway — a platform for local talent to compete, grow, and eventually rise to the highest levels of the sport.
Eternal 11 // July 25, 2015 // WA Italian Club, Western Australia
Headlining that historic Eternal card was Ryan Gray versus Bowen Cornish. Gray wins with a triangle choke in Round 2, just 57 seconds in. Also, on the card was Mitch Martin, who would go on to become one of Eternal’s most dominant champions — finishing his career undefeated at 8-0, with three knockouts and three submissions to his name.
Mitch Martin appeared on Eternal 11 and eventually became the Eternal bantamweight champion and retire with a perfect 8-0 record.
“It was the beginning of wearing multiple hats,” recalled Eternal director and Scrappy MMA head coach Ben Vickers. “I had a million fighters on the card, including the main event, and I was also promoting the show. But I knew that night it was the start of something. The atmosphere in that place was unique and intimidating — so awesome.”
According to Eternal MMA CEO Cam O’Neill, the vision for bringing Eternal to Perth came from a clear need.
“We always believed in the talent here — but what we saw was a serious lack of opportunity,” O’Neill said. “No dedicated MMA events, no athlete pathway, and fighters from Western Australia were too expensive to fly east — so they were constantly overlooked. I could see it clearly: fighters in Western Australia needed their own platform.”
That’s where the partnership between Cam and Ben took root.
“Ben had a gym full of killers and nowhere to showcase them. Together, we knew Eternal needed to go national, then global… and Western Australia was the perfect place to start.”
Before Eternal 11, WA’s fight scene was patchy at best. MMA fights were squeezed into hybrid shows, and pro fighters had to travel east — often at their own expense — just to compete. Eternal’s arrival changed that, bringing regular events and a structure that WA athletes could build careers around.
From that first event, Eternal would go on to host seven more shows in the ring, including Eternal 13, which featured the debut of a young Jack Della Maddalena, who would later become the UFC welterweight champion of the world. That card was headlined by Myles Simpson versus Ryan Gray.
In June 2017, the cage ban in Western Australia was finally lifted — a move that Eternal MMA had actively advocated for.
“The cage ban being lifted was incredible for Perth,” Vickers said. “It meant the UFC could consider the city for events, gyms were busier, and the sport truly started to thrive here.”
Just two months later, Eternal 28 was the first Eternal cage event in the state, headlined by Josh Della, who scored a devastating first-round knockout over Brandon Ropati.
Building a Perth Legacy: The Events That Followed
From there, Perth became a regular stronghold for Eternal MMA:
Eternal 25: Mitch Martin claimed the bantamweight title; Anthony Drilich (future flyweight champion) also competed and won his bout.
Eternal 28: New South Wales’ Josh Togo (future lightweight champion) competed in WA, beginning his climb in the division.
Eternal 31: Casey O’Neill fought in Perth for the first time, while Jack Della Maddalena continued his ascent.
Eternal 34: Cody Haddon made his debut with a first-round submission over Danial “Mini T” Williams — both would go on to compete on the world stage.
Eternal 37: Jack Della Maddelena defended his belt; Quillan Salkilld made his debut, and Ryan Jankowski emerged as a contender.
Eternal 40: Featured future UFC fighters Callan Potter and Carlos Ulberg.
Eternal 44: Moved to HBF Stadium (now Perth HPC), headlined by UFC veterans Steven Kennedy and Ben Alloway, with rising stars like Seb Szalay and Quillan on the card.
Eternal 47: Steve Erceg defeated Paul Loga, alongside strong showings from Cody, Seb, and Quillan.
Eternal 48: While not held in Perth, this event marked a pivotal moment in Eternal history — the beginning of the promotion’s partnership with UFC Fight Pass, a global distribution deal that brought more exposure than ever before to Australian fighters.
Eternal 51: Jack Della headlined; Casey O’Neill returned for her second fight in Perth.
Eternal 53: Jack Della’s final Eternal appearance before joining the UFC, defeating Aldin Bates in a rematch. Cody and Quillan also featured.
Eternal 60: A wild main event between Steve Erceg and Cody Haddon had the entire stadium on its feet — both fighters later signed to the UFC.
Eternal 53 // October 10, 2020 // This was Jack Della’s last fight on Eternal MMA in Perth.
Eternal’s International Impact
Since then, Eternal’s influence has only grown:
Eternal 73: Steve Erceg earned his UFC contract after defeating a top Japanese contender.
Eternal 76: Quillan Salkilld became lightweight champion, a superstar selling out venues.
Eternal 87: Kevin Kophamel VS Harry Webb went down as one of the greatest Australian MMA fights ever, with Webb crowned the new champ.
Eternal 97: A full-circle moment — Jack Della Maddalena returned to Perth with the UFC belt.
Eternal MMA has now held nearly 100 events, with Eternal 99 set to return to Perth — a milestone that speaks to the promotion’s consistency and growth. The promotion directly injects over $750,000 annually into the WA economy, brought international fighters from America, Thailand, Japan, and Korea, and given both homegrown and interstate athletes a legitimate pathway to the world stage.
Today, Perth is home to four fighters currently signed to the UFC — Jack Della Maddalena, Steve Erceg, Quillan Salkilld and Cody Haddon — with three of them being former Eternal champions. Eternal also played a major role in elevating talents like Casey O’Neill, Carlos Ulberg, and Callan Potter, who used their opportunities in WA to launch global careers.
A Decade of Impact
There’s something special about Perth fight fans — loud, loyal, and proud. From a boxing ring in an Italian social club to roaring stadiums and UFC glory, they’ve backed their own from the very beginning.
Among those who’ve witnessed Eternal’s growth firsthand is Leanne Phillips, who began as a timekeeper at the WA Italian Club and eventually went on to judge, work with the Combat Sports Commission, and now the UFC.
“Back at the Italian Club, it was all heart and hustle,” she recalls. “That grassroots experience grounded me in what this sport is really about — giving fighters a platform and growing something real.”
Over the years, she’s seen MMA in WA shift from misunderstood to mainstream.
“Eternal helped legitimise the sport. Their professionalism, structure, and focus on fighter development made people take MMA seriously. It’s been incredible to watch it evolve — and Eternal has been at the centre of that evolution.”
“And one of them, our former welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, has gone all the way to become the UFC welterweight world champion. Let that sink in — a kid who fought for us here in Perth now wears UFC gold,” said O’Neill. “WA has always been a hotbed for talent — they just needed the stage. Eternal MMA became that stage. And 10 years on, we’re still here, louder and prouder than ever.”
Through it all — from venue challenges to the uncertainty of the pandemic — Eternal MMA never wavered. While much of the country was locked down due to COVID, Eternal rolled the dice and kept the show going. Against the odds, the team persevered, ensuring that Australian fighters — including those in Western Australia — had a platform when the world stood still.
“The scene has blown up since those early days,” said Gray, the former Eternal Featherweight champion. “Now it’s not just hardcore fans in the room — it’s a legit night out. Eternal has been a big part of making that happen.”
“It all started with a ring, a relationship between Cam and I, and a whole lot of hard work,” said Vickers. “Ten years later — look where we are.”
As Cam O’Neill put it best: “Here’s to the past 10… and the next 10 to come. Perth — thank you for riding with us. We’re just getting started.”
Eternal 97 lit up Perth over the weekend with a sold-out show at Perth HPC, headlined by Abdalla “The Nubian Warrior” Biayda and Campbell Symes. With 1,950+ fans in attendance, the energy was electric — and none more so than inside the Proper No. Twelve Champions Club.
A full 215 guests experienced Eternal MMA the Proper way, with a private area, food and drink packages, and an exclusive meet and greet with the UFC’s newly crowned welterweight king: Jack Della Maddalena.
Jack’s appearance wasn’t just a star cameo — it was a triumphant homecoming. The Perth native and former Eternal MMA welterweight champion (2017–2020) was welcomed with thunderous applause as he returned to the platform where his legendary rise began. With an 18-fight win streak, 10 Eternal fights, and titles like UFC Men’s Rookie of the Year (2022) under his belt, Jack’s presence added a touch of greatness to an already stacked night.
Champions Club attendees were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime moment: a photo with the champ and a proper reminder of where greatness starts.
As for the fights — they delivered in every way. From crisp submissions to devastating knockouts, Eternal 97 showcased the best of Australian MMA. The main event ended in highlight-reel fashion with Biayda landing a third-round walk-off KO to seal the deal.
From the roar of the crowd to the clink of Proper No. Twelve toasts, Eternal 97 was an unforgettable experience — especially for those lucky enough to enjoy it from the best seat in the house.
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on an incredible 2024 season of Eternal MMA. From unforgettable fights to standout performances, this year has delivered moments that will be etched into MMA history. Our annual awards celebrate the fighters, their achievements, and the stories that captivated fans across Australia and beyond. Here are the highlights from a year of excellence inside the Eternal cage.
FIGHT OF THE YEAR 2024 🏆
Kevin Kophamel VS Harry Webb – Eternal 87
A fight for the ages! With a whirlwind of drama behind the scenes leading up to this fight, Kevin Kophamel and Harry Webb delivered an unforgettable battle at Eternal 87 that had the HBF Stadium crowd on their feet. After five gruelling rounds, Harry Webb claimed the vacant lightweight title, but both fighters earned the respect and admiration of fans worldwide.
KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR 🏆
Khan Deatta – Eternal 82
In just the fourth minute of the first round, Khan Deatta unleashed a devastating elbow that left Jong Hwan Lee out cold. This highlight-reel finish kicked off Khan’s incredible 2024 season, which saw him rack up three consecutive KO/TKO wins. A pure display of power and precision!
SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR 🏆
Luke Dally – Eternal 84
With a twister submission against Sydney West’s Jordan Thomas in the second round, Luke Dally showcased his creativity and skill at Eternal 84. Proving why he’s a top contender in the lightweight division, “The Diamond” shined bright with this unforgettable finish.
COMEBACK OF THE YEAR 🏆
Joseph Larcinese – Eternal 86
Behind on the scorecards and battered from three rounds of war, Joseph Larcinese refused to quit. With just 21 seconds left in the fight, he secured a dramatic rear-naked choke victory over Oden Muscat. A heart-stopping comeback for the undefeated flyweight in 2024!
BREAKTHROUGH FIGHTER 2024 🏆
Yusuke Sato – Lightweight
From his last amateur fight to a viral knee KO highlight featured on UFC Fight Pass, Yusuke Sato made waves in 2024. Representing Japan via Gold Coast, Australia, Sato’s clean finishes and magnetic charisma have cemented his status as Eternal MMA’s Breakthrough Fighter of 2024. A budding superstar in the making!
FIGHTER OF THE YEAR 🏆
Connor Birch – Bantamweight
After a three-year hiatus from MMA following his last amateur fight, Connor Birch made a thunderous entry into the professional ranks with Eternal MMA in 2024. Competing in the bantamweight division, “The Highlander” delivered two spectacular first-round knockouts. At Eternal 87, he stopped Lucas Grasseli in dominant fashion, and at Eternal 91, he landed a jaw-dropping walk-off KO in just 52 seconds. Spending only 4 minutes and 37 seconds inside the cage across both fights, Connor Birch’s dominance has earned him the title of Eternal MMA’s Fighter of the Year!
The 2024 Eternal MMA Awards shine a spotlight on the athletes who left it all in the cage, showcasing their skill, heart, and determination. As we look ahead to another action-packed year, we celebrate the legacy of these incredible moments and the fighters who made them possible. Here’s to a phenomenal 2025 season – we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen a significant surge in global talent over the years, and one of the most exciting developments is the resurgence of Asian fighters on the international stage. Eternal MMA, Australia’s leading mixed martial arts organisation, has become a pivotal platform for Asian athletes to showcase their skills, gain invaluable experience, and build the credibility needed to secure opportunities such as the Road to UFC—a direct pathway to earning contracts with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Through its partnership with UFC Fight Pass, the world’s largest fight streaming platform, Eternal MMA has amplified its reach, bridging the gap between Australian MMA, Asia, and global audiences. Among the standout athletes contributing to this resurgence are two Japanese champions, Bantamweight Kuya Ito and Flyweight Takeshi Taniguchi, who embody the high-level talent emerging from Japan’s rich martial arts culture.
Kuya Ito: The Relentless Bantamweight Champion
Kuya Ito, Eternal MMA’s Bantamweight Champion, represents the epitome of resilience and dedication. With a professional record of 16 wins, 8 losses, and 1 no contest, the 28-year-old fighter from Nagano, Japan, has built his reputation on grit and determination. Known for his grinding style and ability to go the distance—evidenced by 13 decision victories—Ito’s career trajectory has been remarkable.
Starting his journey in karate as a child, he made his MMA debut at just 18 years old at ZST 35 in 2013. After three years of balancing work and training, Ito made the bold decision to quit his job and relocate to Tokyo to pursue MMA full-time under the guidance of his coach, former wrestling Olympian Kazuyuki Miyata, at Brave gym.
Before claiming Eternal MMA gold, Ito held the Grachan Bantamweight title in Japan. Now on a three-fight win streak, he has not only represented the Eternal belt but also secured a championship bout back in Grachan, presenting him the unique opportunity to regain his former title in Japan. This dual representation of Eternal MMA and Japanese promotions underscores the symbiotic relationship between the two regions in nurturing top-tier talent.
Takeshi Taniguchi: The Energized Flyweight Champion
At just 26 years old, Takeshi Taniguchi has made an indelible mark as Eternal MMA’s Flyweight Champion. Hailing from Kobe, Japan, Taniguchi boasts a professional record of five wins and one loss. Training out of Shooto Gym Kobe and CMBT Training Centre in Australia, his journey to championship glory has been nothing short of inspiring.
Taniguchi was relatively late to MMA, beginning his training at 20. His hard work and infectious energy quickly set him apart. After a three-fight win streak, he seized the underdog opportunity of a lifetime to challenge then-champion Frank Jankowski from Perth, Australia. Training at CMBT on the Gold Coast leading up to the fight, Taniguchi delivered a stellar performance, claiming the title after five grueling rounds. His dynamic personality and technical prowess make him a fighter to watch on the international stage.
A Rising Superstar: Yusuke Sato
Born in Kumamoto, Japan, 25-year-old Yusuke Sato now resides on the Gold Coast. With a magnetic personality that draws the crowd, Sato made a huge statement in his professional debut with a first-round knockout at Eternal 90—a highlight that has garnered over 200,000 views on social media. Still a student studying in Australia, Sato is on a meteoric rise. Riding the wave of increased interest in MMA, he has the potential to become the next superstar, further strengthening the bond between Japanese talent and Eternal MMA.
A teammate of flyweight champion Takeshi Taniguchi, CMBT Training Centre’s Yusuke Sato wins in front of crowd on the Gold Coast, at Eternal 90.
Eternal MMA: A Crucial Platform for Asian Fighters
Eternal MMA’s commitment to fostering talent extends beyond Australia’s borders. By providing a competitive platform for Asian fighters, Eternal has enabled them to gain exposure to Western audiences and prove their mettle against world-class opponents. This exposure is invaluable for fighters aiming to make a name for themselves internationally.
Notable matchups, such as Jack Becker VS Koshi Matsumoto and Khan Deatta VS Jong Hwan Lee, further highlight the synergy between Eternal MMA and Asia’s vibrant MMA scene. These bouts not only showcase the high-level competition but also contribute to the growth of MMA as a global sport.
With its UFC Fight Pass partnership, Eternal MMA ensures that its athletes gain visibility on the most prominent fight streaming platform, bringing them one step closer to opportunities like the Road to UFC. This partnership not only elevates individual fighters but also strengthens the ties between Australian and Asian MMA communities.
The Future of Asian MMA Talent on the Global Stage
The success of fighters like Kuya Ito, Takeshi Taniguchi, and Yusuke Sato illustrates the potential of Asian athletes in the world of MMA. Eternal MMA’s role in this resurgence is significant. By offering a stage for these fighters to shine and facilitating their journey toward global recognition, Eternal MMA is cementing its position as a vital bridge between Asia, Australia, and the broader MMA world.
As more talent emerges from regions like Japan, the collaboration between Eternal MMA and UFC Fight Pass will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of MMA, ensuring that the world witnesses the best that Asian fighters have to offer.
You can rewatch Eternal MMA events on UFC Fight Pass, the premier platform for fight fans worldwide.
At Eternal 91, the stage was set for a clash of titans. Darcy “The Usurper” Vendy, representing The Fight Centre Brisbane, stepped into the cage to challenge the seasoned John Fraser, a two-time Eternal MMA Australian middleweight champion with a storied legacy. In a battle that captivated the MMA world, Vendy delivered a stunning third-round knockout, claiming the coveted Eternal MMA Middleweight Championship and cementing his place among Australia’s elite fighters.
A Legacy to Uphold
For Darcy Vendy, the stakes were more than just “gold”. The belt he sought had recently been vacated by his coach and mentor, Ben Johnston, a legend in Australian combat sports. Johnston’s own reign as champion ended with his retirement, leaving the belt vacant and a void to fill. Adding to the intrigue, Johnston had also defeated John Fraser during his championship run. With this backdrop, Vendy faced immense pressure to uphold his team’s legacy and prove himself as a worthy successor.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Darcy Vendy’s rise in the Eternal MMA ranks has been nothing short of inspiring. Born in Ararat, Victoria, and now based on the Gold Coast, the 29-year-old fighter represents the next generation of Australian MMA with six appearances on Eternal MMA (including a Reign Fighting appearance). Training out of The Fight Centre Brisbane under the guidance of Ben Johnston and Thomas Cooper, Vendy honed his skills through relentless effort and a strategic approach to the sport.
Vendy entered the Eternal 91 main event on a three-fight win streak, boasting a professional record of 6-3, including three knockout victories and two submissions. Among his notable wins are triumphs over Jack Della Maddalena, Alfred Stoddart, and Ty Duncan, as well as Jack James and Abel Brites. Known for his athleticism, endurance, and problem-solving abilities, Vendy’s fighting style emphasizes dismantling opponents’ skill sets, leaving them with no path to victory.
The Fight: A Defining Moment
The clash with John Fraser was billed as a battle of contrasting narratives. Fraser sought to reclaim his glory and solidify his legacy as the best middleweight in the country. Vendy, on the other hand, was determined to seize his moment and usher in a new era. The fight’s tagline captured the drama: “Will John Fraser reclaim glory, or will Darcy Vendy rise as Australia’s new middleweight king?”
The fight unfolded as a technical and physical showcase. Vendy’s preparation and game plan shone through as he weathered Fraser’s attacks, controlled the clinch exchanges, and capitalized on openings. In the third round, Vendy delivered a decisive blow, a knockout that not only ended the fight but also marked the beginning of his reign as champion.
A Champion’s Reflection
In his post-fight speech, Vendy opened up about the personal growth that paralleled his athletic journey. He spoke about the time he’d spent repairing relationships with his parents and how deeply fulfilling it was to have their support. Surrounded by people who push him to chase his goals, Vendy emphasized the importance of community and connection in his success. His heartfelt words resonated with fans, showcasing the character behind the fighter.
What’s Next for The Usurper?
Darcy Vendy’s victory at Eternal 91 is a stepping stone to even greater ambitions. While his ultimate goal is to enter the UFC and compete at the highest levels, his current focus is clear: to defend and reign as the Eternal Middleweight Champion for as long as necessary. Vendy is committed to solidifying his dominance on the regional stage before making his mark on the global MMA scene.
For fans, seeing Darcy Vendy’s name on a fight poster is a promise of high-level competition, strategic brilliance, and explosive finishes. As the Eternal MMA Middleweight Champion, Vendy is poised to inspire the next generation of fighters and continue building his legacy in the sport.
Rewatch Darcy Vendy’s incredible performance at Eternal 91 today on UFC Fight Pass.
Follow Darcy Vendy on Instagram at @theusurpermma to stay updated on his journey and witness the rise of one of the most dangerous middleweights in the region.
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.
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.
