Eternal MMA in Asia: Champions Forged

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.

Darcy Vendy: The Usurper’s Rise to Eternal MMA Glory

At Eternal 91, the stage was set for a clash of titans. Darcy “The Usurper” Vendy, representing The Fight Centre Brisbane, stepped into the cage to challenge the seasoned John Fraser, a two-time Eternal MMA Australian middleweight champion with a storied legacy. In a battle that captivated the MMA world, Vendy delivered a stunning third-round knockout, claiming the coveted Eternal MMA Middleweight Championship and cementing his place among Australia’s elite fighters.

A Legacy to Uphold

For Darcy Vendy, the stakes were more than just “gold”. The belt he sought had recently been vacated by his coach and mentor, Ben Johnston, a legend in Australian combat sports. Johnston’s own reign as champion ended with his retirement, leaving the belt vacant and a void to fill. Adding to the intrigue, Johnston had also defeated John Fraser during his championship run. With this backdrop, Vendy faced immense pressure to uphold his team’s legacy and prove himself as a worthy successor.

The Journey to Championship Glory

Darcy Vendy’s rise in the Eternal MMA ranks has been nothing short of inspiring. Born in Ararat, Victoria, and now based on the Gold Coast, the 29-year-old fighter represents the next generation of Australian MMA with six appearances on Eternal MMA (including a Reign Fighting appearance). Training out of The Fight Centre Brisbane under the guidance of Ben Johnston and Thomas Cooper, Vendy honed his skills through relentless effort and a strategic approach to the sport.

Vendy entered the Eternal 91 main event on a three-fight win streak, boasting a professional record of 6-3, including three knockout victories and two submissions. Among his notable wins are triumphs over Jack Della Maddalena, Alfred Stoddart, and Ty Duncan, as well as Jack James and Abel Brites. Known for his athleticism, endurance, and problem-solving abilities, Vendy’s fighting style emphasizes dismantling opponents’ skill sets, leaving them with no path to victory.

The Fight: A Defining Moment

The clash with John Fraser was billed as a battle of contrasting narratives. Fraser sought to reclaim his glory and solidify his legacy as the best middleweight in the country. Vendy, on the other hand, was determined to seize his moment and usher in a new era. The fight’s tagline captured the drama: “Will John Fraser reclaim glory, or will Darcy Vendy rise as Australia’s new middleweight king?”

The fight unfolded as a technical and physical showcase. Vendy’s preparation and game plan shone through as he weathered Fraser’s attacks, controlled the clinch exchanges, and capitalized on openings. In the third round, Vendy delivered a decisive blow, a knockout that not only ended the fight but also marked the beginning of his reign as champion.

A Champion’s Reflection

In his post-fight speech, Vendy opened up about the personal growth that paralleled his athletic journey. He spoke about the time he’d spent repairing relationships with his parents and how deeply fulfilling it was to have their support. Surrounded by people who push him to chase his goals, Vendy emphasized the importance of community and connection in his success. His heartfelt words resonated with fans, showcasing the character behind the fighter.

What’s Next for The Usurper?

Darcy Vendy’s victory at Eternal 91 is a stepping stone to even greater ambitions. While his ultimate goal is to enter the UFC and compete at the highest levels, his current focus is clear: to defend and reign as the Eternal Middleweight Champion for as long as necessary. Vendy is committed to solidifying his dominance on the regional stage before making his mark on the global MMA scene.

For fans, seeing Darcy Vendy’s name on a fight poster is a promise of high-level competition, strategic brilliance, and explosive finishes. As the Eternal MMA Middleweight Champion, Vendy is poised to inspire the next generation of fighters and continue building his legacy in the sport.

Rewatch Darcy Vendy’s incredible performance at Eternal 91 today on UFC Fight Pass.

Follow Darcy Vendy on Instagram at @theusurpermma to stay updated on his journey and witness the rise of one of the most dangerous middleweights in the region.

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.

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.