Josh Togo cemented his name in Eternal MMA history with a reign defined by precision, patience, and controlled chaos.
At Eternal 49 (November 1, 2019), Togo ended David Martinez’s undefeated six-fight streak in a five-round masterclass. Using sharp footwork and elite-level striking, he neutralised every attempt from Martinez to wrestle or grapple, forcing the then-champion into a striking battle, one that Togo dominated from start to finish.
His first title defence came at Eternal 52, where he faced UFC veteran Ben Wall. Togo showcased his signature composure and accuracy, dismantling the challenger and earning a second-round TKO victory through clinical striking.
True to his nickname “Gorilla Warfare,” Togo’s fighting style was equal parts animalistic aggression and tactical brilliance. His reign as champion redefined the lightweight division proving that calculated violence and technical striking could rule a division often dominated by grapplers.
Carrying the pride of New South Wales, Josh Togo stood as the embodiment of grit, discipline, and artistry; a striker who not only wore the Eternal MMA belt but elevated the standard for what it meant to be champion.
Career Snapshot Former Eternal Lightweight Champion (2019-2020) 5 Eternal appearances
Former Eternal Featherweight Champion – Jack Jenkins
Exploding onto the pro circuit, Melbourne’s “Phar” Jack Jenkins made an immediate impact with three straight wins to start his career. He continued to build momentum, snapping up four finishes and earning the perfect résumé for a shot at the Eternal Featherweight belt. His opponent was Diego Pereira, a proven contender with wins over both future and past champions making them clear top contenders for the title.
On March 7, 2020, Jack showcased his calibre in his first championship fight. Over four rounds, he displayed cage craftsmanship, and a well-rounded skill set ultimately securing the belt with a fourth-round submission victory.
With the belt over his shoulder as Australia’s best featherweight, Jack went on to defend his title in a redemption rematch against veteran Jesse Medina. It didn’t make it past the second round, with Jack overwhelmed Jesse with heavy hands and leg kicks.
Jack’s second and final defence came in 2022 against Rod Costa, who had experienced a career resurgence with short-notice wins and notable victories. This fight marked Jack’s second bout to go the distance and his first to reach all five championship rounds. Jack displayed composure, control, and relentless pressure, reaffirming his status as the rightful champion. This performance showed the Jack Jenkins we all know now, with huge potential and future on the world stage.
Entering DWCS on a six-fight win streak and armed with championship experience, Jack faced Emiliano Linares and earned his UFC contract with a third-round TKO. In 2023 he made his UFC debut at UFC 284, continuing his career on the world stage.
Jack’s reign as Eternal Champion showcased not only his fight craft featuring Jose Aldo-esque leg-breaking kicks (three opponents to be exact) and work ethic but also his charisma and showmanship. His ability to create memorable rivalries, pack out venues, and entertain fans with his wit and humour cemented his place in Eternal history.
Fun fact: All of Jack’s Eternal championship fights took place in his birthday month.
Career snapshot: Former Eternal FW Champion (2020–2022) 3 Eternal appearances Earned UFC contract on DWCS (2022)
“Ravishing” Ryan Gray made his first walk to the Eternal cage at Eternal 2 on May 11, 2013 — the beginning of an illustrious career. He announced himself with a first-round guillotine choke over Kyle Griffiths, then followed it up at Eternal 3 with another first-round finish, this time a TKO against Quentin Taylor.
Two back-to-back wins lit the fire. Young, hungry, and relentless, Ryan quickly built a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting featherweights — a fighter who never took his foot off the gas. From his home state of Western Australia to Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania, Ryan was always willing to travel, always ready to put on a fight fans would remember.
His championship opportunity came after a highlight-reel knockout — a vicious first-round knee over Garret Gross at Reign Fighting, Eternal’s proving ground series at the time. That win earned him not only a title shot, but also a chance at redemption against Myles Simpson, who had bested him once before.
The stage was set in Myles’ backyard — the Titanium Security Arena in Adelaide. With pressure, grit, and his trademark grappling, Ryan forced the action early and sealed the story with another guillotine choke, submitting Simpson in the first round to capture Eternal gold. Ryan became the Eternal featherweight champion at 25, at Eternal 32 on April 7, 2018.
Ryan’s reign was cut short by health complications that forced him to step away before he could defend his title. Four years later, he made a return at Eternal 64 in 2022, sharing the cage with none other than Diego Pereira in a moment etched into Australian fight history.
From day one, Ryan fought under the tutelage of well-renowned Ben Vickers at Scrappy MMA, home to champions like Mitch Martin, Jack Becker, Rod Costa, Anthony Drilich, UFC’s Casey O’Neill, and UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, all of whom, like Ryan, held Eternal gold. Today, Ryan Gray continues to shape the next generation of fighters in Perth, Western Australia, passing on the knowledge of a true Eternal champion.
Career snapshot: Eternal MMA Featherweight Champion 9-3 record (7 finishes) 8 Eternal appearances 1 Reign Fighting Appearance
As deep as the flyweight division is, it carries a rich history of champions that have come through Eternal MMA over the years. With the title vacant around 2017, the belt was once again up for grabs at Eternal 33.
The vacant championship was contested between New Zealand’s Brayden Graham and Australia’s Philip Kim. Brayden brought a résumé built on knockout power and a submission win over Paul Loga — credentials that made him a dangerous and worthy challenger.
Philip, on the other hand, began his career with one amateur win before stringing together three consecutive professional victories by various methods, earning his shot at the vacant title.
On May 5, 2018, the two met in the cage. Philip secured an early takedown and imposed his game plan, controlling the fight with relentless ground-and-pound, grappling pressure, and positional dominance across three rounds. He maintained top control, continually threatening a finish, and ultimately claimed victory on the judges’ scorecards to become the third Eternal flyweight champion.
That win marked Philip’s final fight on Australian soil. He went on to compete internationally, adding one more submission win before retiring undefeated as a professional with a perfect 5–0 record, including three finishes.
Today, Philip continues his martial arts journey as a coach at Origin Mixed Martial Arts in Sydney, where he passes on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of fighters.
Two-Division Eternal MMA Champion — David Martinez
David “The Smiling Assassin” Martinez is one of the most decorated fighters in Australian MMA history. With over 14 years in the sport, he has become only the second fighter in Eternal history to claim titles in two weight divisions.
Martinez’s journey began with a setback in his amateur debut against Tristan Murphy, but he quickly rebounded to rattle off nine straight wins — seven by submission. His professional career followed the same trajectory of resilience and growth. Wins over Peter Templer, Ethan Thomas, and UFC veteran Mike Wilkinson set the stage for his first title shot. In May 2019 at Eternal 45, he captured the Eternal lightweight championship by submitting Brentin Mumford in the first round.
Though he later lost the belt to Josh Togo, Martinez battled his way back, defeating names like Dimps Gillies, and Tim Schultz before reclaiming the lightweight title at Eternal 69 with a second-round rear-naked choke over rival Aidan Aguilera.
After a hard-fought loss in a rematch with Blake Donnelly, Martinez continued testing himself against elite opposition such as Kieran Joblin, Jack Becker, Wes Capper, and Luke Dally — sharpening his striking and showing his evolution as a fighter. Difficult weight cuts prompted a move to welterweight, where he proved immediately successful, submitting Brentin Mumford again at Eternal 90.
In February 2025, Martinez cemented his place in Eternal history by defeating Stephen “The Juggernaut” Costello at Eternal 92 to become a two-division champion. He followed that triumph at Eternal 98 with a dominant win over New Zealand’s Matt Vaile, solidifying his status as Australia’s pound-for-pound number one.
With his trademark smile and relentless fighting spirit, David Martinez has etched his name among the all-time greats of Eternal MMA.
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.”
When Eternal 95 hits Logan City on May 3, the spotlight will fall on two of Australia’s most exciting welterweight prospects — and the future of the division could change in an instant.
In the co-main event, Nate Law steps into the cage not just as a hometown fighter, but as Logan City’s newly adopted fighting son. Trained under the watchful eyes of Eternal legends — former middleweight champion Ben Johnston and reigning champion Darcy Vendy — Law carries the weight of expectation and the fire to match it. With a perfect 3–0 professional record, all finishes, he’s built a reputation for violent precision, pairing sharp kickboxing with brutal ground-and-pound.
But standing across from him is a man ready to make his own mark.
Sam Marles, representing Absolute MMA, grew up immersed in sport — playing golf, football, athletics, and tennis — before making the full-time switch to mixed martial arts in 2020. Since then, he’s carved out a strong professional record of 2–1, showcasing a style that blends crisp Muaythai striking with relentless grappling pressure.
This Saturday is a defining one for the Marles family, with father and son facing major battles in separate states. As Sam laces up his gloves for a career-shaping fight in Logan City, his father, Richard Marles — a Federal Member for Corio near Geelong — will also be on the frontlines of a crucial federal election. A strong voice for the Geelong region, Richard Marles is no stranger to the rough and tumble of hard-fought contests — a spirit that perhaps finds its reflection in the gritty, come-forward style Sam brings into the Eternal cage.
This is more than a clash of styles. It’s a fight to stake a claim as one of Eternal MMA’s true welterweight threats. Law’s long-range weapons and finishing instincts meet Marles’ calculated pressure and experience in a matchup built for fireworks. Both fighters understand what Eternal MMA represents — Australia’s premier proving ground where reputations are made, and futures are built.
For Nate Law, this fight is a chance to prove he belongs among the future champions of Eternal MMA — a pressure he welcomes as Logan City’s fighting son.
For Sam Marles, it’s the opportunity to turn years of sacrifice into a statement, and show that his journey from the sporting fields to the Eternal cage was always destined for greatness.
What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Northern Irish champion Irish champion Bamma British champion Purple belt bjj
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Tried my hand in soccer , rugby , tae kwon do , boxing and mma
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
16 years old I transitioned from boxing to mma. At 18 I turned pro after 17 amateur fights in 2 years , captured Irish title and was selected to represent Ireland to fight team USA in Chicago
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
The sessions depend on what I’m feeling. At the moment pad work with coach Johnny and Luke’s Tuesday and thursday mma classes . Working on weaknesses and getting better is the main thing
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
Counter punching and fight iq most of the time . Not scared to take risks
How would you describe your fighting style:
Crafty , Confident , exciting , no fear , inspiring to younger generation , alway up for the fight
What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA , because it’s my life
Who is your favourite athlete:
This varies each week depending on my mood haha
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Terrance Crawford would be top of the list
What are your immediate and long term goals:
To get as much experience and as far as I can go so I can help my future fighters and students not make the mistakes I did . Open my own gym
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Fun, fast , exciting , clinical performance
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
I see me feeling it out to start and when I settle dominate and finish fast
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
The support and backing I receive is really uplifting and keeps me going. Having others support and believe in me makes me want to succeed for them as much as me
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you socials:
What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Purple Belt BJJ
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
I grew up doing athletics. Moved to soccer then eventually found MMA
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I started MMA in 2016, trained for a year or so then i had 4 years away as i went to university and worked full time in construction management. I’ve been on and off since then. But recently i have quit my job and am focusing on training and competing full time.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Sparring days of course. Nothing compares to having an all out war with a juiced 40 year old accountant who just lost his kids/house in a divorce settlement every Tuesday night
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I can find a finish no matter the position
How would you describe your fighting style:
All rounder
What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA – i find every other sport boring and ghey
Who is your favourite athlete:
Jon Jones
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Jon Jones
What are your immediate and long term goals:
I want to be active, 3-5 fights this year and eventually make the big leagues by the end of the year / early next.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Just a kid whos down for a scrap
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Christian is a great striker, fun to watch too. Honestly I don’t like to predict results of fights but I know for sure I will hit him harder than anyone he has faced before and I’m capable of mixing it up and confident wherever the fight goes.
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Enjoy the show
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you socials:
