Eternal MMA 2024 Awards

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!

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.

Know Your Fighter: Cole Smith

Full Name:

COLE SMITH

Age:

43

Where were you born:

Gisborne New Zealand

Where do you live:

Gold Coast QLD

Which gym do you train out of:

Heartbreak conditioning

Who are your coaches:

Dylan Andrews and Cam Bracewell

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

Purple belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Hunting and rugby

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

26-27years

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

Like it all , all fighting styles I have a interest in

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

Resilience

How would you describe your fighting style:

Not sure , evolving

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA and boxing

Who is your favourite athlete:

Muhammad Ali – Micheal Jordan

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Cain Velasquez

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Get the win and then see how far I can go at my age knowing how much I missed out on during my recovery from surgery and stroke

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

A man willing to put it on the line

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Hard fought

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thanks for the support

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

Colehbc

Watch Cole Smith fight at Eternal MMA 91 on Saturday, November 30.

Know Your Fighter: Dom Mar Fan

Full Name:

Dom Mar Fan

Age:

24

Where were you born:

Brisbane

Where do you live:

Brisbane

Which gym do you train out of:

Team Compton Training Centre

Who are your coaches:

Steve Compton

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

Brown Belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Football.

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

The second I had my first roll in bjj I knew I was gonna do this for the rest of my life. Within a month of training I had decided it would be my career.

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

I find joy in every training session. Always learning, so it’s always fun.

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

I can grapple and ground and pound better than anyone on the local scene. And the grapplers that are close to my level I can beat in the stand up battle.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Pressure heavy and violent

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA. There is no greater test than combat and there is no sport closer to full on combat then mma.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Khabib

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Khabib

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Immediate goal is to put on a show this fight. Over the next year I would like to get signed international

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

The most exciting grappler in Australian mma

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Violent finish. Either ground and pound stoppage or I snatch up a neck and put him to sleep.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Enjoy the show.

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

Follow me on Instagram. street_buddha_mma

Watch Dom Mar Fan fight at Eternal MMA 91 on Saturday, November 30.

Know Your Fighter: Jay Martin

Full Name:

Jay Martin

Age:

21

Where were you born:

Sydney

Where do you live:

Gold coast

Which gym do you train out of:

Cmbt

Who are your coaches:

Miles muecke

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

Blue belt

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Rugby league switched to mma at around 8 years old

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

Around 15/16

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

Striking/sparring that’s pretty self explanatory.

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

My overall unpredictability

How would you describe your fighting style:

Relaxed & composed by also dangerous

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA, it’s unlike anything else

Who is your favourite athlete:

Conor McGregor, Jones, Oliveira.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Multiple

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Solidify myself into the eternal flyweight scene and to be the best.

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

Excitement, mystery

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Me getting my hand raised.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Make sure to use “Martin” at the checkout and tune in to watch me put on a show

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

@Jaymartinmma

Watch Jay Martin fight at Eternal MMA 91 on Saturday, November 30.

Know Your Fighter: Darcy Vendy

Full Name:

Darcy Vendy

Age:

29

Where were you born:

Ararat, Victoria

Where do you live:

Gold coast

Which gym do you train out of:

The fight centre brisbane

Who are your coaches:

Ben Johnston, Thomas cooper

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

None

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Soccer, rugby,basketball,kendo

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

Seriously as a hobby about 1 year into training after winning my first grappling competition. As a profession only 3 years ago

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

Long term skill development and problem solving Nothing is as engaging as the amount of variables in mma

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

Athleticism Problem solving Endurance

How would you describe your fighting style:

Winning

What is your favourite sport and why:

Aside from mma, kickboxing or some sort of esport High amounts of information processing

Who is your favourite athlete:

Rob whittaker

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Rob whittaker

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Take the eternal MW title Defend title in feb/mar Contender series in July Ufc MW title in the next 2-3 years

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

A complete deconstruction of my opponents skillsets and they’re primary ways of winning

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

2/3rd round submission or tko exiting the clinch

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Can’t wait to do what you all know I can

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

@theusurpermma

Watch Darcy Vendy fight at Eternal MMA 91 on Saturday, November 30.

Know Your Fighter: Jackson Weir-White

Full Name:

Jackson Weir-White

Age:

26

Where were you born:

Ipswich

Where do you live:

Ipswich

Which gym do you train out of:

Team Compton Training Centre

Who are your coaches:

Steve and Elliot Compton

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

Nil

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Rugby league Athletics Tennis

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

Maybe after my first fight when I was 21

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

The daily pro team class. 10am with the crew at Team Compton. It’s always sink or swim

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

Determination, competitiveness, gas tank. I’ll always want to go just a little bit longer or a little bit farther than my opponents. Push them to breaking point.

How would you describe your fighting style:

Pressure fighter. My favourite fighter in any domain of all time is GGG. The most humble well presented man out of the ring but inside he was a monster who gave ground to nobody.

What is your favourite sport and why:

I think MMA is definitely my favourite sport. However Watching QLD in the State of Origin Series is a close second

Who is your favourite athlete:

Fighter Gennady Golovkin MMA – Alex Volk Other sports – John Daly (Golf) he’s a vibe

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Boxer – Gennady Golovkin MMA – Alex Volk Craig Jones – who doesn’t love him

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Immediate – show the eternal organisation they just landed a new crowd favourite Long term – UFC

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

Barn Burner, Money Well spent, nonstop action.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

I’ve been out for over a year with injury. Excited to get back in there and showcase my exciting damage orientated style

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Thank you all so much for the support. It’s so good to be back doing what I love. Can’t wait to celebrate a long career ahead with you all.

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

@Jackson_Weir

Watch Jackson Weir’White fight at Eternal MMA 90 on Friday, November 29.

Know Your Fighter: Osh Jackson

Full Name:

OSH Jackson

Age:

29

Where were you born:

New Zealand

Where do you live:

Goodna

Which gym do you train out of:

CMBT

Who are your coaches:

Sam and miles CMBT

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

Lowest ranking

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Rugby league, bowling and tennis

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

2024

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

Spyda Fridays or Thursday wrestle

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

Ticker

How would you describe your fighting style:

South Auckland

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA

Who is your favourite athlete:

Payne haas

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Justin Tafa

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Enjoy life and fighting

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

Fireworks

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

A finish

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Grateful and blessed !! Gang

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

osh_jt275

Watch Osh Jackson fight at Eternal MMA 90 on Friday, November 29.

Know Your Fighter: Kye Bicknell

Full Name:

Kye Bicknell

Age:

23

Where were you born:

Perth, Subiaco

Where do you live:

Perth, greenwood

Which gym do you train out of:

KICKASS MMA

Who are your coaches:

Steve Kennedy Shaun spooner

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

Blue belt Brazilian jiujitsu

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:

Karate Footy Kickboxing Boxing

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

18 years old

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

Sparring day Because that’s when your able to practise certain movements and combinations in all aspects of martial arts.

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

Mindset and work ethic

How would you describe your fighting style:

Entertaining

What is your favourite sport and why:

MMA Because there is nothing like seeing 2 humans go to war, nothing can compare it.

Who is your favourite athlete:

Jon Jones

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:

Jon Jones

What are your immediate and long term goals:

Going Pro and becoming a top tier Professional MMA Fighter

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

A war

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:

Me defending his grappling and giving the fans what they truly paid to come see, a war.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:

Don’t blink

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

Instagram- kye.bicknell

Watch Kye Bicknell fight at Eternal MMA 89 on Saturday, October 26.