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:
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.
