Know Your Fighter: Baxter Pickering

Full Name:
Baxter Pickering

Age:
24

Where were you born:
Queensland, Australia

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
Shindo Newbreed MMA

Who are your coaches:
Coach Kerry Dunne

What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
Blue belt in BJJ

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Basketball, touch football, swimming, soccer

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I started in 2022 and just loved it. From there it took over.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Saturday fight training is my favourite session. It’s a big push with a lot of sparring. You get to test everything you’ve worked on and see it unfold. It’s really rewarding.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I think I’m unique with the way I grapple and I’m always looking for different techniques. I can be creative and flashy but also hold strong fundamentals. I like to be a bit unpredictable.

How would you describe your fighting style:
Unique and entertaining. I want to always give people a reason to watch. I’d like to get to the point where no one even blinks when I fight, otherwise, they might miss something.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA. Nothing else comes close. There are no distractions, no timeouts, and no shortcuts. It’s just you and your opponent and who wants it more.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Kobe Bryant

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Alexander Volkanovski

What are your immediate and long-term goals:
I want to let loose in the cage and show what I’m capable of. I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself in the past, so I want to enjoy the process and grow through it. Longer term I want to teach and help people grow the way I have. I already work as a disability support worker and PT, so I enjoy giving back.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
They should expect movement, pressure, and creativity. I’m not giving you time to warm up.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
I see myself finding opportunities early. I know where I’m strong, and I’m going to push the pace from the start.

A final message to any friends, family, and supporters:
Thank you all for being by my side from the start. Nothing has ever gone unnoticed. Much love.

Where will any fans or supporters be able to find your socials:
Instagram: @bax_pickering

Watch Baxter Pickering fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13

Know Your Fighter: Baxter Pickering

Full Name:
Baxter Pickering

Age:
24

Where were you born:
Gold Coast

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
Shindo New Breed MMA

Who are your coaches:
Coach Kerry Dunne

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

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Basketball as a young teen and not much else.

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I started MMA when I was 20. I went hot and cold for about two years until I decided to get my fitness sorted. Naturally, I wanted to train more—and I fell in love with becoming a mixed martial artist. Over the past two years, I’ve wanted to implement my skills into the cage.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
My favourite aspect of training is simply turning up. The hardest part is walking through the gym doors—even when you don’t feel like it or don’t have time. But if you think the price of sacrifice is high, wait until you get the bill for regret.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I’ve naturally gravitated toward grappling and BJJ. I love the breadth of grappling and being able to express yourself through a wide range of techniques. It’s good for the soul.

How would you describe your fighting style:
My fighting style is definitely not plain Jane. I’ve incorporated a lot of unusual elements—on the ground and standing—that people don’t usually see. I’m not afraid to try interesting things, especially on the ground.

What is your favourite sport and why:
😏

Who is your favourite athlete:
Kobe Bryant — Mamba Mentality.

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Chito Vera — inspiring story and easily the most stylish UFC fighter ever.

What are your immediate and long term goals:
I’ve never really thought about it until now, but I truly want to teach MMA one day and make my way as a coach… after making it into the UFC Hall of Fame, of course.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Assume nothing, expect everything.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
I’ll work my stand-up briefly. When I see the opportunity, I’ll take it to the ground. Wherever my opponent moves, he’ll be in danger.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
The love and support fuels everything. It never goes unnoticed. 🙌🫶

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

Watch Baxter Pickering fight at Eternal MMA 96 on Saturday, June 21.