Know Your Fighter: Makani Gray

Full Name:
Makani Gray

Age:
18

Where were you born:
New Plymouth, New Zealand

Where do you live:
Gold Coast

Which gym do you train out of:
DTV Academy

Who are your coaches:
Dylan Andrews

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

What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Rugby league and BJJ

When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
I started to take MMA seriously when I finished high school so I could focus on MMA full time.

Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Favourite aspect of training is wrestling — it really forces you to push hard. Favourite session of the week is Saturday morning sparring; I get to mix everything together and practice what I’ve learnt.

What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My BJJ experience and consistency.

How would you describe your fighting style:
A mix of everything.

What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA — because it’s a solo sport and it’s the greatest sport on earth.

Who is your favourite athlete:
Georges St-Pierre

Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Ilia Topuria

What are your immediate and long term goals:
My immediate goal is to win my MMA fight on September 13. My long-term goal is to be UFC champion one day.

When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
A dominant performance.

How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
1st or 2nd round finish in my favour.

A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Thank you to everyone who supports me — I’m just getting started.

Instagram:
makani.gray

Watch Makani Gray fight at Eternal MMA 98 on Saturday, September 13