Full Name:
Mitch McLaren.
Age:
25.
Where were you born?
Perth.
Where do you live?
Caloundra, Sunshine Coast.
Which gym do you train out of?
Tribal MMA.
Who are your coaches?
Connor and Paul Birch (head coaches), Gabriel Schlupp (grappling coach), Shaun Kober (strength and conditioning coach).
What belts or rankings do you currently hold as a martial artist?
Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up?
I was an avid cricketer — I used to open the bowling and was a leading wicket taker. I also played AFL, but all of that went away when I fell in love with MMA at 17.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession?
I started in 2018 with my best mate Ryan Leavey at Tribal MMA. From 2018 to 2021, it was more of a hobby — I had a couple of fights but treated it like playing a sport, not the true grind it really is.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why?
Honestly, all of them. Every day is my favourite. I focus on sharpening all aspects to make sure I’m fully prepared.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter?
My cardio. I believe I have an unbelievably good gas tank and can go all day.
How would you describe your fighting style?
My style has become much more well-rounded recently. In my earlier days, I was definitely more of a grappler — they even gave me the nickname “The Backpack” at the gym.
What is your favourite sport and why?
MMA — it’s by far the greatest sport of all. No explanation needed.
Who is your favourite athlete?
Antoine Griezmann, Atlético Madrid striker. He’s the GOAT.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete?
Conor McGregor — it might be a little controversial now, but he shaped the sport into what it is today. When he was on his incredible run, you couldn’t help but be inspired.
What are your immediate and long-term goals?
Immediate: Get through Jesse and make my mark on the flyweight division.
Long-term: Take the Eternal flyweight title and move onto the world stage.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect?
An exciting fight with all parts of MMA mixed in. I always bring a crowd and put on a high-level show.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out?
I see a high-level, high-intensity fight with plenty of grappling exchanges swinging in my favour — and something sneaky sneaky to end it.
A final message to any friends, family, and supporters:
A massive thank you to all my friends, family, and supporters who have backed me all the way to my pro debut. We can’t do any of this without our support systems.
Huge thanks to my team for always preparing me, and a special shoutout to my girlfriend Mya — the most supportive and caring girlfriend I could ask for.
Where can fans and supporters find you on social media?
Instagram: @mitchmclaren23
Watch Mitch Mclaren fight at Eternal MMA 95 on Saturday, May 3.
