Full Name:
Rhyme Loto
Age:
20
Where were you born:
New Zealand
Where do you live:
Bali
Which gym do you train out of:
SOMA Fight Club & MCSA
Who are your coaches:
Marcus Mckeever, Aaron Bertolatti, Mike Ikilei, Youseff Wehbe
What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
White belt
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
I had my first ever fight at six years old in New Zealand. Since then, I’ve been competing in all sorts of combat sports—boxing, Muay Thai, K1, gi, and no-gi. My old man was an old-school Vale Tudo fighter and owned a gym, so I became familiar with martial arts at a very young age.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
Originally, I planned to become a professional boxer. I looked up to fighters like Jai Opetaia. But when my dad passed away in 2023, I had a change of heart and decided to try MMA. Last December, I jumped straight into the GAMMA World Championships and loved it—so here I am now, continuing to follow that passion.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Cage wrestling, sparring, padwork, and cardio sessions.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
Heart and grit.
How would you describe your fighting style:
Sometimes patient and calculated, sometimes aggressive and guns blazing.
What is your favourite sport and why:
All combat sports. It’s pretty much all I’ve ever watched. Ever since I was a child, I used to watch the K-1 Grand Prix and Pride MMA on old VCR tapes.
Who is your favourite athlete:
Outside of combat sports, definitely my older brother Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. He plays for the Wallabies—super dedicated and successful in his sport.
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Buakaw Banchamek. An elite Thai boxer—relentless, conditioned, and powerful.
What are your immediate and long term goals:
I only ever think about my next fight and take one step at a time. In the future, I want to fight everyone and make my way into the UFC. That would be awesome.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
A real fight.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
I have no plan. For now, I just train. When it’s go time—I’m on.
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Lessgoooooooooooooo team, we awnnnnnn. 🇼🇸🇹🇰
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you on socials:
Instagram: @rhyme_the_rage
Facebook: @rhyme_the_rage
Watch Rhyme Loto fight at Eternal MMA 97 on Saturday, June 28.