Can you believe it’s May already? The year’s been going fast, but the Absolute MMA fight teams are doing a great job of keeping up with it. We had four of our Mixed Martial Arts team and four of our Boxing team fly up to Queensland last weekend for Eternal MMA (Gold Coast) and the North Queensland Games (Mackay).
First up on Eternal MMA 33 at the Southport Sharks Club from the Absolute MMA team was Wade Kelly. Stepping back in the cage to face opponent Mark Herman at lightweight after an impressive win at Rogue MMA #2, Wade looked to make a successful debut under B-class rules. His years of playing high level Rugby was apparent in the cage, with his Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu skills helping him push through despite copping a strong kick to the head in the 2nd round. He continued to put the pressure on in the 3rd round, fighting in his preferred style, eventually securing the take down. Wade ground through the rest of the round, spending some solid control time switching between the body triangle, back control and mount with his hard work eventuating in a win via UPD (decision 29-28).
Next up was Tyrell Woollcott, getting his first taste of the Bantamweight division (debut under B class rules), having prepared to endure the 3 x 3 min rounds. The early round saw Tyrell succeed in his game plan, continuing to counter leg kicks and working a snap down takedown. Following this, Tyrell fell off the back and threatened to finish the fight with a deep armbar attempt, however his opponent Travis Robertson showed good composure to survive, with the round finishing with some heavy ground and pound shots.
This was a close first round with both fighters having good moments. However, Tyrell looked a little more alive in the 2nd round, stalking down Robertson on the feet. Landing a heavy right hand, and swarming his opponent on feet, Tyrell secured a win via TKO in the 2nd round (via strikes).
Riding the team’s momentum, Josh Grove then stepped into the cage in his first taste of the big stage in the Bantamweight division on the Australian MMA scene. Setting the tone for the rest of the fight, Josh scored a big right hand in the first round which drops his opponent Hoani Selwyn. His defense work was apparent throughout the entire bout, as he continued to maintain position and scored heavily with knees on the cage and takedowns. After much wrestling, Josh eventually wore down his opponent and won via UPD 30-27.
Last but most definitely not least, Jasper Dunphy then stepped into the cage (fighting under pro rules), ready for 3 x 5 min rounds. This fight was a hard grind, characterized by cage wrestling and Jasper going the full 15 minutes fighting for cage control, securing takedowns and working short elbows on top. Jasper survived a big uppercut from his opponent Kermara Valentine Greer in the 3rd round, showing a great chin and his composure, eventually getting the fight back to the ground. Congratulations to Jasper on his win via UPD 30-27.
Our Boxing team also represented Absolute MMA at the North Queensland Games in Mackay this weekend. They all performed incredibly well, with Ankur and Jacquie both dominating their respective bouts to both achieve a win in the semi-final round, making it to the finals.
Absolute MMA Fighter of the Year 2017 Antonia looks to continue actively fight through this year as well, and boxed very well in the final. Despite losing via split decision in the final to a heavier and much more experienced boxer, we are so proud of Antonia’s result. She comes home with a well deserved silver medal. Well done Antonia!
Unfortunately Dushan’s opponent pulled out of their bout last minute, however he had the opportunity to do six rounds of sparring with three junior boxers who were much more experienced, with one of them having 25 bouts. We’re proud to report that Dushan looked very technical and impressive in his exhibition matches! Thank you to Dushan for being such a great representative for the gym.
Photos: Eternal MMA & Pradeep Singh