When we found out that UFC 234 was going to be held in Melbourne at Rod Laver Arena on February 10th, 2019, we were more excited than anyone. The main event was intended to be a UFC Middleweight Championship bout between current champion and fellow Australian Robert Whittaker and The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen middleweight winner Kelvin Gastelum, however, Rob was forced to pull out of his bout the day prior due to a hernia, and a twisted and collapsed bowel that forced him to undergo emergency surgery. On behalf of all of us at Absolute MMA we would like to wish Rob a speedy recovery and we look forward to supporting the Australian champion when he can return to the cage!
Given the cancellation of the intended main event, the three-round co-main event between New Zealand native Israel Adesanya (City Kickboxing) and former champion Anderson Silva was set to headline the promotion. During the weeks leading up to UFC 234 we were lucky enough to have many of the UFC fighters, media and staff visit us to train at our facilities.
The City Kickboxing crew came down to train in full force, with Israel Adesanya, Kai Kara-France and Shane Young along with their Coach Eugene Bareman in the house on multiple occasions. It was amazing having the team train with us during the fight week, and you are all always welcome to come down again when visiting from New Zealand! Congratulations to all of you on your wins – an incredible 3 for 3 at UFC 234 for the crew! These results are a testament to how hard you and your crew work and it was great seeing you in action in the octagon. Check out “UFC 234 Embedded: Vlog series – Episode 5” which was partially filmed at our Melbourne CBD location here.
Popular UFC Featherweight Teruto Ishihara was another UFC athlete we were happy to welcome to our CBD facility during the week leading up to UFC 234. It was a pleasure to watch Teruto and his team go through the finishing touches for his fight. Although you did not get the result you were looking for on the day, we were cheering for you the whole way and we look forward to having your positive energy back in the gym next time you’re in Melbourne.
Wednesday 6th of February was an exciting day for the staff of Absolute MMA Collingwood! The gym filled with media staff, camera crews and reporters ready to take in the action of the UFC 234 media day. First up to workout was Jimmy Crute who wowed the cameras with his dynamic striking and powerful take downs. Jimmy looked as strong as ever when moving around our cage in Collingwood, and his TKO victory at UFC 234 showed just how at home he has become on the big stage.
Robert Whittaker was next to enter the Collingwood cage and impress the reporters with his slick footwork and fast hands. After showcasing his striking prowess he changed gears and rolled with Absolute’s own Craig Jones in a demonstration-type roll, in which staff of the gym were all too happy to see the Champ throw Craig on his head. The grappling was friendly and crowd-pleasing, as were Robert’s answers during the media scrum. We’re looking forward to having both Jimmy and Robert back in the gym next time the UFC are in town.
It was an exciting week for the team at Absolute MMA and we appreciate the attention and efforts of all UFC fighters, coaches and staff who took the time to come in and train with or visit us at Absolute MMA – including Dana White himself who dropped in and said hello at our Melbourne CBD location. We look forward to watching the continued success of all the fighters who call Absolute home while they’re in Melbourne, and cannot wait to see you all back in the gym next!
Written by Emilie Yap and Oliver Smith. Photography: Jasmin Frank Fight Photography, Lukaz “The Lycan” Catubig