Coach “Slammin” Sam Hibberd (also known as ‘Flubber’) is a professional Mixed Martial Artist with an official record of 6-3 and a Muay Thai record of 1-0. After having an undefeated amateur record of 4-0. Sam has fought 5 times on Hex Fight Series, Australia’s biggest Mixed Martial Arts promotion and holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt. Sam has been integral in our Mixed Martial Arts program at Absolute MMA Collingwood, and can always be counted on to support the fight team. He’s so dedicated to his craft, you could almost say he lives in the gym. Best of luck to Sam for his upcoming bout on Eternal MMA 39 on Saturday, November 24th 2018! Read on to find out more about Sam!
What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
Undefeated Amateur Career
Professional career 6-3
5 time hex fight series veteran
Multiple times Co-Main event eternal MMA
1-0 Muay Thai at Bangla Stadium
What made you start Martial Arts?
I was a pro wrestling fan.
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA? (What industry were you in prior to Martial Arts? What made you change?)
I used to train with Simon Carson at Ringwood BJJ Under Bernie Jenkins and Brett Tamblyn. I have been at Absolute MMA since day 1, I used to work the am shifts while I was finishing my degree in communication design at RMIT.
Favorite workout?
I enjoy my long runs from Collingwood to St Kilda and then I like to try and survive the ADCC sessions.
Tell us about your life growing up.
I grew up 15km outside of Mildura in a small town called Merbein, here I started power lifting as a teenager, just for the love of it. I then started my martial arts training with Mick Moloney.
Who is an inspiration to you, and why?
Frank Reynolds – Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I have to make weight – Mexican. If I don’t – Italian.
If you were going to be an animal, what would you be and why?
Cat. They have life worked out.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a Hawthorn supporter.
What were some hobbies you had when you were a teenager?
I played over 15 years of basketball.
Can you think of a common inspirational quote that you completely disagree with and why?
“If it was meant to be, it will happen.” I think you make your own opportunities, don’t sit around waiting for things to happen.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
Anybody that has their life together… you can learn something from everyone.
When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?
Meditation, about 12 months ago.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Big boys BBQ in Caulfield.
What’s your favorite music genre and musicians? Why do you enjoy their music?
Action bronson, ghostface killa, kid cudi, I’ll listen to anything at different times. Music is a big help during fight camp, you can use it to control your moods a little.
Is there a book you’ve read that has influenced your outlook on life or the way you approach certain situations or people?
Where’s Wally. He just lives the life, travels the world, and is found when he wants to be.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Never stop learning. You are a lot fatter then you think you are.
What movie have you seen over 5 times?
Kill Bill.
During a Absolute MMA staff retreat a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 AMMA team members. Who would be part your dream team and why?
Dan Herb and Tao – they would have a shelter built real quick and it would be good. Imantha – He knows why, and I would probably be able to out run him if needed to.
“Sam is a wrecking machine. He has experience from training around the world and his snap down is sick.”- Sean Le Gourierrec
“Will always identify and reflect on the positives to take from a fight and areas to work on immediately after the fight.”- Josh Grove
“Sam is a great martial artist and passionate, energetic coach. On top of that he’s a stand-up bloke. I still owe him one from that time in Thailand I woke him up at 5:30am with van keys and a map to the airport!”- Oliver Smith
“Sam is one of our most valuable assets. A brilliant coach for the MMA team, and a formidable pro fighter. We are blessed to have an athlete like him.” – Jai Tao
“I’ve trained with Sam for more than over 10 years and it has been great to see Sam develop as both an fighter and a coach. Sam was very important in starting Absolute and was a key part of our early growth. Sam’s return has bought more than just Staph and ringworm to the club, he is a great addition to our team both on and off the mats. While Sam may lack in personal hygiene, he has still developed a great following at the club which is a testament to his coaching, personality and how he fights. It has been great to see Sam get the best out of his athletic ability and rise to upper levels over local MMA and it will be great to see him continue to progress over the coming years. Thanks for your contribution Sam.”- Simon Carson
“Sam is not only a very skilled fighter, but also an excellent MMA coach. I find his style of teaching to be extremely helpful and meaningful in every single class. He puts a great amount of effort into helping each and every one of his students reach their full potential and goals. His passion for MMA definitely reflects both when fighting and teaching.”- Lisa Kyriacou
“Sam is an expert coach, he goes out of his way to explain things in detail and will help you understand why you are performing this certain technique, the cues and will help identify your form, even if you’re like Lisa Kyriacou and have no idea what the hell is going on. If you’re (un)fortunate enough to be in the cage with him during sparring, get ready for a long and exhausting round.”- Imantha Alahakoon
Photos: Eternal MMA.
