Our Team
SIMON CARSON
Simon Carson is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and head coach of the Absolute MMA Fight Team.
Simon has found success in coaching at all levels, with a number of athletes winning amateur and professional MMA titles under his guidance. He has coached athletes to the UFC, Rizin Fighting Federation, and other prestigious international organisations.
He also holds a professional MMA record of 2 wins and 2 losses, notably facing off with one of the greatest BJJ athletes of all time, Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, in ONE FC.
Simon is a Registered Exercise Scientist (ESSA) and a Level 1 Olympic Lifting Coach. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Human Movement), allowing him to bring cutting-edge science to his coaching.
LACHLAN GILES
Lachlan Giles is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and one of the world’s most respected grappling coaches. He’s known globally for his ground-breaking instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, his innovative platform SubMeta, and for coaching elite athletes like Craig Jones.
As a competitor, Lachlan made headlines at ADCC 2019, submitting three world-class heavyweights in the Absolute Division despite being one of the lightest competitors, earning a bronze medal.
His achievements also include the Kinektic Invitational 1 Team Championship, IBJJF No-Gi World Championship bronze, and sweeping the 2014 Pan Pacific black belt division with four gold medals.
Off the mats, Lachlan is a qualified physiotherapist and holds a PhD, bringing deep scientific knowledge to his coaching and athlete development.
JACK JENKINS
Jack Jenkins is currently signed to the UFC, with 5 fights under the promotion and a professional MMA record of 13–4, alongside an undefeated 3–0 record in Muay Thai.
He began with kickboxing and transitioned into MMA as a teenager. Jack is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and holds an undefeated kickboxing record.
Jack is a three-time Eternal MMA champion and a former Rogue champion.
With extensive experience across MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, and BJJ, Jack is an outstanding coach for anyone looking to take their martial arts skills to the next level.
KEMAL AKAGUNDUZ
Kemal Akagunduz is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Lachlan Giles and the head BJJ coach at Absolute MMA Melbourne CBD.
He began his martial arts journey with Muay Thai in Belarus in 2009 before starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Shanghai in 2012. Kemal has been teaching BJJ since 2015 and is the co-founder of Absolute MMA Shanghai (2018).
He has won several grappling tournaments, including the Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro Shanghai Open, Beijing Open, and the UFC Performance Institute Grappling Tournament in Shanghai.
Kemal has also worked as a Muay Thai instructor in China and has trained UFC fighters Li Jing Liang and Song Kenan.
TOOHEY CHOUNDARY
Atsaphang "Toohey" Choundary is a highly experienced and dedicated martial arts coach with over 40 years of martial arts experience and 25 years of coaching.
Toohey began his journey at age 15, training in Muay Thai, before expanding into Karate, earning a brown belt in Coju Kai Karate. He also spent 30 years training in Korean martial arts, earning black belts in Hapkido, and 5th-degree black belts in both ITF and WTF Taekwondo.
He later returned to Muay Thai and kickboxing under the guidance of renowned trainer Dana Goodson, achieving remarkable success across boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.
Toohey holds an undefeated amateur boxing record of 25-0, with 16 bouts under VABL and 9 under VABA. He also boasts a 32-0 professional kickboxing and Muay Thai record, with 15 wins by knockout.
CONNOR EVANS
Connor Evans is the current Head Coach of the Australian National Wrestling Team and brings over 24 years of experience to the mat. A former member of the Scottish, British (2004–2009), and Australian (2013–2019) national teams, Connor offers deep international expertise as both an athlete and coach.
Since 2015, he has been a dedicated wrestling coach, achieving major success—including coaching two athletes to Olympic qualification for 2024. He also served as Australian Assistant National Coach (2021–2023) and at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Connor is a 5-time Australian National Champion, 2-time Oceania Champion, 2014 South East Asian Champion, and has earned Commonwealth Championship podium finishes along with a 5th place at the Commonwealth Games.
A United World Wrestling Level 2 Coach, Connor is committed to developing the next generation of elite wrestlers.
RAJA SHIPPEN
Raja Shippen, a professional mixed martial artist, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his coaching career. With a record of 19 wins, 13 losses, and 1 draw, Raja has proven himself as a formidable competitor in the MMA world.
He began coaching under Mark Munoz at Reign Training Center in California, gaining invaluable insights from some of the best in the sport. Raja holds a Vale Tudo black belt under Marco Ruas, showcasing his depth in multiple martial arts disciplines.
His training has taken him around the world, including time with John Kavanagh and Conor McGregor at SBG Ireland. He has competed in America, Japan, South Korea, and The Philippines, demonstrating versatility across international fight scenes.
Currently, Raja is one of Australia’s top-ranked Bantamweights, and as a coach, he offers students a unique perspective shaped by years of firsthand experience at the highest levels of competition.
JOSEPH LUCIANO
Joseph Luciano is a highly experienced coach across MMA, Muay Thai, and Wrestling, with a martial arts journey spanning over 16 years. He has competed at the highest levels, including bouts with Bellator MMA, and is currently signed to the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Joseph began his journey with Muay Thai before transitioning into Mixed Martial Arts, where he has built an impressive competition record: 10–2 in professional MMA, 1–0 in professional kickboxing, and 10–2 in Muay Thai.
His success extends internationally, earning two bronze medals at the IMMAF World Championships, along with titles including Oceania Champion, Asian Open silver medallist, and African Open Champion.
In addition to his achievements as a fighter, Joseph is a respected coach and an official member of the IMMAF Australian national coaching staff, sharing his deep experience and strategic insight with the next generation of martial artists.
LEAMTHONG
Leamthong, originally from Phang Nga province in South Thailand, began his fighting career at the age of 9 and has over 300 fights to his name. He is a two-time Rajadamnern Champion and Channel 3 8-Man Tournament Champion.
In addition to his incredible success within Thailand, he also achieved international recognition, competing on the Top King promotion in Indonesia before finishing his career with a KO victory in Japan—retiring at age 30 on a high note.
Leamthong has coached at some of the top Muay Thai gyms in the world and is now the head coach of Absolute MMA Thailand. A highly sought-after trainer, students value his ability to blend modern and traditional Muay Thai techniques.
His training style includes high-paced padwork, dynamic spinning and jumping techniques, and the classic "Thai style" power-based methods—creating a unique and effective approach that keeps his sessions both challenging and engaging.
LEVI JONES-LEARY
Levi Jones-Leary is one of the most highly regarded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competitors in the world.
Known for his dynamic guard and creative techniques, Levi has achieved significant international success, including gold medals at the 2019 IBJJF European Open, 2019 IBJJF Pan Championship, 2024 ADCC Oceania & Asia Trials, the prestigious 2019 Spyder Invitational GP, and the 2023 AJP Grand Slam in Sydney.
He has also earned silver medals at the 2019 AJP Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi, the 2024 Craig Jones Invitational, and the 2024 Polaris 170 lb Grand Prix, along with a bronze medal at the 2021 AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro.
With an extensive competition record and an innovative approach to the sport, Levi continues to inspire and develop athletes through his teaching and coaching.
KAAN OFLI
Kaan Ofli is a professional MMA fighter currently competing in the UFC, widely recognised for his standout performance as the runner-up on Season 32 of The Ultimate Fighter. With over 20 years of experience across MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kaan brings a wealth of expertise to both competition and coaching.
Holding a professional MMA record of 11–4–1, Kaan has earned prestigious titles including the Australian HEX Featherweight and Bushido Featherweight World Championships. A BJJ black belt, he has also secured victories in the Pan Pacific, Victorian, and Australian Cup Championships.
Combining elite-level competition experience with a Cert III in Fitness, Kaan is dedicated to guiding athletes toward their full potential—both on and off the mats.
OLIVER SMITH
Oliver Smith is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Lachlan Giles.
He began training in 2012 and is an accomplished competitor, most recently earning second place at the 2023 Victorian State Championships in both his weight division and the open weight division. He also claimed victory in a superfight on the prestigious Sarman Challenge professional grappling event, defeating a decorated black belt.
Oliver began coaching in 2016 and is now the head BJJ coach at our Collingwood location. He also plays an active role in training and preparing our Fight Team for upcoming MMA bouts.
LISA KYRIACOU
Lisa Kyriacou is recognised as the top professional female MMA fighter in Australia and New Zealand and a dedicated MMA coach.
She has amassed over five years of training experience under the guidance of renowned trainer Simon Carson, and holds a professional MMA record of 7–3, showcasing her talent and resilience inside the cage.
Lisa’s accomplishments include being the Hex Flyweight Champion and competing on both ONE FC and Road to UFC. Her commitment to the sport extends beyond competition, holding a Certificate III & IV in Fitness and Personal Training, making her equally skilled in coaching and athlete development.
MIKAEL YAHAYA
Mikael Yahaya is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach and competitor. He has been training in BJJ since 2011 and began competing that same year.
He has trained with world-class coaches and athletes including Lachlan Giles, Kit Dale, Craig Jones, Baret Yoshida, and Marcelo Garcia.
Mikael is a multiple-time Pan Pacific and AGC champion, and holds a bronze medal from the IBJJF Purple Belt World Championships. He has also won several high-level superfights, including appearances at Kasai Pro 2, Grapplefest, Aus Sub Only, and Subversion.
In addition to his BJJ accomplishments, Mikael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business (Management).
LIVIA GILES
Livia Giles is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and coach, with over a decade of training experience.
She began her journey under Daniel Shaw before joining Absolute MMA under Thiago Stefanutti, and has since trained at renowned academies worldwide.
Livia began coaching in 2014 and has successfully led classes across all levels—beginners, advanced, women’s only, kids, private sessions, and seminars globally.
Her accomplishments include being an ADCC veteran, 2019 ADCC European Trials Champion, and a silver medalist at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships and European IBJJF Gi Championships.
Livia also holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) and contributes to occupational violence prevention training for professionals in various industries.
ALASTAIR VOLDERS
Alastair Volders is a professional mixed martial artist with a record of 4 wins and 0 losses. He is also a multi-disciplinary coach specializing in MMA, BJJ, and Muay Thai.
With 7 years of training and 5 years of fighting experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his coaching endeavors. After honing his skills in Brisbane for 5 years, Alastair is now based in Melbourne.
His Amateur MMA record of 5–3 includes impressive performances in Eternal MMA, with several notable first-round knockouts. He is also 1–0 in Kickboxing.
As a BJJ competitor, Alastair was the Pan Pacific 2023 Purple Belt No-Gi Champion, showcasing his submission prowess. He currently holds a Purple Belt in BJJ and holds Certificates III and IV in Fitness.
SAM MARLES
Sam Marles is a highly skilled and dedicated MMA and Boxing coach with over three years of experience at Absolute MMA.
Trained under notable coaches Simon Carson, Ed Bavelock, and Joseph Luciano, he excels in MMA and boxing. He is 2–1 as a professional in MMA and amassed an impressive amateur record of 5–2 in MMA and 5–1 in boxing.
Sam brings valuable insights from his own fighting experience, and his Diploma in Sports Performance equips him with the knowledge to optimize athlete training and development.
With a diverse background that includes coaching and competing as a golfer, Sam offers a well-rounded approach to coaching MMA and boxing.
SARMAD JAHANARA
Sarmad Jahanara is an experienced and accomplished coach in MMA, Muay Thai, and boxing. With 9 years of training, 4 years of coaching, and 4 years of professional competition, Sarmad brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his students.
As a professional fighter, Sarmad holds an impressive record of 4–1 in MMA and 8–4 in Muay Thai and kickboxing. His dedication and skill have earned him titles such as the Amateur Path to Hex Middleweight Title and the WBC Muay Thai Victorian Cruiserweight Title.
In addition to his combat sports accomplishments, Sarmad holds a Bachelor of Science and a Certificate III in Hospital Health Service/Pharmacy Support. With 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician, he brings a comprehensive understanding of health and wellness to his coaching approach.
SAM HIBBERD
Sam Hibberd is an experienced MMA and Muay Thai coach with a remarkable career in combat sports. With over 15 years of coaching experience, including training athletes internationally at Absolute MMA Thailand, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his students.
As a professional Mixed Martial Artist, Sam holds a 9–6 pro MMA record and is a former Eternal MMA Bantamweight Champion. He has competed in Australia’s biggest MMA promotions and is currently ranked among Australia’s top Bantamweights. His martial arts journey began in Mildura, where he first discovered his passion for combat sports.
Not only does Sam excel as a fighter, but he also has a proven talent for coaching. He has successfully prepared athletes for MMA, Kickboxing, Boxing, and BJJ competitions. His coaching approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of the physical and mental demands of combat sports.
DIELLON LIHARI
Diellon Lihari is a professional MMA fighter and experienced coach specializing in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai. Since beginning his martial arts journey in 2018, Diellon has dedicated himself to rigorous training and competition—initially under Joseph Luciano and Ed Bavelock at Kimekai, before moving to Absolute MMA under Simon Carson.
Diellon made his amateur MMA debut in March 2020 and has since built an impressive amateur record of 7–2, complemented by undefeated records in Boxing (1–0) and K-1 (1–0).
Now competing professionally, he holds a current MMA record of 1–1, combining his competitive experience with a strong foundation in coaching and personal training.
Passionate about developing athletes at all levels, Diellon provides focused mentorship to help fighters reach their full potential.
TOM EVERETT
Tom Everett is a highly accomplished BJJ coach with a wealth of experience in martial arts. As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Tom has dedicated 10 years to training and competing, and has been coaching for the past 4 years.
His BJJ journey began in 2012, training under renowned grappler Craig Jones in Adelaide. In 2015, Tom joined Absolute MMA to continue his development under Lachlan Giles.
Throughout his competitive career, Tom has achieved gold medals at the Australian Nationals and the Melbourne International Open, earning recognition for his technical skill and competitive success. He has also competed in elite events such as the Gi Worlds, No-Gi Pan Ams, multiple ADCC Trials, and Grapplefest UK.
JACK NICOLA
Jack Nicola is a professional mixed martial artist with over a decade of dedicated training and competition experience. Jack has claimed titles as the grappling champion of Northern and Eastern France, Paris champion in both Pancrase and grappling, and secured the prestigious title of French national champion in both disciplines. At the European level, he earned recognition as the Vice European Champion in Luta Livre (Under 18), showcasing his elite skills on the continental stage.
Before transitioning into the professional ranks, Jack accumulated an impressive amateur MMA and Pancrase record of 6–2. Now competing professionally, he holds a solid record of 2–1–0, continuing to demonstrate the discipline, versatility, and resilience that have defined his journey as a rising talent in combat sports.
APRYL EPPINGER
Apryl J Eppinger is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) coach with an impressive track record in both training and competition. With 11 years of dedication at Absolute, she trained under and for the renowned Thiago Stefanutti, progressing from white to black belt under his guidance.
Apryl's international experience shines through her 5-year tenure with the Philippines National Team. As a coach, she has contributed her expertise at Absolute for 6 years.
Her BJJ accolades include being an Asian Champion in JJAU, a medalist in the Asian Beach Games and SEA Games, and a multiple-time Philippines National Champion.
She has also earned notable victories in prestigious events such as the IBJJF Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, IBJJF Melbourne Open, and IBJJF Pan Pacific.
Beyond BJJ, Apryl has represented both Australia and the Philippines in cycling, setting national female track sprint cycling and time trial records that remain unbroken to this day.
MOSES BENTLEY
Moses Bentley is a highly skilled Strength and Conditioning coach with over 15 years of experience in martial arts and combat sports. With a background in MMA and kickboxing, he understands the unique physical demands of these disciplines.
A BJJ purple belt, Moses earned a silver medal at the 2016 Pan PACs and gold at Grappling Industries 2016, bringing his competitive experience into his coaching approach. He is dedicated to helping athletes improve performance and reach their full potential.
Moses holds extensive qualifications including Cert III & IV in Personal Training, ASCA Level 1, Eleiko Strength & Olympic Lifting Level 1, and Kettlebell Level 2 certification.
With a passion for competitive sports, Moses has both trained and worked alongside professional athletes, making him an invaluable asset to anyone looking to enhance physical performance and succeed in sport.
MICHAEL HOURIGAN
Michael Hourigan is a highly skilled BJJ coach with a second-degree black belt and a remarkable 18 years of training experience.
With 12 years of coaching, Michael has honed his expertise in guiding students on their BJJ journey.
As an active competitor from 2005 to 2019, he has amassed invaluable competition experience.
Training alongside Lachlan Giles in Australia, Michael has also trained and competed internationally.
His impressive achievements include multiple victories as a Pan Pacific Champion and Australian National Champion.
CHARLTON BUTT
Charlton Butt is an accomplished Strength and Conditioning coach with a diverse background in fitness and performance. While he briefly explored boxing, his true passion lies in strength and conditioning, refined through shadow coaching at the UFC Performance Institute alongside the head S&C coach.
He holds Cert III & IV in Fitness and is currently studying Psychology, bringing a holistic approach to his coaching.
With four years of experience at Royale Fitness, Charlton has worked with a wide range of athletes, including combat sports athletes, football players, ultra runners, law enforcement personnel, and motocross riders. He also spent three years playing Division 1 college football at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Charlton’s extensive experience and versatility make him a valuable coach for anyone looking to unlock their full potential.
AARON MAHER
Aaron Maher is an experienced wrestling coach with 18 years of freestyle wrestling under Sam Parker. Aaron has won National and Oceania freestyle wrestling titles while training alongside many of Australia’s top wrestlers, including Sahit Prizreni, Mehrdad Tarash, and Ali Abdo.
Aaron has also dedicated 7 years to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning his purple belt under Lachlan Giles and Levi Jones-Leary.
His training and competition journey has taken him across the globe, from Bulgaria to several U.S. states including Iowa, Ohio, California, and Guam.
NATHAN HEDDLE
Nathan Heddle is a highly accomplished BJJ coach and practitioner, holding a prestigious black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
His martial arts journey began in 1994, training and competing in Judo in Melbourne’s western suburbs. He later ventured into Goju Ryu Karate, earning his 1st Dan black belt after several years of dedicated training.
Nathan has achieved multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals in BJJ Pan Pac competitions, the Melbourne Open, and VIC Championships. His expertise also extends to karate, where he was crowned Japanese Karate Federation Australian Champion.
Outside of martial arts, Nathan is a dedicated healthcare professional, working as a nurse with advanced EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) qualifications.
MALI SYMONDS
Mali Symonds is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete and MMA competitor with over six years of dedicated training. Mali made an impressive MMA debut, winning his first fight via rear naked choke.
He has achieved notable success in BJJ competitions, including winning the Super Absolute division at Grappling Industries and placing among the top 16 athletes in the most recent Asia & Oceania ADCC Trials.
Recently promoted to purple belt following an outstanding belt challenge performance, Mali continues to build his reputation as a skilled and dedicated martial artist.
HARRY HRUZ
Harry Hruz is an amateur mixed martial artist with an MMA record of 4–2 and an undefeated amateur boxing record of 2–0. Since stepping into the cage in 2022, Harry has quickly established himself as a formidable competitor.
Having trained in martial arts since the age of five, Harry’s dedication and skill were evident early, highlighted by winning a Victorian State Gold Medal in Judo. His diverse experience across MMA, boxing, and judo equips him with a well-rounded approach to coaching.