MMA
MATT WILLIAMS
Owner, Bones MMA
The Surf Coast’s combat sports scene is gearing up for a huge finish to the year, with local professionals competing across Australia before Eternal MMA returns to Geelong on 28 November.
Eternal 113 closes out the promotion’s calendar and marks its third Geelong instalment.
With some of Bones MMA’s best featuring at the top end of the card, expect a sizeable contingent of Surf Coast supporters to make the trip up the Geelong highway.
Leading the charge is Jan Juc’s Kim Tran, who enters with an unbeaten 5–0 record and three consecutive knockout victories.
A flag bearer for Bones MMA on the international stage, Tran continues to build a reputation for devastating power and relentless pressure.
She faces Feng Xiao, a veteran of four appearances under the Road to UFC banner.
It shapes as a compelling clash of styles: Feng’s height, reach and long-range striking against Tran’s compact, hard-hitting, technical boxing.
Closing the distance will be central to Tran’s chances of extending her winning streak and making her case for February’s UFC card in Sydney.
Kim Tran will enter Eternal MMA on 28 November with an unbeaten 5–0 record and three consecutive knockout victories. Photo: Eternal MMA.
Bones MMA head coach Jordan Wallace will also make his competitive comeback following an eight-year layoff.
Now in his late 30s and having recently welcomed a child, Wallace returns with a different perspective and a far more sophisticated understanding of martial arts.
Years spent coaching, studying and refining his craft will be put to the test against Sydney black belt Lucas Cannon.
Before Geelong takes centre stage, two more local fighters have significant assignments.
Jan Juc’s Jack Matthews heads to Sydney on 17 October for 1774 Muay Thai. With 24 professional fights behind him, Matthews will face a veteran Thai opponent in a big step up in experience.
The fight takes place at a showcase event promoted by the Thai Tourism sports authority and is a pathway to RWS in Bangkok, the largest Muay Thai promotion in the world.
Hugh O’Donnell from Bones MMA then returns to Australian competition on 7 November, taking on Liam O’Connor on Ascendance Muay Thai promotion in Perth.
O’Donnell has accumulated 14 international fights over the past 18 months, bringing a wealth of recent experience back to home shores.
For a relatively small coastal community, the number of professional fighters competing at this level is remarkable. Their achievements reflect both individual commitment and the quality of the local martial arts gyms developing them.