Bigger than wins and losses

AS the hype continues to build for Eternal MMA’s long-awaited return to Victoria, it is two women from the Surf Coast who are helping drive the swell of excitement.

When Eternal MMA crashes down at Geelong Arena next month, Torquay’s Bones MMA will have two female fighters carrying the local banner.

They are at vastly different stages of their journey, but both represent the evolving face of mixed martial arts in the region.

Headlining the local charge is Kim ‘The Runaway’ Tran, an undefeated professional fighter and Bones MMA coach, who returns home after making big waves on the international stage.

Tran enters the bout at 4-0 as a professional and riding the momentum of consecutive knockout victories under the bright lights of ONE Championship.

Now, before chasing more global opportunities later this year, she’s coming back to where it all started and relishing the chance to perform in front of a home crowd for the first time in many years.

Tran faces former Warrnambool local Alish Smith in what shapes as a genuine ‘Great Ocean Road’ derby.

Smith brings a wealth of experience after competing throughout Europe and the United States before recently opening a gym on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a matchup with interstate flavour, but deep regional Victorian roots.

While Tran’s fight sits near the top of the card, another Bones MMA athlete will begin her own story earlier in the night.

Ana Avan only recently turned 18 but those inside the gym have spoken about her talent for years.

Known for polished, technical striking beyond her age, Avan has grown up inside the Bones MMA system.

“Big things come in small packages,” Tran said of her younger team mate.

Coaches still remember the Belmont High student catching the bus to training in her school uniform, spending afternoons drilling technique until the gym lights flicked off for the night.

Now Avan gets her first major opportunity on a big stage in her hometown. She will take on Queensland’s Sara Riley, a tough and seasoned competitor.

Together, Tran and Avan represent something bigger than wins and losses.

In a sport often boxed into outdated stereotypes – such as mixed martial arts fighters are all bravado bros, brawn and brash – Bones MMA’s female leaders reflect a different reality.

Often the most capable fighters are quiet and consistent types who let their actions speak louder than words.

As Eternal MMA arrives on the Surf Coast’s doorstep, Tran and Avan hope the local community turns out in force to support its athletes and make Geelong Arena roar.

“We are so proud to represent to the Surf Coast,” Tran said.

“Lets blow the lid off the joint together!”

Fans purchasing tickets can support the fighters directly by using code TRAN or code AVAN at checkout.

MATT WILLIAMS

Owner, Bones MMA