SALT shakes up regional fight scene

RESIDENTS, visitors, and combat enthusiasts enjoyed, for the first time ever, high-octane bouts within the surfside backdrop of the Surf Coast over the weekend in the first instalment of SALT Fight Series.

Twelve fights featuring locally trained athletes and fighters from around the state descended on Wurdi Baierr Stadium Saturday to demonstrate their skills in front of a capacity crowd.

Co-organiser Matt Williams was extremely pleased to see so much of the community out and enjoying combat sports on the Surf Coast, in an event that sold out just days after tickets were released.

“It was pretty special to have the community turn out in such great numbers to support the show,” Williams said.

“There was such a diverse cross section represented in the crowd, from babies with ear muffs on enjoying the pyrotechnics, to grandparents out to support their favourite grandkids!”

Spectators enjoyed a dozen fights during the event with a variety of finishes witnessed from the preliminary bouts to the headline act.

Fight 1: Alisha Jane def. Alica Liu via arm-bar submission
Fight 2: Kim Tran def. Taylor Ly via. TKO
Fight 3: Ken Bowden def. Rethik Nath by unanimous decision
Fight 4: Ngor Aker def. Lawrence Yum by split points decision
Fight 5: Jack Stanton def. James Buckle by TKO
Fight 6: Eoin Coughlan def. Christian Lapham by rear naked choke submission
Fight 7: Asha Rachwalski def. Sam Bariball by unanimous decision
Fight 8: Jaiven Callander def. Yusuke Sato by unanimous decision
Fight 9: Amena Hadaya def. Amy Chan by rear naked choke submission
Fight 10: Val Sharipov def. Tawny Papaikonomou by unanimous decision
Fight 11: Ricky Biechun def. Adnan Larry by TKO
Fight 12: Rob Pelle def. David Mirabelli by rear naked choke submission

Williams said he and his team of helpers were thrilled to be a part of history last weekend, hosting the first Surf Coast-based organised fight event and is already looking forward to the next show.

“The vibe was so positive. Everybody was there for a good time, were welcoming to the opposing gyms and their supporters.

“We really wanted to make our sport more accessible to the community and show that MMA isn’t just a bunch of JetSki riding yahoos jacked up on energy drinks.

“One of the biggest takeaways was the amount of people who turned out who have never been to a combat sports event before – and loved it.

“We have plans to run another show in March, and maybe make a few more fans of MMA in the process.”

Torquay local David Mirabelli was one of a handful of local fighters to compete in front of friends and family in an experience he’ll cherish for the rest of his life, despite not coming away with the win.

“It was amazing competing in my own hometown in front of all of my friends and family and all of my teammates,” Mirabelli said.

“I’ve never felt more at home. I’ll never forget this whole weekend, it was such a rare opportunity to be able to share the sport love with the community.”