All SALT, no sugar: Fight Series reaches new heights in show return

THE Surf Coast’s only dedicated fight show returned to Wurdi Baierr Stadium with jaw-dropping bouts and first-tier entertainment capping off a stellar card of action.

SALT Fight Series 2 on Saturday (March 18) had an “electric” atmosphere, rivalling combat sports events in metropolitan areas.

Bones MMA’s Matt Williams (right) and fighter Dave “Versace” Mirabelli. Photos: JON HO

“The athletes responded to the energy from the crowd, and it made for one of the most entertaining cards ever in domestic MMA,” co-organiser Matt Williams said.

“Will Shiels and I were super confident ahead of the sequel event.

“We had strong sponsor backing from local businesses that afforded us the capacity to produce the show to the standard the Surf Coast community have come to expect from SALT.

“Not even a wildfire, 37 degrees, and Rod Stewart could trump our talent line up!”

Norlane-based Bones MMA fighter Sam Barriball went into SALT Fight Series 2 aiming to square the ledger after being defeated by opponent Taylor Ly in the inaugural show last year, but the rematch ended in a different manner.

Bones MMA’s Sam Barriball (bottom) fought bravely to defeat Taylor Ly in their rematch.

Battling butterflies, mixed emotions, and little bit of self-doubt prior to her contest, Barriball persevered to get the split-decision win.

“I was very glad to get the win, for my team and my friends and all those who believe in me, and also to prove something to myself,” she said.

Cody Pettina’s TKO win over Keegan D’Souza wowed the fans inside Wurdi Baierr Stadium. LEFT: Bones MMA’s Matt Williams (right) and fighter Dave “Versace” Mirabelli.

Regional fighters performed superbly, namely Bones MMA Torquay athletes who claimed four out five contests they were a part of.

“Ballarat and Sunbury gyms also competed and looked sensational,” Williams added.

“SALT 2 proved that with investment, community support, and the right platform that MMA can have the same success regionally as it does with cricket, footy and netball, and we can mix it with a big city gyms.

Bones MMA athlete Jordan Sambucco’s elite ground ability got him the submission over Rozay Hassan in front of the home crowd.

“SALT Fight Series is here to stay. Bones Torquay is your home team and we heard you on Saturday night. Just you wait.”

SALT Fight Series 2 results:

Luke Dally wins via submission (RNC) vs Darcy Balhas
Adnan Larry wins via TKO (punches) vs Callum Berechree
David Mirabelli wins via KO (punch) vs Rithik Nath
Mayson Nobetsu wins via submission (RNC) vs Jett Fisher
Jordan Sambucco wins via submission (triangle) vs Rozay Hassan
Ali Haidari wins by unanimous decision vs Cam Quashie
Samantha Barriball wins by split points decision vs Taylor Ly
Cody Pettina wins via TKO (punches) vs Keegan D’Souza
Lachlan Paterson wins via submission (power-gullotine) vs Wyatt Alatipi
James Fisher wins by unanimous decision vs Kenatro Bowden
Tommy Kempter wins via TKO (punches) vs Bakir Awaleh
Johnny Armstrong wins via TKO (punches) vs Drew East