SALT to provide local platform for local fighters

Left to right: Local fighters and Bones MMA representatives Samantha Barriball, Tawny Papaikonomou, Ngor Aker and David Mirabelli will all showcase their talent on November 19 during SALT Fight Series at Wurdi Baierr Stadium. Photo: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

THE Surf Coast’s first ever fight event is locked in for later this year, providing some of the region’s best local fighters a platform to compete in their own backyard.

SALT Fight Series has secured November 19 for its event at Torquay’s Wurdi Baierr Stadium.

Bones MMA owner and co-promoter of SALT Matt Williams said the event had been in planning for past three months and would provide the perfect opportunity for local combat athletes.

“This is the first event of its kind for the Surf Coast,” Williams said.

“It provides unparalleled exposure for local talent, and we are working with as many local businesses as we can to provide them a platform.”

Williams said the fight series aimed to cater to all members of the community, was hosted at a family-friendly time slot and would provide an alcohol-free under 18 area for young people to view the bouts.

The event has presently secured seven local fighters, two professionals and five amateurs to take part in the line-up, as well as setting up a handful of novice bouts to the card to be announced in the coming weeks.

Local community groups are also being urged to get involved in the bouts whether it be brewery versus brewery or real estate agency versus real estate agency.

“We have confirmed six interstate fighters from Queensland, Adelaide, and Sydney from some of the top gyms, as well as some of the biggest and most successful academies in Melbourne,” Williams said.

“We want SALT to be a celebration of the hard work all local athletes have put in over the years, and acknowledge the support their friends, family and community have afforded over that time.

“Mixed martial arts is fast becoming a mainstream sport across the globe, but domestically competition has been metropolitan-based.

“We are striving to create further awareness for the sport regionally, dispel misconceptions about what it entails, and increase participation rates among young people and traditionally under-represented demographics.”

SALT Fight Series is still searching for a principal sponsor for the event, as pre-sale tables are set to go on sale shortly.

Bones MMA, at 36/10 Cylinders Way, Torquay, will act as a physical ticket sales point, with tickets expected to sell out quickly.