Torquay fighters to represent Australia

A PAIR of Torquay locals will represent Bones MMA and their country at the Amazing MuayThai World Festival in Verona, Italy.

Bones MMA co-owner Lani Williams and young up-and-comer Billy O’Brien have both been selected to compete for Australia at the international event in June.

The tournament will be held inside a traditional colosseum, giving athletes an incredible opportunity to fight amongst a “mental” type of atmosphere.

For Lani it will be a final swansong as she hangs up the gloves after the games, while Billy hopes to get his career off the ground.

Bones MMA owner Matt Williams said it was a great reward for effort for both Lani and Billy.

“Both are at pretty different stages of their career.

“Lani turns 40 this year and wanted to have one last hurrah. She’s struggled to find opponents the last few years in Australia, so we’ve been taking her to Thailand. She’s been winning a lot there.

“She was fortunately selected to compete in her weight class, and it’ll be a nice swansong for her.

“Billy has been undefeated the last few years in a row, and just last Sunday beat a guy from the Australian national team.

“He helps coach our kids classes and does work experience with us. He’s really dedicating his life to MuayThai.”

Bones MMA won the 2024 Victorian MuayThai Gym of the Year award.

Williams said the team are doing big things away from the spotlight of Melbourne.

“To have two athletes compete for Australia is pretty incredible.

“Us producing talent despite being placed regionally is something to be super proud of, and something for everyone to get behind.

“The community support we’ve had has been incredible. We feel we are representing the Surf Coast just as much as we are Australia.”