Alright, so I’m jumping back on the Substack horse - for real this time.
Once a week I’m going to begin putting together a newsletter containing any interviews, articles, and whatever else I’ve produced throughout the week in one easy-to-navigate post. This content will cover both Australian and international fighters.
On top of this, I’ll be putting out opinion pieces, scouting reports, local Australian event coverage, and whatever else comes to mind on a somewhat regular basis (bi-weekly perhaps? I don’t know, we’ll see…) to keep you all in the loop with what I have my eye on at any particular time - these will be separate from this newsletter.
So here goes, kicking off the new/old newsletter for the second (third?) time. Here’s what I’ve been working on over the past week or so, and what’s going on in Australia this month.
Interviews/videos:
Myself and partner in crime, Tristan Lauder, have rebranded the old YouTube channel and will be posting regular interviews with fighters, coaches, promoters and anyone interesting in the MMA sphere.
We recently got a chance to chat with Australian UFC welterweight Jake Matthews, who’s sitting just outside the rankings, and had him break down how he views the 170lb division. The lad’s been screaming for a fight since his dismantling of Andre Fialho but just cannot get booked.
And prior to our chat with Jake, we caught up with UFC featherweight Josh Culibao to get an update on injuries, rehash his UFC 275 scrap with Seung Woo Choi, and to get somewhat of an idea when we could possibly see him next, and against who.
This next one’s a little older but still relevant. I was able to get a chat in with recent DWCS contract winner and former Eternal featherweight champion Jack Jenkins ahead of his bout opposite Freddy Linares for The AllStar Sports (download the app, it’s a belter if you follow MMA).
We went over his journey to get to this point and what he hopes to accomplish during his UFC run. Keep an eye on this young lad, he’s got talent in droves.
And lastly, check out The AllStar’s ‘This Week In Combat Sports’ compiled by yours truly and presented by none other than Ben ‘The Bane’ Davis.
Articles:
Casey O’Neill hints at March return, teases change in divisions - TheAllStar.io
Brandon Davis: The Fighter who scrapped his way back to The UFC on one good knee - TheAllStar.io
Mike Jackson eyes a statement win after ‘cheating ass’ Dean Barry sullied prior win - TheAllStar.io
Riding high on UFC Vegas 60 win, Trey Ogden calls for Paddy Pimblett at UFC 281 - TheAllStar.io
Coming up
Tristan and I will have boots on the ground at the next Beatdown Promotions event (organised by former UFC fighter Damien Brown) in Brisbane on October 15 to provide a live watch-along from backstage, featuring live post-fight interviews with the winners on stream.
We’ll be going live on The Split Decision YouTube channel as the professional card kicks off (time TBD) and will hopefully provide some competent commentary for the fights, or at the very least some laughs - so keep your eyes peeled for that.
The event itself will be broadcast on the Beatdown YouTube channel free of charge (I believe) and features some promising Australian prospects like Matt Vaile, Elliot Compton, Stewart Nicoll, Jamie Sporne, and Michael Stanoff.
Regardless of whether you tune in to our shit talk, or just want to see the event as it’s intended, it will be must-see TV.
Australian event schedule for October
(All dates represent Australian time zones)
Beast Championship 11 - October 8
Beatdown Promotions 2 - October 15
Silverback Fight Series - October 15
XFC 60 - October 22
Eternal MMA 71 - October 29