On Saturday, the Serbian Community Centre once again played host to Domination MMA, marking the event’s ninth edition. With matchmaker Jasmin Frank at the helm, her exceptional ability to spotlight Australia’s rising MMA stars was on full display, solidifying the event’s reputation as a launchpad for Australia’s future champions.
The 10 early preliminary bouts delivered an action-packed afternoon, featuring standout performances from some of the sport’s brightest up-and-comers. Brady Walker (Wilkes MMA) made an impressive debut with a TKO victory, while Blayde Gretzka (Monsters Martial Arts) showcased his dominance across three rounds. Karen Pietropaolo (Mitsu Domoe) celebrated her first career win with a hard-fought decision, and Finn O’Keeffee (Scrappy MMA) broke his duck thanks to a rear naked choke with 1:29 remaining in the second round. Also shining in the early action was Ashraf Farawah (Mad Dog Gym), who earned the title of Most Promising Fighter of the Night with a performance that left a lasting impression.
The crowd at the Serbian Community Centre was left in awe as Armani-Jay Wahapango (Mandurah Combat Sports Academy) delivered a jaw-dropping highlight-reel knockout to kick off the preliminary card. His spectacular performance not only set the tone for the evening but also earned him the Fighter of the Night award. Reflecting on the moment, Wahapango shared, “It was definitely one of the best feelings I’ve had getting a finish like that and being able to put on a show for the fans, feeling their energy was awesome.” Despite such an impressive display, Wahapango remains grounded. “What’s next is easy, I still have a long journey ahead and many things to build on, so I will take anyone that my coach thinks I’m ready for. If that means higher level fights, then that’s what we will do. I have the best gym, with so many top-level fighters and coaches to prepare me for anything.”
Chy Wilson (Base MMA Dunsborough), Monte McLean (Luistro Combat Academy) and George Va’a (Mandurah Combat Sports Academy) all secured decisive victories without needing the judges’ input. On the contrary, Narek Tumanyan (Luistro Combat Academy) edged out a split decision, with his vocal supporters helping get him across the line.
The evening was graced by UFC talent, with flyweight championship contender Steve Erceg cornering for Wilkes MMA and newly signed lightweight prospect Quillan Salkilld representing Luistro Combat Academy as part of their team.
Ethan Orr-Young (2-0, Scrappy MMA) vs Daryl Paille (1-3, Luistro Combat Academy)
The first bout on the main card promised fireworks, with Orr-Young determined to protect his undefeated record and Paille eager to avoid a challenging 1-4 start to his career. Sporting Max Holloway-inspired floral shorts, it seemed they may as well have come with a garden fence, as Orr-Young had Paille boxed in against the cage with all the control for much of the opening round. However, an accidental knee to the groin forced the referee to intervene, providing Paille with a much-needed reprieve.
Seizing the opportunity, Paille shifted the momentum dramatically, landing a massive shot that dropped Orr-Young and sent his mouthguard flying. With the crowd now well and truly engaged, Paille unleashed a relentless barrage to close the round, dealing significant damage and likely securing the opening round in the eyes of the judges.
The second round began much like the first, with Orr-Young using his wrestling to pin Paille against the fence. A cage grab, unnoticed by the referee, saved Paille from being taken down, but it wasn’t enough for him to secure a clear advantage heading into the third and final round. With the fight seemingly tied at 19-19, Orr-Young looked to lean on his wrestling once more, but Paille turned the tide, catching Orr-Young before a barrage of hammer fists that forced the referee to intervene.
What initially appeared to be a stoppage left the crowd in confusion, as the referee instead stepped in to penalise Paille for strikes to the back of the head, deducting a crucial point. Despite winning the round, the penalty resulted in the fight ending in a majority draw, a fitting conclusion to a fiercely competitive back-and-forth contest.
Hunter Wilson (2-2, Base MMA Dunsborough) vs Jackson McLellan (3-3, Mandurah Combat Sports Academy)
McLellan wasted no time extending his three-fight win streak, securing a lightning-fast victory with a standing guillotine that ended the fight before I could even finish tweeting my opening thoughts. Over almost as quickly as it began, the impressive finish elevated McLellan to a 4-3 record, a remarkable turnaround after starting his career at 0-3.
Joseph Bird (2-1, Scrappy MMA) vs Jim Relleno (3-0, Wilkes MMA)
This was my feature bout heading into the event, a clash of styles with Bird looking to impose his wrestling against Jim Relleno’s striking prowess. The opening round saw Bird dictate the pace, pressing Relleno against the fence and neutralising his opponent’s striking ability. While the exchanges on the feet were few and caused minimal damage, Relleno’s improved takedown defence was on display, keeping the fight from tipping too far in Bird’s favour.
The second round saw Bird’s persistence shine as his relentless grappling began to wear Relleno down. Despite flashes of opportunity to let his hands go, Relleno couldn’t land the fight-changing strike he needed, struggling to create separation from Bird’s smothering control.
Heading into the final round, Relleno appeared desperate to alter the fight’s trajectory, but Bird left no openings. Executing his game plan to near perfection, Bird did everything right, maintaining control and landing where it counted. His disciplined performance earned him a unanimous 30-27 victory, handing Relleno his first loss and highlighting Bird’s growing potential in the octagon.
Adelle Dabas (1-0, Absolute MMA) vs Jillian Hardey (5-1, Luistro Combat Academy)
In a highly anticipated rematch, Dabas once again showcased her dominance, silencing any doubts about her previous victory over Hardey, who had entered their first bout with an impressive 4-0 record. From the opening seconds, Dabas wasted no time asserting herself as the superior fighter, landing heavy shots that immediately put Hardey on the defensive.
The sheer power behind Dabas’ hands forced the referee to step in, bringing an abrupt end to the contest and leaving Hardey little chance to implement her game plan. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Hardey, who had likely envisioned this fight as an opportunity to avenge her only career loss. Instead, Dabas solidified her status as the real deal, proving that her first win was far from a fluke and firmly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Jesse Wynne (5-1, Wolves Den) vs Louis Christophersen (3-0, Wilkes MMA)
The evening’s main event featured two future professionals in a mouthwatering clash that will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in both fighters’ careers. Wynne displayed an edge in the striking exchanges and exhibited superior cage control early in the opening round. However, Christophersen showcased his wrestling ability, finishing the round on top and leaving a strong impression that would have nearly swayed the judges in his favour.
Building on that momentum, Christophersen stormed into the second round with an explosive takedown, asserting himself in the early moments. Yet Wynne’s composure and skill shone through, as he quickly reversed the position and dominated the remainder of the round with precision and control.
Heading into the final round, Wynne appeared confident, likely aware that he was ahead 20-18. Displaying high-level jiu-jitsu, he maintained his dominance despite Christophersen’s relentless scrambles and attempts to find a finish. Christophersen pushed until the final seconds but ultimately ran out of time to turn the tide.
Both fighters emerged from the bout with invaluable experience, demonstrating skill and heart in a contest worthy of its main event status. It’s fights like these that make it clear why both Wynne and Christophersen are destined for the professional ranks, and I can’t wait to follow their journeys as they continue to rise.
