The Australian MMA Podcast

Aaron Tau: Road to UFC Final in Sydney, Training with Dan Hooker, Chaos, Comeback & “I Make Promises”

Aaron Tau jumps on for a wild (and brutally honest) car-chat fresh off training — talking life, camp, the madness that comes with chasing the UFC dream, and why this Road to UFC Final in Sydney is the moment he’s been building toward.We cover training under Dan Hooker and the Kickboxing boys, the mentality shift from “fun fighter” to “winner,” what he knows about his opponent Naz Namsa, and why this time he’s doing it for him. It’s raw, funny, chaotic, and then suddenly deep — classic Aaron.In this episode:Training camp updates + dieting through ChristmasDan Hooker’s “gym etiquette” (aka tough love)Road to UFC Final in Sydney — fighting on the same card as HookerWhat Aaron knows about Naz Namsa + the danger he bringsLosing friends/family, resetting, and getting focused“Be you” advice from the people closest to himThe mindset shift: fighter vs winnerAaron’s promise for Feb 1Subscribe for more Australian MMA interviews, fight-week stories, and behind-the-scenes with the fighters chasing greatness.www.australianmma.com.au

Why MMA Journalist Paddy Baynes Is Taking a Fight After 20 Weeks Training at CKG (TrainAlta) | FULL

Paddy Baynes from Squared Up MMA, is a New Zealand MMA journalist who covers the Australian and NZ scenes, with a big focus on the NZ regional circuit.Paddy’s stepping into the cage on December 19 through the TrainAlta program: 20 weeks of MMA training that culminates in an amateur fight. He’s doing it to understand fighters and the process on a deeper level — from the grind of camp to the nerves on fight week.Paddy’s been doing his training at City Kickboxing under Eugene Bareman, and we talk mindset shifts, training realities, and what this experience changes about how he’ll cover the sport going forward.For more visit: www.australianmma.com.au

Isaac Thomson UFC Signing Interview | Australian MMA Star Faces Joanderson Brito in Vegas

Australian MMA fighter Isaac Thomson joins Mitchell Tinley for an exclusive interview after being signed to the UFC at the last minute on fight week. In this must-watch conversation, Isaac breaks down how he got the call to step in against Joanderson Brito in Las Vegas, what it means to represent Australia on the UFC stage, and how he’s preparing for the biggest fight of his career.Training out of Team Alpha Male alongside UFC legend Urijah Faber, Isaac shares insight into his mindset, preparation, and journey from Australian MMA to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. This interview gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the pressure, opportunity, and excitement of a short-notice UFC debut.If you follow UFC, Australian MMA, or want to learn what it takes to reach the highest level of mixed martial arts, this interview is for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive MMA interviews and fight-week content.

UFC 325 FULL CARD REACTION - Volkanovski vs Lopes II in Sydney, Hooker, Tuivasa, Ruffy vs Fiziev...

UFC 325 is OFFICIAL and the UFC is coming back to Australia! 🇦🇺On February 1, 2026 (local time) UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 hits Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, and the full fight card is stacked from top to bottom. In this video, Mitchell Tinley reacts to the full UFC 325 fight card announcement – breaking down the main event, co-main and the bangers all over this Sydney card:Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes 2 for the featherweight titleDan Hooker vs Benoit Saint Denis in a guaranteed warRafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy, Tai Tuivasa, Jimmy Crute and more Aussie favourites fighting at home We’ll talk about:Is Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 the right fight for the belt?How big this event is for Aussie MMA fansWhich matchups are flying under the radar on this cardEarly thoughts on who has to win on home soilIf you’re a UFC fan in Australia or you’re thinking about travelling to Sydney for UFC 325, this is your breakdown.👉 Drop your predictions in the comments – who wins, Volk or Lopes in the rematch?👉 Like & subscribe for more UFC reactions, previews and Aussie fight content.TIMECODES:00:00 - Intro3:58 – Volk vs Lopez7:57 – Dan Hooker vs Benoit Saint Denis9:08 – Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy10:38 – Tai Tuivasa vs Tallison Texiera13:38 – Jimmy Crute vs Dustin Jacoby15:38 – Quillan Salkild vs Rongzhu18:23 – Serghei Spivac vs Ante Delija19:13 – Jono Micallef vs Oban Elliot21:26 – Kaan Ofli vs Yizha24:23 – Junior Tata vs Billy Elekana25:38 – Cam Rowston vs Cody Brundage27:30 – Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney29:23 – Road To UFC 4 FinalsFor more visit: www.australianmma.com.au

Sara Collins: Cris Cyborg PFL Lyon Title Fight | Australian MMA Interview

Australian MMA is on the world stage! 🇦🇺🥊In this exclusive interview, host Mitchell Tinley sits down with undefeated featherweight contender Sara Collins ahead of her massive PFL Women’s Featherweight Title clash with legend Cris Cyborg at PFL Lyon on December 13, 2025, at LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. We dive into:Sara’s journey from Australia to the global spotlight in PFLHer game plan and mindset to dethrone Cris CyborgTechnical breakdown of the matchup and key advantagesThe pressure and pride of representing Aussie MMA on a world title stagePredictions for PFL Lyon and what’s next for her careerIf you’re a fan of PFL, women’s MMA, or just love high-level fight IQ and storytelling, you’ll get heaps out of this chat.👇 Let us know in the comments: Who wins at PFL Lyon – Sara Collins or Cris Cyborg?👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Australian MMA interviews, breakdowns, and fight week content.Website: www.australianmma.com.au