2025 Australian MMA Fight of the Year - Sam Marles vs Nate Law - Eternal 95

This was one of the hardest decisions to make. Outside opinions were split, and honestly, if you swapped first and second I would not argue with you. But I did not, and this is my case.

Fight of the Year: Sam Marles vs Nate Law, Eternal 95 (Marles via KO, round 3)

This fight had everything. Momentum swings, drama, and non stop action.

Sam Marles got dropped early and looked like he was seconds from being finished in round one. Instead, he battled back, stayed composed under fire, and dragged the fight into deep waters with Nate Law, who is a seriously dangerous, emerging talent and a future title challenger. Law proved that straight after as well, bouncing back with a win in China just the other month.

The setting added to it. Logan City, basically a home game for The Fight Centre (Law’s Gym), yet Marles still did not feel like the crowd favourite. He is the son of Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, and if his dad is as tough and relentless as he is, we are pretty safe in Australia.

There is also the bigger story. Marles was coming off a tough loss in a fight where he was the favourite against Max Kelly. He has dealt with countless knee injuries. To dig deep, land the final blow in round three, and see the pure elation on his face afterwards, that is what makes it special. It was a comeback inside the fight and a reminder of who he is as a fighter.

Runner Up: Loni Filimoehala vs Quinn Kelly, Eternal 98 (Filimoehala via submission, round 3)

If you had this as Fight of the Year, I would not push back. It was just as action packed and even bloodier. Loni wore some savage straight shots to the face that would have broken most people, then flipped the script late and finished with a rear naked choke. Grit, chaos, heart, and a perfect finish. This one is mandatory viewing.

Honorable Mention: Michael Barber vs Dimps Gillies, Beatdown 11 (Gillies via unanimous decision)

Two rock em sock em robots doing exactly what they promised. A pure scrap where both guys just kept walking forward and throwing, round after round, like neither knew how to take a step back. In another year, this wins it. Both Barber and Gillies belong in the Australian BMF conversation.

All three are worth your time. Dimps vs Barber is on YouTube, and the two Eternal fights are on UFC Fight Pass.

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