Eternal MMA 96 Recap: Darcy Vendy’s KO Win, Breakout Performances, and Fight Night Highlights

If there was any doubt left about who the baddest man outside the UFC is in the middleweight division, Eternal MMA 96 delivered the answer loud and clear: it’s Darcy Vendy.

In what might go down as the promotion’s best card of the year, Eternal MMA 96 featured thunderous knockouts, breakout amateur performances, and a main event that turned doubters into believers. The atmosphere inside Southport Sharks was electric as Australia’s top regional talent put on a show for the ages.

Main Event: Vendy vs Bretag – The Usurper Ascends

Darcy “The Usurper” Vendy walked into Southport as the reigning middleweight king—and walked out as something more.

In a dramatic title defence against Blair Bratag, Vendy survived two knockdowns in the opening round before storming back to deliver a clinical KO finish in the second. It wasn’t just a win; it was a test of will, grit, and elite-level recovery under pressure. Fans who once rolled their eyes at Vendy’s past confidence—remember when he said he could beat Kamaru Usman?—are now nodding along, because that’s the kind of belief this man backs up.

Bratag, for his part, fought like a future champion. His striking looked sharper, his grappling improved, and he showed he’s just one punch away from changing any fight. Expect him back in the title picture soon.

Post-Fight Royalty: Vendy’s Moment

Vendy’s walkout, set to “Working Class Man” as a tribute to former Eternal champ Ben Johnston, set the tone. His post-fight speech reminded us how far he’s come—not just as a fighter, but as a fan favourite and evolving personality in the sport.

He's now 8–3, with a highlight reel that rivals any fighter in the region. If the UFC’s Contender Series doesn’t snap him up, Dana White should just ink the man directly. The comparison to UFC champion Dricus du Plessis has been made, and stylistically, it holds water. But Vendy’s cardio, precision, and composure might just make him even more dangerous.

Co-Main Event: Matt Iann Arrives

In the co-main event, Matt Iann showed why he’s one of the most feared rising bantamweights in Australia. He submitted the highly avoided Connor Birch with a third-round rear-naked choke, securing the interim bantamweight title in the process.

At 3–0, Iann is on a rocket ship to the top. The Australian top Team product will now face Kuya Ito in a unification bout, likely this September. But let’s be honest—fans are already fantasy-booking a future super fight between Ian and Kassib Murdoch. Both undefeated, both savage, and both under 25. Book it for 2025.

Main Card Carnage: First-Round Finishes Galore

This card was pure chaos in the best way. Eight minutes. That’s how long the first four fights lasted. If you blinked, you missed something violent.

• Jackson Weir-White obliterated Alfred Stoddard in 10 seconds.
• Ran Deng accepted a short-notice fight and iced Yuki Sato inside four minutes.
• Quinlan Kelly proved he’s built different, taking a catchweight bout against an overweight opponent and still scoring a TKO win in 90 seconds.
• Ben “The Wanderer” Watson made a triumphant return after 5 years, submitting Yuki Angdembe with a nasty kimura that forced a ref stoppage. He's now 9–2 and ready for a title shot or a ranked opponent.

Ones to Watch

• Ethan Mitchell: Started his pro career 0–2, but picked up a clutch win over Oscar Marlow. With 21 takedown attempts defended and an all-out war of attrition, this one might have saved his career trajectory.
• Jon “Daddi Ravioli” Aiello: The amateur standout kept his hype alive with a polished win over AJ Deep Singh. He’s got the charisma and the skill to be a star.
• Healy Dayan: One of the few women on the card, she continues to impress with solid technique and composure.
  
  Check out the REPLAY on UFC Fight Pass

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