Justin Van Heerden Interview: Disrespect, Experience & Eternal MMA 102 vs Jesse Swain

When Justin “Lockjaw” Van Heerden opened his inbox and saw the matchup offer, his first reaction wasn’t excitement — it was disbelief.

A 2–0 prospect.
Two professional fights.
Barely minutes of cage time.

And somehow, that fighter thought it was time to step in with one of the most experienced names Australian MMA has produced.

“That’s pretty disrespectful,” Van Heerden says bluntly. “This dude’s had two fights and thinks he can step up and fight me.”

That moment — the contract landing in his inbox — is where this story really begins.

In this episode of The Australian MMA Podcast, Van Heerden joins Mitch Tinley to talk about respect, longevity, the UFC dream, and why Eternal MMA 102 on January 31 is not a stepping stone — it’s a reality check.

A veteran in a sport that moves on fast

At just 31 (turning 32), Van Heerden finds himself in a strange place. Nearly 30 professional fights, former Australian champion, once ranked number one pound-for-pound in Australia, and yet increasingly spoken about like he’s already past tense.

It’s not bitterness — it’s perspective.

This is a fighter who’s done the hours. The travel. The grind. The overseas bouts. The five-fight years. The seven fights in twelve months. And he’s honest about what the sport really gives back.

“MMA takes way more than it gives,” he says.
“You put in years for moments that last seconds.”

Still, Van Heerden isn’t here chasing nostalgia. He’s here because he can still fight — and because he doesn’t like being overlooked.

Training at Freestyle MMA with killers

One thing Van Heerden makes very clear: this isn’t a faded veteran hanging on.

He trains out of Freestyle MMA, under Joe Lopez, surrounded daily by some of the best fighters on the planet — including Alexander Volkanovski, Colby Thicknesse, Jamie Mullarkey, Marwan Rahiki, and visiting international talent.

While his opponent posts polished pad-work clips, Van Heerden is sparring world-class strikers and grapplers — the kind of rounds that don’t look good on Instagram but decide fights under lights.

“Go stand in front of Ruffy for five minutes and see how you feel,” he says.
“I’m training with killers.”

This is the underlying theme of the interview: levels. Experience isn’t just numbers on Sherdog — it’s lived rounds, hard looks, and years of problem-solving against elite opposition.

Why this matchup became personal

Initially, Van Heerden admits the fight didn’t excite him.

But then came the chirping.
The confidence.
The idea that a young prospect could skip the line.

When the contract arrived, it flipped a switch.

Now, this isn’t just another fight. It’s about reminding the next wave that experience still matters — and that confidence without context can be dangerous.

Van Heerden is clear: he’s happy to be the spoiler. He’s done it before, and he’ll do it again.

“Boring” to some. Suffocating to everyone else.

Van Heerden has heard it all before.

The style is “boring.”
Too much grappling.
Too much control.

He doesn’t deny how it looks — but he rejects the idea that it’s easy.

“If you don’t know how hard it is to be in those positions, it probably looks boring,” he says.
“But that’s on the other guy to stop it.”

And if someone willingly steps into grabbing range?

“What do you want me to do — not take you down?”

It’s an unapologetic mindset from a fighter who knows exactly who he is and what wins fights.

The UFC dream: realistic, not desperate

One of the most honest parts of the interview comes when Van Heerden talks about the UFC.

Is the dream over?

Not officially.
But he’s no longer clinging to it.

He understands the reality: timing, moments, highlight finishes, and luck all matter. You only get so many chances to show the world who you are — and sometimes, even if you belong, the door doesn’t open.

Still, he doesn’t shut it completely.

“String together a couple of highlight finishes and the phone might ring,” he says.
“You don’t close the door until it’s closed.”

What has changed is his perspective. He’s content with what he’s done, grateful for where he trains, and aware that the knowledge he’s building now will matter long after the gloves come off.

Eternal MMA 102: youth vs experience, hype vs reality

This fight isn’t just another matchup on a deep card.

It’s a crossroads.

• A young, confident prospect looking to fast-track his rise
• A veteran who’s fought the best, trained with the best, and refuses to be dismissed

Van Heerden doesn’t need to prove he belongs — he’s already done that. But on January 31 in Sydney, he gets to remind everyone what happens when ambition meets experience.

And whether the fight ends on the feet or on the mat, one thing is clear from this interview:

Justin Van Heerden is not here to play a supporting role in someone else’s story.

Watch the full interview with Justin Van Heerden

This episode dives deep into:

• How the Jesse Swain fight came together
• Why the matchup felt disrespectful
• Life and balance outside the cage
• Training at Freestyle MMA
• His honest thoughts on the UFC and the future

If you want real insight — not soundbites — this is one of the most candid conversations you’ll hear from an Australian MMA veteran.

📺 Eternal MMA 102
🗓 January 31, Sydney
📡 Live on UFC Fight Pass

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