Eternal’s 10-year anniversary weekend continued on Saturday night with Blake Donnelly staking a claim for a lightweight title shot with a decision victory over John Brewin in the main event of Eternal 70.
Both were throwing heavy leather in the first round with a straight right from Donnelly in particular rocking Brewin halfway through the opening stanza. Donnelly mixed it up in the second round as he succeeded with a takedown, immediately looking to attack the neck. Donnelly attempted to lock in a D’Arce choke but positioning just wasn’t quite there as he tried to force the tap. Brewin escaped to his feet but was met with a spinning back fist at the end of the round.
Brewin never looked out of it but it was another round for Donnelly in the third as he outwrestled his opponent. He managed to take the back and showed his composure by talking to the commentators as the time ran out.
The judges agreed unanimously to give the Stockade Training Centre-trained Blake Donnelly the win, 30-27.
Post-fight, Donnelly was asked about the lightweight champion David Martinez, who recaptured the title on Friday night at Eternal 69.
“All respect David. I’m 1-0 against you buddy. If you want to redeem it, I’m right here. It’s up to you. If you want to win it. If you want to try and get it back, I’m right here,”
In the semi-main event, Michael Stanoff looked strong with a first-round submission against pro debutant Coby Porter. Stanoff secured the back and was able to wrap the arms around the neck to force Porter to tap, 3:53 into the first round.
Stanoff apologised post-fight for his weight miss, stating that he needs to get smarter in taking these short-notice bouts but lightweight will definitely be where he remains at.
“I will be staying down at lightweight. I have to stop taking these short-notice fights. Get my fat ass in shape. I have to be more professional with my weight and getting more time instead of taking it on one or two weeks, and trying to kill myself.”
Colby Thicknesse overcame first-round adversity as he was knocked down multiple times in the first round but managed to regain his composure to win a unanimous decision against Semakadde Kakembo. Thicknesse was on wobbly legs early but came out strong in the second round, pressed the action and took Kakembo’s gameplan away from him.
Kakembo had a case for a first-round 10-8, however, the judges saw it differently, giving Thicknesse the 29-28 unanimous decision win.
It has been 22 months away from the cage for The Freestyle Fighting Gym product as he emotionally spoke about the lows during that time.
“I had a series of bad concussions where I couldn’t train. It was honestly a real low point so to even get back in the cage here, I’m getting emotional now. It means a lot to me. I’m just proud to be back in here,” Thicknesse said before giving credit to his team.
The event took place at Southport Sharks AFL Club in Queensland, with the main card broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass.
Fight Card (Pro):
- Blake Donnelly def. John Brewin via Decision (Unanimous)
- Michael Stanoff def. Coby Porter via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Rd 1, 3:53
- Colby Thicknesse def. Semakadde Kakembo via Decision (Unanimous)
- Lachlan Stitt def. Corey Lynch via TKO (Strikes), Rd 1, 0:26
- Jasper Dunphy def. Kimo Smith via Decision (Unanimous)
Fight Card (Amateur):
- Tasar Malone def. Mack Gorrie via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Rd 2
- Winona Greenhalgh def. Brooke Jenkyn via Decision
- Liam Stanyer def. Dan Gall via Submission
- Osh Boonchu def. Flex Pule via Decision (Split)
- Robyn O’Neill def. Alice Jackson via Decision
- Nathan Fletcher def. Marlin McMeekin via Submission
- Darcy Johnson-Fennessy def. Callan Mendyk via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
- Harrison Tew def. Dyllan Mungcal via Decision (Unanimous)
- Darcy Wust def. Fletcher Barnes via TKO, Rd 1
