Ignite Martial Arts Academy reveal leading Sunshine Coast stars

A Sunshine Coast gym is continuing to dominate the Australian MMA fight scene with multiple current champions throwing their name forward as stars on the rise. See what they had to say.

Ignite Martial Arts talents, Jake Piper, Auryn Parmley, John Martin-Fraser, David Martinez and Troy Fumo. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A handful of superstar fighters from Ignite Martial Arts Academy on the Sunshine Coast are continuing to make their mark at the amateur and professional level.

The gym was established in 2004 and recently relocated to a ‘bigger and better’ space in Caloundra.

Head coach Ryan Dunstan said he was amazed by the progress of the gym.

“The last four fight cards in Australia we’ve been the main event for all four and we’ve won all of them which is just unheard of,” he said.

“We’re coming up against different fighters from different major gyms all across Australia and our talented team are continuing to overcome what’s placed in front of them.

“For us, as a little gym from Caloundra, everything’s growing and our fighters are getting recognised more and more which they deserve.”

Dunstan said he was proud of the recent growth and was excited for the coming months.

“I’m really proud of how the team has come together and how the gym has cemented a great culture,” he said.

“At the rate we’re going everything is improving so next year could be massive for us and everyone involved.”

This masthead caught up with some of Ignite’s leading talents for an idea of what’s next and what their major goals may be.

John Martin-Fraser

Martin secured the middleweight title at Eternal 81 against Brogan Anderson on November 4, taking his professional run to six and three with five wins via KO/TKO.

The 31-year-old said his next fight would be in March against Ben Johnson, where he would be defending his current title.

Ignite Martial Arts talent John Martin-Fraser. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“My main goal is to break into the UFC and excel once I get there,” he said.

“Whether that be in one fight’s time, two fight’s time, whenever that is.

“I think I am a UFC calibre fighter now, I think I was before my last fight and I don’t think I’d look out of place in that full-time professional arena.”

Jake Piper

Piper is one of the hottest names in the current Australian amateur fight scene and is set to make his professional debut in March 2024.

The 19-year-old is the current South Pacific Bantamweight, Australian Bantamweight and Australian Featherweight amateur titleholder plus an Oceanic gold medal winner.

Ignite Martial Arts talent Jake Piper. Picture: Patrick Woods.

He said he was eager to be back in the ring next year and hoped he could continue his good run of form.

“I just want to take this as far as I possibly can to be honest and make the biggest impact that I can,” he said.

“I don’t really have a timeline for certain goals or aims, just however long that may take.

“I’d also just want to add a message to young kids that want something to just keep pushing for it.

“Whatever their goal may be they will get there if they keep going and keep putting in the effort.”

David Martinez

‘The Smiling Assassin’ has continued to add to his list of accomplishments as he is the current holder of the Coastal Combat lightweight title and Beast Championship Grappling Grand Prix title.

The 30-year-old is also a former two time Eternal MMA Lightweight champion and his most recent victory was a split decision victory over Jack Becker.

“Jack (Becker) is arguably the biggest name in the lightweight division,” he said.

“The result was controversial, it shouldn’t have been a split decision as I think it was pretty unanimous for me, just one of the judges wasn’t wearing his glasses that night.”

Ignite Martial Arts talent David Martinez. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Martinez said his next fight would be against an undefeated Dagestani fighter, who currently represents Bahrain, as the co-main event on the Brave CF76 card in Indonesia in November.

He said he was thankful to be apart of Ignite Martial Arts and was never looking too far ahead.

“For me it’s all about my next fight and getting as best prepared as I can be,” he said.

“Until November 25 comes and that fight happens there’s nothing really beyond that for me.

“I’m very grateful to be surrounded by such a great team full of great coaches and great fighters because it’s just continuing to grow and it’s really special to be apart of.”

Auryn Parmley

Parmley is the current amateur XFC Light-Heavyweight titleholder and is set to make his pro debut in early 2024.

His most recent fight was at the IMAF World Championships in Serbia where he lost to the current world champion.

Ignite Martial Arts talent Auryn Parmley. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The 26-year-old said he was looking forward to next year and the challenges ahead.

“My main goal is to break into the UFC and really make a name for myself,” he said.

“Hopefully I can achieve that within one year of turning pro which could really be this time next year.”

Troy Fumo

Fumo, who made his professional debut earlier this year, was able to secure a unanimous decision victory in his second professional fight on November 18.

The 29-year-old had an impressive amateur career, securing two Australian titles, two Oceanic titles and represented Australia twice at the World Championships.

Ignite Martial Arts talent Troy Fumo. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I decided to make the trip up from Melbourne for this four week block of camp before my next fight, specifically to train under Ryan and alongside his team so I can prepare as best as I can,” he said.

“My aim is to just stay active and stay busy and keep getting as many fights as I can.

“I’d like to make a run at the bigger promotions and maybe even some international fights so I can become an accomplished prize fighter.”