Jake Piper wins South Pacific Bantamweight Championship

A Sunshine Coast MMA star says the sudden death of a close friend was a driving force behind his knockout title victory against Australia’s top ranked fighter. Watch the video.

Sunshine Coast MMA star Jake Piper. Picture: Tasman Peterson

Sunshine Coast mixed martial arts star Jake Piper has continued his dominance in the octagon after adding a second title to his mantle just weeks after the death of a close friend.

Piper, who is coached by Ryan Dunstan of Ignite Martial Arts in Caloundra, took home the Showdown South Pacific Bantamweight Championship after knocking out his opponent Daniel Mitchell in the opening round.

The 19-year-old is also the current XFC Bantamweight Champion and an Oceania gold medal recipient.

“I knew what was going to happen,” he said.

“I was pretty confident and I said to everyone in the lead up to the fight that it wouldn’t go past two minutes which it didn’t.

“It was probably one of the most vicious knockouts Australia’s seen in a while so I’m pretty happy with it.”

The victory brings Piper’s record to nine wins and two losses.

“I’m happy that I got the belt for Ryan, I’m happy I got the win for everyone else but I don’t really think about winning or losing,” he said.

“I just love punching on to tell you the truth, winning or losing doesn’t cross my mind.”

Before his fight on March 24 Piper competed at the IMMAF World Championships in Belgrade Serbia, where he reached the semi finals.

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

The rising star said he would have a break now but was aiming for the world championships at the end of the year before looking to turn professional.

Piper said the lead up to the fight was extremely tough following the sudden death of a close friend.

“I nearly pulled out of the fight to be honest,” he said.

“I was in that boat at one point and to where I’m at now because I reached out to someone is pretty crazy.

“I hope and encourage more and more people to reach out if they need help or support.”

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