Mandurah MMA fighter Anthony Drilich promoted to main event on upcoming card

The unbeaten 24-year-old, who will take to the cage against Melbourne-based opponent Michael Mannu, was the obvious choice to fill the void after one fighter pulled out of the original blockbuster bout.

Just two fights into his career, the Next Generation MMA Mandurah fighter has made a name for himself as one of Australia’s best up and coming bantamweight prospects.

Now he has a chance to capture more eyes on the professional circuit as he highlights Eternal 34.

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It’s an opportunity that has been well-deserved for some time, according to Next Generation coach Marcus McKeever.

“Anthony is one the hardest working, most skilled fighters going around the circuit right now so for him to get this chance is recognition for all the hard yards he’s put in,” McKeever said.

“Some guys are great at wrestling, or Brazilian jiu jitsu, or striking, but gelling them all together is the challenge and it’s something Anthony is a specialist at.

“As a gym, from our perspective as a fight team, we couldn’t be happier for him.”

A victory in a main event would be a significant step forward as Drilich continues to chase his dream of competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Standing in his way is the 3-1 Mannu, who picked up wins via submission in his previous two clashes.

But Drilich said he was feeling good ahead of the showdown.

“I’ve been preparing for the fight for the last few months so really I’m just looking forward to getting into it at this point,” he said.

“It’s all part of the process of getting to the UFC. Right now it’s about getting noticed, so the more wins I can get the better.

“Hopefully I can end it pretty quick.”

Eternal MMA 34 will be held at the WA Italian Club in Perth on Saturday, May 26.

To buy tickets to the fight night, visit eternalmma.com 

For more information on Next Generation MMA Mandurah or to join the gym, call Marcus McKeever on 0498 849 284 or visit their Facebook page.