Fighting in the 120+ division, Lio is a determined and skilled fighter from Oliver MMA in South Auckland, proudly part of the Spartan Fight Team. Representing his Tongan heritage, he holds strong ties to the villages of Ma'ufanga and Sopu Oe Taufa'ahau. A proud Christian Tongan, Ilalio is honored to represent his country in the sport he l
Fighting in the 120+ division, Lio is a determined and skilled fighter from Oliver MMA in South Auckland, proudly part of the Spartan Fight Team. Representing his Tongan heritage, he holds strong ties to the villages of Ma'ufanga and Sopu Oe Taufa'ahau. A proud Christian Tongan, Ilalio is honored to represent his country in the sport he loves most, MMA.
In 2023, Lio had the privilege of representing Tonga at the 2023 GAMMA World Championships in Bangkok where he made the finals alongside team captain DJ Taumoepeau. Whether contributing behind the scenes or standing at the forefront, Ilalio is always eager to embody the spirit of Tonga, embracing both the “red and white” with pride.
With faith as his foundation, Ilalio often says, "God first, gold follows." He finds inspiration in the words of Sir Isaac Newton: “If I shall see further than those before me, it’s because I stand on the shoulders of giants.”
DJ “The Warmonger” is a resilient and passionate MMA fighter, renowned for his dedication to the sport and relentless drive. A proud family man, DJ balances his professional career with the demands of raising four sons and a baby girl alongside his wife, Casey. In a lively household full of energetic boys physical activity and sport are v
DJ “The Warmonger” is a resilient and passionate MMA fighter, renowned for his dedication to the sport and relentless drive. A proud family man, DJ balances his professional career with the demands of raising four sons and a baby girl alongside his wife, Casey. In a lively household full of energetic boys physical activity and sport are vital outlets, bringing structure and balance to their daily lives.
Relocating from Australia to Tonga at just 1 year old and returning to Australia at 14, DJ’s upbringing was shaped by significant cultural shifts and challenges. These experiences forged his resilience and determination, qualities that continue to define his character and career. Reflecting on his journey, DJ describes himself as a “journeyman,” acknowledging that his early fearlessness lacked the strategy he now views as vital for success. He advises young Tongan fighters to "fight smart, grapple more, and prepare thoroughly," cautioning against diving into fights without proper readiness.
Recognized for his leadership and dedication, DJ has been affectionately named "captain" of the Tongan MMA team by his teammates. In addition to his leadership, a key part of his legacy is founding the Combat Sports Federation Tonga, aimed at empowering young athletes in his community. “The Federation is my way of creating real opportunities for our people,” he shares, emphasizing discipline, strategy, and skill development. His vision is to build a pathway for aspiring fighters, offering the guidance and resources he wished he’d had early in his career.
DJ’s message to the next generation of Tongan fighters is clear: “Learn from my mistakes. Train hard, stay informed, and make every decision count.”
Hainite is a highly accomplished athlete and professional with a remarkable range of achievements. She is a three-time Golden Gloves boxing state champion and a two-time Tongan national boxing champion, having also earned a prestigious silver medal in boxing at the Pacific Games. Her dedication to martial arts extends beyond boxing; she
Hainite is a highly accomplished athlete and professional with a remarkable range of achievements. She is a three-time Golden Gloves boxing state champion and a two-time Tongan national boxing champion, having also earned a prestigious silver medal in boxing at the Pacific Games. Her dedication to martial arts extends beyond boxing; she is a black belt in judo and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she finds great fulfilment in teaching Jiu-Jitsu to children, passing on her skills and passion to the next generation.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Hainite is driven by intellectual pursuits. With a degree in biochemistry and biotechnology, she currently applies her expertise as a scientist, contributing to advancements in her field. Her commitment to making a difference extends into her community, where she founded a nonprofit organization focused on community engagement through urban agriculture.
Hainite’s approach to life is grounded in continuous self-development and growth, motivated by her faith and a desire to serve according to God's purpose. Her unique blend of athleticism, intellectual rigor, and dedication to community impact makes her a powerful role model, and an asset to the team representing Tonga.
Johnny Dymond, the youngest member of Team Tonga, will compete in the -93kg division, fighting out of Kings Academy. Raised and residing in South Auckland, Manurewa, Johnny’s Tongan heritage runs deep, with his fighting spirit rooted in his mother’s village, Fasi Mo’e Afi.
As the youngest on the team, Johnny feels especially honored to rep
Johnny Dymond, the youngest member of Team Tonga, will compete in the -93kg division, fighting out of Kings Academy. Raised and residing in South Auckland, Manurewa, Johnny’s Tongan heritage runs deep, with his fighting spirit rooted in his mother’s village, Fasi Mo’e Afi.
As the youngest on the team, Johnny feels especially honored to represent Tonga on the international stage at the GAMMA World Championships 2024. He views this selection as both a privilege and a duty, and he’s determined to bring pride to his country. With confidence, he asserts that Team Tonga is not coming to play around—they’re here to make an impact.
Dymond Forever.
Known as Tupi, Jonathan Tupi competes in the middleweight division (83.9kg), representing South Auckland, New Zealand, and training at Oliver MMA SA. Born on July 19, 2000, at Middlemore Hospital, Tupi proudly attended De La Salle College, which he considers "the best school in the world." His Tongan heritage is rooted in his mother’s fam
Known as Tupi, Jonathan Tupi competes in the middleweight division (83.9kg), representing South Auckland, New Zealand, and training at Oliver MMA SA. Born on July 19, 2000, at Middlemore Hospital, Tupi proudly attended De La Salle College, which he considers "the best school in the world." His Tongan heritage is rooted in his mother’s family from Ongo Niua (last name Kauhala) and his father’s from Matafonua (last name Hufanga).
For Tupi, representing Tonga fulfills a cherished boyhood dream. He feels honored to live out this opportunity, dedicating his journey not only to himself and his family but also to loved ones he has lost, those who, as he puts it, “crawled so I could walk.”
Though he may humbly admit he’s “not the best mixed martial artist,” Tupi’s focus is clear: each fight is a personal test, "me vs. me," as he describes it. With the unwavering support of his teammates, he knows they’ll help him bring out his very best.
"He who kneels before God can stand against anyone."
Known as Tai (pronounced "Ty"), Tupou Toutai Tuifua is a heavyweight fighter (-120kg) based in Canberra, ACT, Australia, training out of CBRMMA. Born in Canberra in 1994 to Tongan parents, Tai carries a deep connection to his roots, with his mother’s family hailing from Vaotu’u/Folaha and his father’s from Neiafu/Nomuka.
This year marks Ta
Known as Tai (pronounced "Ty"), Tupou Toutai Tuifua is a heavyweight fighter (-120kg) based in Canberra, ACT, Australia, training out of CBRMMA. Born in Canberra in 1994 to Tongan parents, Tai carries a deep connection to his roots, with his mother’s family hailing from Vaotu’u/Folaha and his father’s from Neiafu/Nomuka.
This year marks Tai’s first opportunity to represent Tonga, fulfilling a lifelong dream and bringing immense pride to him. Despite having less experience in combat sports compared to some of his teammates, Tai feels battle is part of his heritage, and his faith provides strength and purpose. “Battle is in my blood,” he says, “and the bread of heaven fuels my body.”
He draws inspiration from the words of Jeremiah 1:19: “They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you, says the Lord, to deliver you.”
Competing in the 70.3kg division, Winangaro Halauafu represents Oliver South MMA and the Spartan Fight Team. Proudly Tongan, Winangaro honours his heritage through his parents' villages of Vava'u Ote'a and Tokomololo. Although he bears a Cook Island first name, he identifies as 100% Tongan. "I ain’t perfect, but my Lord and Saviour Jesus
Competing in the 70.3kg division, Winangaro Halauafu represents Oliver South MMA and the Spartan Fight Team. Proudly Tongan, Winangaro honours his heritage through his parents' villages of Vava'u Ote'a and Tokomololo. Although he bears a Cook Island first name, he identifies as 100% Tongan. "I ain’t perfect, but my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is," he humbly acknowledges, expressing his readiness to represent Tonga in his beloved sport, MMA.
In 2023, Winangaro was blessed with the chance to represent the Kingdom of Tonga at the GAMMA World Championships, where his teammates, including captain DJ Taumoepeau and Ilalio Ilalio, made it to the finals, securing silver and gold medals. This year, he and his team are setting their sights even higher, all determined to bring home the gold for Tonga.
GOD
FAMILY
He draws strength from Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper.”
Known as Coach Macho, Andrew Machin is one of the pioneering MMA fighters in Oceania, playing a key role in the sport's development across the region. With a professional record of 8-7-1, he achieved 75% of his victories by stoppage. Coach Macho has competed against fighters who later became champions and fought internationally, including
Known as Coach Macho, Andrew Machin is one of the pioneering MMA fighters in Oceania, playing a key role in the sport's development across the region. With a professional record of 8-7-1, he achieved 75% of his victories by stoppage. Coach Macho has competed against fighters who later became champions and fought internationally, including in the UFC and One FC. Over his career, he contended for three professional titles, winning one, and was ranked among the top five heavyweights in Oceania at various points.
A first-degree BJJ black belt, Coach Macho has trained and cornered numerous fighters, some of whom have gone on to win titles and compete on the international stage. In 2023, he helped coach the Tongan MMA team at the GAMMA World Championships in Bangkok, where the team achieved both gold and silver medals.
Beyond his accomplishments in fighting and coaching, Coach Macho is a dedicated family man, AFL veteran, proud supporter of the Canberra Raiders, and the ultimate king of dad jokes.
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