2024 TEAM TONGA

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.”

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.”

DJ “The Warmonger” is a decorated fight veteran who embodies resilience and an unwavering love for the sport of MMA. Known for his drive and relentless commitment, DJ lives for the thrill of competition, pushing himself to step beyond his comfort zone.. A dedicated family man and IT Consultant, DJ balances his professional life with his responsibilities at home. With a busy household of four sons, who are competitive athletes themselves, and a baby girl, DJ and his wife, Casey manage a full schedule. All four of his sons have ADHD, and one with Autism, making their household an active, lively environment where physical activity and training provide a crucial outlet.

Born in Australia while his father pursued his studies, DJ return to Tonag as a baby and remained there for most of his childhood. His memories of life there, simple and structured, contrast with his arrival in Australia at 14, which brought cultural shifts and challenges. Following the passing of his sister, DJ’s family stayed in Sydney, where he completed high school while juggling morning jobs at the markets. He eventually moved to Canberra at 17, where he met his wife, forming the foundation of his life today.

DJ sees himself as a “journeyman” in the sport. In his early career, he was fearless but lacked the strategy he now understands is essential for longevity in MMA. He values his past experience, advising young Tongan fighters to "fight smart, grapple, grapple, grapple." He encourages aspiring fighters to avoid the typical islander mindset of jumping into fights without preparation, emphasizing the importance of timing, camp readiness, and informed decision-making. DJ often says, “If you’ve never wondered where your next meal is coming from or how bad your next hiding will be—how do you think you’ll get through this?” To him, true toughness and resilience is forged in adversity.

A major part of DJ’s legacy is his role in founding the Combat Sports Federation Tonga. Driven by a desire to give back to his community, he created the Federation to empower young Tongan athletes. “The Federation is my way of creating real opportunities for our people, to guide and support them in combat sports,” DJ explains. He hopes to build a foundation that emphasizes discipline, strategy, and skill development, offering young Tongans the resources he wished he had early in his career. His vision for the Federation is to inspire and educate, encouraging fighters to approach the sport with intelligence and resilience. For DJ, this initiative is deeply personal—a chance to build a pathway not only for his children but for all young Tongans looking to make their mark.

DJ is also deeply reflective, attributing his mental resilience to facing buried challenges from his past. His approach to life and fighting is rooted in faith, discipline, and an unyielding desire to provide for his family. A survivor of a severe childhood electrocution accident, DJ carries scars as reminders of life’s fragility. Winning for him isn’t just about personal glory; it represents years of dedication and sacrifice for himself and his family, potentially opening doors to future opportunities. His message to the younger generation is clear: “Learn from my mistakes. Train with all your heart, gather information, and make every decision count.”

His achievements, including a gold medal at GAMMA in Singapore and a silver in Bangkok, underscore his experience and skill. Above all, DJ strives to set an example, not only for his children but for young fighters, showing them that hard work, humility, and a strategic approach can lead to success in and out of the cage.

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. 

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."

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 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.”