In a stunning upset at UFC 293, Sean Strickland emerged victorious against Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship.

But what many may not know is that Strickland's journey to his career-defining win over the NZ-Nigerian champ was marked by a deep appreciation for the contributions of a Pacific Island mentor who played a major role in his training.

In the lead up to UFC 293, Strickland and his coach, Eric Nicksick, appeared on the Submission Radio podcast and opened up about the role played by Samoan Muay Thai champion 'Sugar' Ray Sefo in his training.

"Ray Sefo's not my coach, he's never held pads for me, but I think every day he gives me advice. Every day Ray will watch me spar, 'Hey Sean, let me pull you aside,' and help me out.'"

Nicksick echoed this sentiment, revealing a lineage that ties both Strickland and Adesanya's coaching teams back to legendary Tongan fight coach Lolo Heimuli, who has produced some of the greatest fighters in New Zealand history at Balmoral Lee Gar Gym.…more

By James Nokise

No image, no video, no audio can do justice to what it was like to be in State de Bordeaux on Sunday night when Fiji took on Wales.. 

In a word, it was loud - electrically so. Imagine a packed to the rim, full blast, drums and all, Warriors game at Mt Smart stadium. Then double the noise because Mt Smart takes 25,000, and State de Bourdeaux had over 42,000 people cheering, singing, and flat out screaming all the way from 9pm for close to two hours. 

There were many Fijian supporters, mostly French, but very few Fijians. Meanwhile an ocean of Welsh fans, with red tops, and slightly sunburnt red faces filled the majority of the stadium. The red dragon was everywhere, with just the occasional section of white tops and blue flags. 

Those French Fiji fans weren’t just there to be nice though. Their appreciation for the France based Fijian players like captain Waisea Nayacalevu and superstar Semi Radradra  was adamant from the roar that went up as they were introduced.…more

In a move that's set Pacific rugby buzzing, former All Black Julian Savea is making a return from injury. The iconic winger, often referred to as 'The Bus,' is all set to light up the Super Rugby Pacific competition in 2024, this time donning the vibrant Moana Pasifika jersey.

Savea, renowned for his powerhouse finishing skills and ability to light up the scoreboard, recently bid a heartfelt farewell to the Hurricanes. He had been an indomitable force at the franchise for a remarkable 11 seasons, spread across two distinct periods. However, the announcement of his departure opened the door to a new chapter in his illustrious career.

The decision to join Moana Pasifika, led by ex-All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, has sent shockwaves through the rugby community. It marks a fresh start for the Kiwi legend under the guidance of one of New Zealand rugby's most iconic figures.

Julian Savea's journey in professional rugby has been nothing short of spectacular.…more

The competition continues to heat up as 'The Voice Australia' moves on to the next stage of the competition in the 'Battle Rounds' 

This phase brings an entirely new level of intensity, as contestants go head-to-head in duets and sing-offs, raising the bar for their performances each time they hit the stage. 

The Battle Rounds came with a heavy heart as we bid farewell to one of the season's standout performers, Marley Sola. Marley, a fan-favourite who had impressed both judges and audiences alike with his soulful performances, faced a tough battle that ultimately marked the end of his journey on The Voice Australia.

Team Coach Guy Sebastian opted to go with Australian singer, Bella Mackenzie after both sang for their lives, sharing on his decision, "the thing that is guiding my gut is really about who I can help the most.”

As the competition intensifies, remaining Pasifika singers Razé, David Aumua, and Giaan Jordan will have their eyes on securing a coveted spot in the next round.…more

By Loveni Enari

To know, know, know him ... is to love, love, love him - the Teddy Bears from 1958 - beautiful song. Think about your friend list and think whose name you could possibly associate with it.

I challenge anyone, but anyone, who's a friend of Ta'i Paitai’s, to listen to that song and say it's not perfect for him!

Central City Library Artist in Residence, kete-weaver extraordinaire, prestigious dancer, Ta'i Paitai, that is.

You meet him, you think what an extraordinarily nice person, you tell someone who knows him and their reaction?

You get what I call that false Auckland voice (except it's real with Ta'i), 'Ooohhhh but he's lovely! What a lovely guy. He's so nice. He's amazing. Oh isn't he adorable'

Blah, blah, blah.

The first five people I mentioned his name to had that exact same reaction. 100%.

In three words - in bloody credible!

More incredible is his work as an artist.…more

In what was supposed to be an electrifying start to their respective Rugby World Cup campaigns, Fiji found themselves at the center of controversy as they suffered a gut-wrenching loss to Wales.

The match saw a comeback try slip from Fiji in the final minute of the game, but fans and pundits alike have been left questioning the fairness of the game, due to contentious refereeing decisions that many say seem to have favoured the Welsh side

Fiji will be looking to bounce back from their loss when they play against Australia on Monday 18, September 3:45amNZST

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Other Pacific Games:

New Zealand v Namibia - Saturday 16 September, 7amNZST
Samoa v Chile - Sunday 17 September, 1amNZST
Tonga v Ireland - Sunday 17 September, 7amNZST

By Loveni Enari

A year out of a person’s life may not be such a long time but when it’s a year since the sudden death of a loved one, it takes on a special significance.

When that person was a six foot four and 120kg larger than life type, who exuded colour and vibrancy, the dark emptiness is sharpened.

Willie Los’e, the first Māori-Tongan, Pasifika, sports show host on New Zealand radio, was that guy. He died in still unexplained circumstances while working in South Africa and, for those close to him, explanations at this stage are simply no longer necessary. He’s gone and no research by coroners is going to bring him back.…more

As the City Kickboxing boys get ready to take to the Octagon for UFC 293, we take you behind the scenes of UFC 293 Fight Week! 🎥

We go backstage so you get a front-row seat to the action, both on stage and behind the camera 👊🏽

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

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Credits:  

Shot by Penina Momoisea

Edited by Sefa Taouma 

Alongside the rise of Auckland’s City Kickboxing Gym, Tongan striking coach Tristam Apikotoa aka Twister or Twist, has often been credited by some of the gym’s biggest stars for the role he plays in their success.

Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker calls Twist his ‘secret weapon’ and Israel ‘The Last Stylebender’ Adesanya has described him as being 'knowledgable in the game, under-rated and a dark horse'.

We first met Twist in the buildup to UFC271 where he was often seen quietly observing the boys training sessions and Spyda drills.

With City Kickboxing Gym making history at UFC 293 having the most fighters from one gym on a card, Twist allowed us a rare interview.

Get to know the man, the myth and the legend in his own words below - 

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My Mum is Alisi Peau Ave-ika-Ki-Moana Wolfgramm from Neiafu, Vava'u and my father is Sosefo Losino Apikotoa Sapa'ata from Niua Fo'ou. Hihifo, NiuaToputapu.  Both families migrated and settled on the mainland in the village of Fasi-Moe-Afi A Tungi, Tongatapu.…more

by Thomas Law

In little over five weeks’ time, the Pacific Rugby League Championships will kick off, a concept tried in the past but not with this level of backing and interest from so many parties. Over four rounds in October and November, this will be the first major taste of international rugby league in the Southern Hemisphere since the 2019 Oceania Cup, with more teams involved than ever before, plans for future editions in years and financial commitments to equality across nations and gender.

In addition to Tonga’s pre-scheduled tour of England, Aotearoa New Zealand and last year’s World Cup finalists, Australia and Samoa, will compete in a round-robin, top-tier Pacific Championships, whilst Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands and Fiji compete in a bowl hosted in Port Moresby. Concurrently there will also be a series of women’s games featuring all seven nations.…more