MMA
Beatdown MMA: The Rising Tide of Australian Combat Talent
Eubank Jr. vs Benn II exclusively on DAZN - Nov 15
As the lights prepare to blaze over Brisbane for Beatdown MMA’s fight night on Saturday, four fighters stand ready to put everything on the line - each with their own story of grit, growth, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
From seasoned grapplers to striking purists, this card showcases the next generation of Australian MMA talent, unified by passion and driven by purpose.
DAZN News spoke exclusively to some of the athletes ahead of the Saturday's show which will be broadcast exclusively live on DAZN.
Lisa Kyriacou – The Relentless Trailblazer
For Lisa Kyriacou, MMA is a late-found calling turned full-throttle obsession.
The Cypriot-Australian fighter didn’t even step into a gym until her mid-20s, yet within a few short years, she has risen to the top of the Australian women’s rankings.
A former dental professional, she quit her job to chase the cage full-time - a decision that transformed her into a national champion and now a Beatdown MMA headliner.
Kyriacou admits her introduction to fighting wasn’t love at first punch, but rather an evolution of discipline and self-belief.
“This sport isn’t for the weak-minded,” she says.
“You’ve got to love it even on the days you hate it.”
Working with sports psychologists and high-level grapplers, she’s crafted a mental toughness that matches her physical intensity. Her dream outcome? A knockout - the only box yet unticked in her career.
“I’ve got the power,” she laughs.“I just need one fight to unleash it.”
Headlining against Faine Mesquita, Kyriacou embraces the significance of two women topping the card.
“It’s not a token move,” she insists. “We’re here on merit. We’ve earned this.”
Faine Mesquita – The Coder Who Can’t Be Coded
Her opponent, Faine Mesquita, couldn’t have a more contrasting background.
A Brazilian-born software developer by day, Mesquita writes code by morning and takedown scripts by night.
Trained in jiu-jitsu since her teens, she’s transformed her technical precision from front-end design to front headlocks.
“I started martial arts for self-defense but once I started competing, I knew this was it," explained Mesquita.
Despite juggling a career in tech, Mesquita’s discipline bridges both worlds.
She said: “Software gives me balance. If I break a leg, I can still code. But fighting gives me life.”
With a calm but confident demeanor, Mesquita is unfazed by pressure.
“I’ve taken everyone down in every fight I’ve ever had,” she states plainly. “That won’t change.”
Facing Kyriacou, she’s not just hunting a win but the next step towards UFC contention.
She added: “I want to prove I’m the number one flyweight in Australia, and when UFC comes to Sydney, I’ll be ready.”
Koby Wood-Lynch – From the Pitch to the Cage
Then there’s Koby Wood-Lynch, a former soccer player turned knockout artist with a Muay Thai heart.
With a record of 3–1 since transitioning from boxing to MMA, the 23-year-old brings relentless energy and a perfectionist mindset.
He said: “I don’t just want to win, I want every fight to look effortless.”
Wood-Lynch credits his success to discipline and to his coaches, Ian Bone and Jack James, who he calls 'the backbone' of his rise.
His opponent, AJ Singh, offers both challenge and opportunity.
Wood-Lynch continued: “He’s well-rounded and experienced, but that’s where I shine - I thrive under pressure.”
Known for his striking background, Wood-Lynch teases an evolving skill set.
He warned: “People haven’t seen my grappling yet. They’re in for a rude shock.”
For a fighter who once chased soccer balls, it’s poetic that his footwork now sets up finishes instead of goals
And while UFC dreams are at the front of his mind, he’s not walking alone.
He added: “I’m not fighting for myself, I’m fighting for my family, my team - everyone who lets me live this dream.”
Toby Tsang – The Scholar-Fighter
A former semi-pro footballer and recent university graduate, Toby Tsang is proof that brains and brawn can coexist in MMA.
Balancing a career in financial tech with professional fighting, Tsang blends intellect with aggression, forging a calm, calculated style inside the cage.
“I’m addicted to improvement,” he said.
“The hardest thing isn’t training - it’s staying adaptable. Most fighters go through the motions, I never want to stop learning.”
Trained under the Integrated MMA banner, Tsang combines high-pressure grappling with a rapidly developing striking arsenal.
Facing Damian Volar, a 'viking of a man' as he calls him, Tsang welcomes the test.
He explained: “He’s tenacious, but I’ll find the finish - first round or third, it doesn’t matter.”
And when asked about his inspirations, Tsang looks beyond the octagon: “I admire Khabib - not just for fighting, but for knowing exactly who he is. That kind of refinement is what I want to achieve.”
Tsang goes on to say how he is excited to showcase his skills on a truly global platform like DAZN come November 8.
He added: “Beatdown on DAZN opens the door for everyone to see what Australian MMA really is - skillful, technical and world-class.”
Watch Eubank Jr. vs Benn 2 only on DAZN
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn's much anticipated rematch is live and exclusive on DAZN PPV on Saturday, November 15. Buy for £24.99 UK / $59.99 US.
