Last weekend’s GAMMA Oceania Mixed Martial Arts Championship showcased the potential of dozens of fighters with Anthony 'Antz' Vitale from Levi, Saleimoa and Taufusi as one of them.

Currently based in and fighting out of New Zealand, Antz told the Samoa Observer of his Samoan role models in the world of combat sport and how much they influenced his pathway. 

“I’ve always wanted to represent Samoa and bring more eyes to our beautiful home. Seeing guys like David Tua, Mark Hunt and Ray Sefo represent us in front of the world,” he said. “I managed to win gold in the Novice Welterweight Division at the GAMMA Oceania Championships. 

"I won three fights over the weekend bringing my MMA Record to 4-0 and have a kickboxing record of 2-1. It means a lot to be able to put Samoa up in the same limelight as much as bigger countries like New Zealand and Australia. 

"Just shows that as a small nation, we can compete with the best. It’s a great feeling to see all the support from my family and friends both in New Zealand and Australia, but especially back in Samoa.”

The GAMMA Oceania Mixed Martial Arts Championship started with the weigh-in on 9 June 2023 and his official fights kicked off from 10–11 June 2023. He said that he prepared for eight weeks leading up to it championship.

“I had my first kickboxing fight in 2020 and made my amateur MMA debut on 1^st April 2023 on the Shuriken Fight Series 14 held at the Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland,” Antz added. “However, this tournament was my first time representing Samoa in any combat sport. 

"This tournament was a great experience, not only for winning gold in my division but especially for winning gold for Samoa. Hopefully, with the results coming from this, the sport of MMA can get more recognition back home in Samoa. 

"There’s so much talent there and having a start-up back in Samoa could be a great pathway for more up-and-coming fighters.”

Next up, he would like to get one more MMA fight in New Zealand, before heading over to the GAMMA World Championships later this year but not before thanking his coaching team and partners.

“Thank you to my coaches and training partners at Oliver MMA South Auckland for helping me get ready for this tournament. But also, thank you to my family and especially my partner for constantly supporting me both with training and encouraging me to keep going on the off days I don’t feel like going. Having her in my corner has helped me stay on track.”