ABOUT BENDIGO FIGHT CENTRE

Lucas began his martial arts journey from a young age, starting with boxing and Muay Thai and training under some of the finest coaches in Australia. With a lifelong passion for MMA, he moved to Melbourne and started his own business, setting his own hours to allow ample time for training with some of the country’s most elite MMA gyms.

After ten years of dedication to boxing, Muay Thai and mixed martial arts, the need for a team to elevate him to a bigger stage and to maximise his potential became clear. Thus, the idea of BFC was conceived.

Three years into running the gym, Lucas is the man behind over 15 champions fighting out of Bendigo in boxing, Muay Thai and MMA.

Dariean served four years as a rifleman in the Australian Army, specialising in Direct Fire Support Weapons (DFSW). After leaving the army, he relocated to Bendigo and devoted himself to training in mixed martial arts.

With high discipline and motivation, Dariean competed in his first amateur mixed martial arts fight within a year of training and secured a victory. Since that win, he has focused on honing his striking skills, with a particular emphasis on boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai.

Kaleb served four years in the Australian Army as a rifleman, specialising in operating the M113AS4 armoured personnel carrier. He then returned to his hometown after being discharged. As a Yorta Yorta man, Kaleb carries his heritage with pride.

He began his martial arts journey in childhood, training in Wing Chun, boxing and Taekwondo. With multiple competitions under his belt, Kaleb has showcased advanced skills and a dedication that marks him as a true warrior in the realm of combat sports.

After serving five years in the Australian Defence Force as a rifleman with a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, Matt specialised in driving Bushmasters before discharging and returning to his hometown of Bendigo. There, he worked in a bar and became a first aid trainer, actively assisting his community.

In a shed with mates, Matt began his martial arts journey, developing a passion for kickboxing and wrestling. Driven by a strong sense of justice, he independently ventured to aid in the Ukrainian conflict, serving with the Ukrainian army against Russian advances. Matt values teamwork and respect highly, consistently showing integrity and dedication to his beliefs.

Hamish Catto, a Bridgewater local, was born into the demanding life of sheep farming, which honed his toughness and capability from the outset. In search of more challenging work, Hamish began labouring as a driller, pushing his physical strength even further.

Hamish began boxing only three years ago, training under Lucas in a backyard setup. After 8–12 weeks he entered a novice boxing competition which resulted in his first win.

Since then Hamish has become an active and successful welterweight boxer, including winning the 2023 VABL Super Welterweight regional title by round-three KO.

50+ years experience. Over 100 fights.

I started my martial arts journey in 2011 in Melbourne, looking to learn a new skill and get in shape. What began as training for MMA quickly became a passion for Jiu Jitsu.

Now a purple belt, I’ve been hooked since day one. In early 2024, our family moved to Bendigo to spend more time with our kids, who have both started their own Jiu Jitsu journey here at BFC. Sharing the mats with them has made the sport even more meaningful to me.

Jiu Jitsu brings together learning, fitness and community—three things I’m deeply passionate about. It builds confidence, sharpens the mind and keeps you active. I can’t recommend it enough. Come roll with us and see for yourself!