Max Leali is about to light up the MMA scene once again. On June 8th, in the heart of Perth, he’s stepping back into the cage with one goal: clinching the Flyweight Championship Belt at Eternal MMA. This moment has been a long time coming, marked by a rollercoaster of challenges, from health issues to a string of frustrating fight cancellations. Yet, Max’s unyielding spirit and raw determination have kept the fire of anticipation burning bright among fans and peers alike.
Max was originally set to throw down at Deep MMA Promotion back in March. But life had other plans—schedule conflicts and health concerns hit hard, forcing him to recalibrate. Battling through the rough patch, including a heavy reliance on antibiotics and enduring a brutal eight fight cancellations, Max’s focus never wavered.
Max’s Game-Changing Move to Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA
The real turning point? Max’s bold move to Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA. Shifting gears from a small gym in Hong Kong, where he honed his skills under skilled Muay Thai and MMA coaches, Max ventured to Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas. The glitz of Vegas wasn’t quite his scene, though. It was the move to Bang Tao that truly ignited his career. In this vibrant, supportive community, under the expert guidance of coaches like Frank Hickman, George Hickman, Alex Schild, Woody (Andrew Wood), and Brad Riddell, Max’s game evolved dramatically, refining his striking, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling techniques.
“It’s an environment that fosters growth, the whole team is committed to elevating each other,” says Max. He’s quick to shout out his training partners Che, Felype, Akeitheon, and Jada for their relentless support.
Carrying Hong Kong on His Shoulders
For Max, every fight is more than just a bout—it’s a chance to honor his roots. As a rare representative of Hong Kong in the MMA world, he fights with a deep sense of pride. The battle for the Eternal belt is more than just a title fight; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of Hong Kong’s fighting community.
Max is also making history as the first homegrown Bangtao fighter to compete for a title belt in MMA. This milestone adds an extra layer of significance to his journey, showcasing the rise of Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA on the global stage.
Max is grateful for all the support he’s received on this journey. He acknowledges the sacrifices made by his loved ones and himself, vowing to represent them with honor. As he steps into the Eternal Cage, his mission is clear: to make his supporters proud and carve his name into MMA history.
The Opponent: Anthony Drilich
Standing in Max’s way is Anthony Drilich, the #2 ranked flyweight in Australia and New Zealand. Drilich boasts a professional record of 7-1 and trains out of Scrappy MMA under coaches Ben Vickers and Brandon Drilich.
If you’re keen to back Max’s journey or explore sponsorship opportunities, hit him up on Instagram @Max.Leali or via email at max.leali95@gmail.com.
Catch Max’s fight live on June 8th on UFC Fight Pass. Let’s rally behind him as he aims for the title!