Early last Friday afternoon, Luke Dally assumed his chance at a second national title was over for the time-being. By the time Saturday night rolled around, he had fought for and won the National Lightweight Title.
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Competing at the Demolition Fight Series in Melbourne, Dally and fellow mixed martial artist Harry Webb came out victorious in their respective lightweight bouts by submission and unanimous decision respectively.
The two train out of Infinite MMA in Ballarat and were on their way to Melbourne when Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the statewide five-day, stage-four lockdown.
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They turned around to journey back to Ballarat following the call that the event was cancelled, but welcomed news from the Victorian Combat Board that it would go ahead under strict COVID regulations and with no spectators.
Dally said it was great to be able to get the event up and going and challenge for the title after a rollercoaster 2020, with COVID restrictions affecting training and cancelling some fights.
"It was incredible, especially after the rough year we've had without being able to train properly, not having a gym to access," he said.
"Coming off a loss in the last fight, it was awesome to come out with the win and get the belt, no better feeling."
Dally was able to secure the win with a ninja-choke submission at the start of the second round, an especially impressive feat considering his opponent is an elite wrestler. The title is his second, after he won the Path to Hex Lightweight championship.
Webb, who is undefeated, dominated his fight from start to finish, facing a much bigger opponent who didn't make weight at the start of the day.
He said after a significant stint out of the sport, it was great to be back fighting and winning again.
"It was unreal, it's been two years really since my last fight, just because of pull-outs and then COVID last year, so there's no better feeling than getting back in there and getting the win on Saturday," he said.
Coach John Campbell says to see the guys succeed after all their hard work was so rewarding.
"Very satisfying. They both fought some extremely tough and experienced opponents," he said.
"They come in and work their butts off for between three and four hours every single night six days a week."
He added that their ability to stay in shape during COVID last year was a credit to them.
"I'd post something online and the boys would do it at their home so it's not ideal, it's a sport where you need a training partner, it's very hard to be doing things solo. They're just very coachable, very humble and super talented," he said.
Dally and Webb will continue training at home, awaiting the easing of COVID restrictions to plan their next fights.
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