Flyweight MMA fighter Coopar ‘Rush Dundee’ Royal is hoping to become the next big Australian star to represent on the global stage with ONE Championship.
If ‘Rush’ can get past Kaito Oda at ONE Friday Fights 60 this Friday, his dream could become reality.
Royal takes on the Japanese debutant at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 26.
Stream live fights and ONE's library of 100+ events free on 7plus
With two submission victories to his name, the Rockhampton native has been super impressive in his promotional appearances so far. In the latest victory of his unblemished five-fight professional career, Royal pulled off a stunning come-from-behind win over Uzbek wrestling standout Komronbek Ortikov.
After surviving two torrid rounds under the relentless takedowns of Ortikov, Royal hit a triangle armbar submission with less than two minutes remaining in the fight.
That win surprised many who know Royal as a dynamic striker, evident during his rise through the local ranks. But for the man himself, it’s been a gratifying experience to show what he can do when the fight hits the canvas.
![Royal says he can get it done on the canvas and also with his fists.](jpg/f51c2abea44e4a1c5f0a8549415fd2327ff9a7aee2c3.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
“I saw it playing out with finishes, but I don’t know why people think I’m just a striker. I’m not just a striker, I’ve got submissions as well. I’m very talented on my feet but just as talented on the mat. Two submissions looks good on the resume, right?” Royal said.
“I already know I’m capable of that. But it’s good to have them know that I’m not just a striker. I’m dangerous wherever the fight goes. It’s just finishes, that’s all I’m looking for. I don’t care how the finish comes. I just know that it’s coming.”
In the past, fighters who’ve scored three finishes on the ONE Friday Fights platform have secure a six-figure contract to ONE’s main roster, but whether or Royal gets one is up to ONE brass.
That fact isn’t lost on Royal, who completes his fight camps under renowned coach Renato Subotic at the Family Fight Team in Sydney before returning to his native Queensland.
A full-time berth on the ONE roster would give him the financial freedom to make the move down South for good, where the 24-year-old feels he can truly unlock his potential as a fighter.
“It would mean a lot (to earn a ONE contract). It’s more motivation to get the bonus or get a contract so I can move to Sydney to train full time. Once I’m here full time, it’s going to be dangerous for everybody,” he said.
But before he can set his sights on the spoils of fighting on the global stage, Royal has a hungry ONE debutant to contend with at ONE Friday Fights 60.
![Royal believes a move to Sydney could unlock his full potential.](jpg/51a023003cd4c505df446a5bfe6e8bf883f8080de2c3.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Oda holds a 3-1 professional record that he has amassed in his native Japan. But the danger lies in the fact that all of the 26-year-old’s wins have come in the first round.
For Royal, facing a fast-starting opponent simply means more opportunities to close the show and advance his claims to a coveted ONE Championship contract.
“From the little bit of footage we can find on him, he looks pretty explosive. He’s got good power. I think he’s going to start fast, which is good for the fans. I just think I’m levels above him everywhere. His only chance is to catch me. I think that’s what he’s going to do. He’s going to come out and try to catch me early,” Royal said.
“Like I do with everyone, I just think I have him on the feet. I have him on the mat as well, but I just see a KO in this fight. I think he’s going to come out and try to exchange with me, and it’s not going to end well for him.
“I’m going to get the KO. That’ll be three fights, three finishes. (ONE Chairman and CEO) Chatri Sityodtong’s going to give me a lovely bonus and if he wants, he’ll add a nice little contract in there as well.”
Stream free on
![7plus logo](png/7plus.4273d9c8.png)