Isaac Mar carries Fijian pride into the octagon

Isaac Mar is on the path that can influence a new wave of Fijian athletes in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).

This is after Mar gained a lot of recognition on social media after he performed Na i Cobo in the octagon during his amateur welterweight contest against Adam-Kara Ali in the Vital Kombat event at Central Coast, New South Wales in Australia on February 13.

“The Cobo is the thing I always do when I fight. It’s just a little way to honour the culture,” Mar said.

“It’s to honour my father and my grandfather because of all the support that they gave to me to be able to do this sport.”

Mar hails from Wawa Village, Moturiki in Lomaiviti and has an Australian mother.

He was brought up in Westmead, a suburb in Sydney, Australia.

“Growing up, my Fijian culture has been a big part of my life and spend a lot of time with my aunt alongside my cousins as we were the same age,” he said.

“I spent a lot of time with my family playing rugby and performed the traditional Fijian dance ‘Meke’ as we had a dance group.”

Mar was also involved with the Australian Fijian Catholic community during his youth.

“I think the big part of how I’m able to do this sport so well is because of my culture, genetic make-up and family history,” he said.

“I think that little spot where I did the Cobo is to give some recognition to the ones that paved the way for me and it's a little piece for the crowd as well when my family and friends come to watch."

Mar said the Cobo also helps him to gain confidence and calm his nerves.

Mar attended Glenwood High School and was part of the NRL (National Rugby Legue) South Sydney Rabbitohs programme.

I was playing rugby in the second row and lock position, he said.

We had some rep trials for SG ball (junior rugby league football competition) and I didn't make any of the big clubs that I wanted to join.

Mar was motived by Australian UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Robert Whittaker during a night out to pursue MMA.

He (Whittaker) is half Australian who has Maori and Samoan ancestry. He was born and raised in Australia just like me, he said.

I watched that fight, I've seen UFC fights before and instantly I just fell in love with it which is how I basically got into it.

He received family support in his transition to MMA from rugby despite a few hesitations at first.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj