‘I want to be the first Niue world champion’

At just 12 years old, Mai'ivia Simi says, “I want to be the first Niue World Champion.”

Nicknamed the “Niuean Sayan”, Simi carves out a strong path in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing, showcasing his skills and unwavering passion for the fight game.

Simi already achieves significant milestones, becoming an Australian national champion in boxing, MMA, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

A passion born from discipline

He discovers Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a local gym, drawn to the art’s technical and strategic nature.

“I just started falling in love with it from there.” he recalls.

Photo/BoxingBook.

Boxing begins as a form of punishment for a mistake he makes in the gym. But what starts as a discipline soon blossoms into a passion.

“I actually got a love for it as well,” Simi says with a smile.

A lifestyle of dedication

For Simi, combat sports represent more than just a hobby.

Balancing rigorous training with homeschooling, he dedicates nearly every waking moment to honing his craft.

Training at Fifth Wave Jiu-Jitsu in Brisbane under coach Taylor Brown, Simi follows a demanding routine with morning and evening sessions, often spending entire days at the gym.

“Fight game is basically my whole life,” he says.

This commitment pays off with an impressive record of eight wins and two losses in boxing, alongside his recent national championship title in the under-44kg category.

A family affair

Simi says his family is a pillar of support in his journey.

His father, Michael, constantly encourages him, investing time and resources into his son’s career.

“Dad’s always spending so much time for me. I definitely want to make it worth it for him.”

Beyond his immediate family, Simi’s aunties and cousins cheer him on, creating a network of love and support that fuels his ambition.

Social media and sponsorships: Building a brand

In today’s digital age, athletes connect with fans and build their personal brands through social media.

Simi embraces this opportunity, using Instagram to share his journey, training routines, and competition highlights.

His engaging content garners a significant following, attracting sponsorships from various brands.

“I wanted to get it up by doing cool stuff on Instagram,” he says.

This approach boosts his profile and opens doors to new opportunities within the combat sports community.

Looking ahead

Simi’s aspirations extend far beyond national competitions.

With a clear vision for his future, he aims to become a world-renowned figure in combat sports.

“I want to be number one in the whole world. Not just in the UFC, but in all combat sports.”

Photo/Provided.

Inspired by fighters like Israel Adesanya and Vasyl Lomachenko, Simi admires their technical prowess and footwork, qualities he strives to emulate in his training.

His ultimate goal is to achieve personal success and inspire the next generation of young fighters.

A message to aspiring athletes

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Simi offers simple yet powerful advice: “Just stick to it.”

Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges his challenges and setbacks, including doubt and frustration.

But his perseverance carries him through.

“If you just stick to it, it’ll come,” he says.

With his sights set on future championships and a long-term career in combat sports, Mai’ivia Simi is a name to watch.

To follow Mai’ivia Simi’s journey and stay updated on his competitions, you can find him on Instagram at @maivia_simi