From Street Violence to Bali’s Toughest Fight Club | Mike Ikilei
About this episode
Mike Ikilei shares his journey from street violence to founding Bali's toughest fight club, Soma Fight Club, discussing themes of community, fatherhood, and personal transformation.
From East Auckland Street violence and not expecting to make it past 21 to building Bali’s toughest fight club. Mike Ikilei, founder of Soma Fight Club, opens up about growing up comfortable with violence, the moment a gym pulled him back from the edge, and how Soma became a global destination for fighters and more family than a facility. He talks about fatherhood, community, the ANZAC toughness that shaped him, and why titles are just byproducts of giving everything. If you’ve ever felt pulled toward chaos, struggled with direction, or wanted more from yourself, this conversation shows what happens when violence is turned into purpose. Mike shares the mindset behind Soma, the standards he lives by, and the code that built one of the world’s most respected fight communities. We break down the story behind the Soma name, the mission driving the movement, and what comes next. 📲 Follow Mike: Instagram Facebook 🥋 Follow Soma Fight Club: Instagram Website 🥊 Follow Benny: Instagram TikTok Facebook 🎙️ Follow Benny Drohan Podcast: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts 👇 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:01:41 Did Soma Become What Mike Originally Envisioned? 00:04:09 Growing Up in…
People in this episode
Host: Benny Drohan
Guest: Mike Ikilei
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Soma Fight Club
Places: Bali, East Auckland
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