Son of a gun blazing own trail

MMA fighter Sean Gauci with his father Darren. Source: Supplied

SEAN Gauci could have followed in his father's footsteps and ridden horses for a living, but instead he wants to create his own path fighting inside a cage.

Last Saturday night, in front of almost 2000 people at Adelaide Arena, Gauci stepped inside a 24-foot cage for the first time to fight Gavin Toyama at MMA Down Under 5.

The 17-year-old braved an early head kick to win the bout by unanimous decision.

"I had been training for 16 weeks for the fight," Sean said. "So I'm just happy it's over now and I got the win."

The flyweight was nervous, but not nearly as bad as his father — highly regarded veteran jockey Darren Gauci — before his debut.

"I don't think I was ever so nervous in my life, I was worried and I was concerned," Darren said.

"He handled himself really well and I'm glad he got through the fight all right.

"He surprised me, I was more than proud of him, I knew he had it in him."

Sean and Darren Gauci pictured in 1999 Source: News Limited

It was a big day for the Gauci family. Just hours earlier Darren rode Wrist Watch to a win at Morphetville Racecourse.

Currently in Year 12, Sean found it difficult to balance training and school work, but credits his father for his work ethic.

"He's super hard working and I think I got that from him," he said.

"You've got to work for your goals, that's what he's always taught me."

Sean plans on fighting again this year.

"My number one goal is to continue a career in fighting and my school is my backup. Just in case something happens you've got to play it smart," he said.

And although Darren isn't thrilled about the idea of his son continuing to fight in the cage, he supports him.

"It is dangerous the nature of the way they fight," he said.

"But it's the same with my game.

"That was the first time (I had seen him fight) and maybe the next time I'll be better.

"But he's a grown man now and I'll be 110 per cent behind him."

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