A popular mixed-martial arts gym in the south eastern Melbourne suburb of Dandenong has been destroyed in what Victoria Police suspect was a “targeted” and “deliberate” arson attack.
Reports indcate that a car crashed through the front door of Fighters Xpress about 3.30am on Sunday 16th July after which individuals poured accelerant throughout the building on Lonsdale Street before setting it alight and then fleeing.
Fire Rescue Victoria and Country Fire Authority battled for more than 75 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
The fire also damaged a next-door café.
Following the blaze, Inspector Chris Murray of Victoria Police's Arson and Explosive Squad advised "we’ve got a scene of absolute desolation”, adding that it was a “deliberate, targeted attack to destroy”.
Arson and Explosive Squad, Echo Taskforce and VIPER detectives are investigating whether the blaze is linked to an outbreak of arson attacks across Melbourne apparently linked to organised crime.
Reports suggest outlaw motorcycle gangs and crime groups of Middle Eastern origin.
Inspector Murray advised "we will be significantly upping the ante as the result of this ... looking at why this premises was targeted, what the possible motives were.
“Our response is going to be absolutely significant. If you’re behind this, if you’re associated with people involved in this, we will be paying you a visit - mark my words.”
In a social media post, Fighters Xpress owner and well known kickboxer Sleman Aschna slammed the “weak little cowards” and vowed to build a “bigger and better” gym for its “many kids and families”.
Shortly after the blaze was lit, a vehicle was set on fire in Canberra Avenue, Dandenong and melted part of a resident’s car.
Police believe the incident is linked to the gym blaze.
Fighters Xpress is the training base for teenage world champion kickboxer Melisa Muselovic. It has also hosted visiting world champions such as UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In 2019, the same gym was targeted by a suspicious fire, which started in an outside hard-rubbish.
On that occasion, the building suffered significant smoke damage.
Any information or vision to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Image: Fighters Express prior to the fire. Credit: Fighters Express/Facebook.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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