‘Lolo: The Champion Maker’ – Review
New Zealand has carved out a formidable reputation in the global fight game, producing some of the most respected and dangerous competitors to ever step into the ring or the cage. From heavyweight bruisers like Mark Hunt and Ray Sefo, to boxing icons like Shane Cameron, to modern-day MMA superstar Israel Adesanya, Kiwis have made their presence felt worldwide. But behind their success, shaping them as fighters and as men, stands one man: Lolo Heimuli. And in Lolo: The Champion Maker, audiences finally get to see his remarkable story unfold on the big screen.
Lolo: The Champion Maker, is the story of Lolo Heimuli — a fighter turned trainer who transformed a church storage room into a gym and went on to train world champions like Ray Sefo, Mark Hunt, Shane Cameron, as well as future coaching great Eugene Bareman. Though not a household name, Lolo is revered in combat sports as the “champion maker,” a quiet man of faith whose journey from humble beginnings to shaping New Zealand’s fighting legacy is told through family, faith, and the fighters he inspired.
A Sky Original documentary, Lolo: The Champion Maker is both a gripping chronicle of New Zealand’s martial arts legacy and an intimate portrait of a quiet, humble man whose influence has rippled through generations. A former fighter himself, Heimuli made the transition to coaching, where his dedication, discipline and vision turned him into the cornerstone of the Kiwi MMA and kickboxing community. This is the first time his life and legacy are told in full, and it makes for an absorbing, heartfelt watch.
What immediately strikes you in the documentary is Heimuli’s unassuming presence. He’s no loud-mouth trainer barking orders from the corner. Instead, he’s a deeply reserved, happy-go-lucky figure with a sharp passion for the fight game, and a sense of duty to mentor the next wave of New Zealanders. Influenced by his Tongan heritage, his Christian faith, and his deep love for his family and community, Heimuli approaches coaching not just as a way to build champions inside the ring, but also to shape grounded, respectful people outside of it. This dual philosophy runs through every frame, and it’s inspiring to watch.
The film also serves as a time capsule of New Zealand’s martial arts community, told through the voices of its legends. Mark Hunt, Ray Sefo, Shane Cameron, Jason Suttie, Wayne Vaega and Israel Adesanya all step forward to reflect on Heimuli’s profound impact. Each shares personal anecdotes that highlight his discipline, humour, and ability to bring out the very best in those under his tutelage. One of the most poignant moments comes when Heimuli speaks about his own mentor, the legendary Sifu Philip Lam. The respect between teacher and student is palpable, and it’s clear Heimuli has carried that same torch, building a legacy of champions.
Yet Lolo: The Champion Maker isn’t just about the fight game. It’s also a deeply human story, anchored by Heimuli’s wife, Leinata. Her presence is felt throughout the film, both as his partner in life and as a mother figure to the fighters who have passed through their gym doors. Their love and partnership have been a cornerstone of Heimuli’s success, and it’s moving to see her influence honoured so prominently.
Of course, fight fans won’t be left wanting either. The documentary packs in plenty of hard-hitting, adrenaline-fuelled stories from New Zealand’s MMA and kickboxing past, bringing the energy and grit of the fight world to life.
At its heart, though, Lolo: The Champion Maker is about more than trophies and titles. It’s about legacy, mentorship, and the quiet power of a man who has lifted others up. Inspiring, heartfelt, and adrenaline-charged, this documentary cements Lolo Heimuli’s place as one of New Zealand’s true sporting legends.
Lolo: The Champion Maker premieres at 7:30pm on Monday 22 September on Sky Sport 1, immediately following Crowd Goes Wild. It will also be available on Sky Sport Now and Neon from Tuesday 23 September.
Image: SKY TV
