Ready to rage
C.EX Coffs Harbour will experience the rage in the cage again as the Brace mixed martial arts series returns tonight.
One of the stars of the event is former rugby league player Aaron Dyett, who will be looking to add another win to his burgeoning MMA career.
Facing off against Tasmanian jujitsu and judo expert Connor Murphy, Dyett will have one of his toughest challenges yet.
Set to weigh in at 84kg for the bout, Dyett, 33, was forced to lose more than 10kg in less than eight weeks.
He said it has been tough, but he was prepared for the fight.
"I have been working hard and putting everything on the line to be in the best shape," Dyett said.
"It is always a challenge for a fighter to drop a weight class. However, it toughens you mentally.
"I am very confident with my preparation and I'm ready to win."
Although it will be his opponent Murphy's fourth bout, Dyett refuses to underestimate him.
"This will be a physical encounter and Connor will look to take me to ground early," he said.
"My goal will be to stay on my feet as long as possible and utilise my abilities as a striker.
"My coach is a purple belt in Brazilian jujitsu and he's been able to show me a variety of different things I will face against Murphy.
"I have left no stone unturned in my preparation, which has me in a very strong position going into the bout."
Support for the local fighter tonight will be strong, with Dyett hoping it will give him a further advantage.
"Being from Tasmania, I don't think he (Murphy) will have many supporters," Dyett said.
"Being a local, there is sure to be plenty of friends and family cheering me on, which will help me out as the bout wears on."
Brace XV will feature six fights, with fighters from Brisbane, Gold Coast and Newcastle set to step into the hexagon of pain.
Fighting in the other big match-up of the night is former Urunga boy Ben Alloway, who returns from competing overseas to take on Rod Staader.
C.ex Coffs Harbour's Shona Hunter said she was expecting a big crowd of up to 600 people.
