Jack Wilshaw and Guy Erskine will be along way from home when they step into the cage this weekend.
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Both are excited, and a little nervous. But they are confident of having their hand's raised at the Tasmanian Fighting Championships on Saturday.
"I'm feeling very confident,"Erskine told The Courier.
"I just really believe in my fight camp and where my training is at. My technique is there and I trust my preparation," he said.
If there is one thing Erskine takes seriously it's his training. As a self-confessed lover of fight movies, the 26-year-old amateur has no idea how many push-ups he's done while watching Rocky. He just knew it was a lot.
To him, the sport of MMA has a very simple philosophy.
"There is no bull-crap with fighting, you put the work in and you win or you lose and there are no excuses," he said.
"The sport has changed me a bit too. Because I put so much effort in here, I don't stress outside as much. It's a massive release, it keeps me fit and my diet has to be right - it keeps me all together."
Saturday will mark the fifth fight for Erskine, who has a current record of two wins and two losses
After spending a few years in the military, Erskine said he was eager to make up for lost time.
"In my two losses I never quite pulled the trigger," he said.
"This fight I know my training and conditioning is behind me, so I just have to go out there and execute."
It's a different set of circumstances for Wilshaw, who will look to stay undefeated in what will be his second amateur bout.
After overwhelming his opponent with a flurry of strikes to win his first fight at February's Path to Hex, the 22-year-old said he was confident of a repeat performance.
"I'm feeling good, it's been a good fight camp and I'm well prepared," he said.
It will be a hostile environment in more ways than one for Wilshaw, who will face Tasmanian native Ethan Boswood.
Wilshaw said he would embrace being the underdog.
"We've watched a few clips and sort of know his strengths and his weaknesses," he said.
"I believe he's had three caged muay-thai kickboxing fights, but not much grappling experience.
"My plan is to take it to the ground and take him out of his comfort zone."
Wilshaw said a win over Boswood would help him build his profile within the amateur ranks.
He said he hoped to one day fight on the professional MMA circuit.
"At this point for me it's about experience," he said
"It's different when you're fighting under the spotlight, so for me the biggest benefits will be getting used to the nerves and getting used to fighting in that kind of environment."
Wilshaw said he loved everything about the sport.
"You can apply these skills in real life," he said.
"Football wont save your life like this can."