Hosted by Knight MMA/ Carlson Gracie South Canterbury, Colosseum III will take place on Saturday and feature seven of Timaru’s top combatants.
Competing in front of their hometown crowd and representing Knight MMA/ Carlson Gracie South Canterbury are Rearn Tumai, Will Knight, Josh Gamblin and Kurt Mori while representing Timaru Freestyle Martial Arts are Damien Wederell, Zac Heald and Jesse TK.
Organiser Wayne Knight said there would be 10 fights in total on the night.
"We will have three different disciplines, which range from K1 to mod thai to MMA.
"We’ve also got an eight-man jujitsu tournament for the Colosseum Championship belt.
"I try and stack the card so it’s like Timaru versus everyone else."
He said it was important to give other clubs exposure.
"The sport is growing, I want to try and give the other clubs in Timaru the opportunity to represent as well.
"Timaru does all come together and we will be supporting our other clubs in Timaru and we will be backing Carlson Gracie Jujitsu.
"The people that come to watch and get tables will see that as well, they’ll see it’s all about showcasing the talent in this town."
As well as local talent, fighters from around the entire South Island will be travelling to compete.
The event was not about making profit, Knight said.
"We’re not in it to make money. We’ll be lucky if we break even.
"It’s about giving these young guys the platform to compete and making sure they stay active.
"I’m just really looking forward to seeing Timaru out there, backing their competitors from our town.
"I think we punch way above our weight for our town.
"I just can’t wait, it’s going to be fantastic."
Tickets for the event can be purchased for $40 through Eventbrite.
Corporate tables for up to 10 people can also be purchased which will include a meal and drinks and snacks throughout the night and local food vendors will also be on site.
Doors will open at 5pm and the first fight is scheduled to start around 6pm.
