The Caledonian gymnasium is hosting New Zealand's first MMA event to be sanctioned by the sport's largest worldwide body, the International Sport Karate Association.
Matt Toa, from event promoter Hammerhead Productions, said the sanctioning allowed the sport to set up rankings and introduce titles, recognised around the world, in New Zealand for the first time.
Toa said the plan was to have South and North Island title fights as well as New Zealand, Oceania and commonwealth title fights in the future.
The ISKA's New Zealand supervisor and co-ordinator, Wahid Wennekes, said he was pleased MMA would finally be governed in this part of the world by such a professional organisation.
Saturday's event will feature 13 fights, making it one of the biggest fight nights in New Zealand so far this year.
Nine will be MMA bouts and four will be kickboxing fights.
The main event will be a five-round fight for the South Island ISKA MMA middleweight title between Dunedin's Peter Clinch (Fi-G training/NZFFA) and Christchurch's Johnnie Lowe (Ren Saddlier).
It should be an explosive contest, with Clinch undefeated in his MMA career and Lowe coming off two wins in three months.
Toa and fellow Hammerhead member Apii Taia will be in their team's corner for earlier bouts as Hammerhead MMA members Ben Rawston and Brogan Anderson take to the cage.
Rawston will take on Mitch McKay (Wayne Vaegal) in a local derby, lightweight kickboxing bout scheduled for three two-minute rounds.
Anderson will be making his MMA debut when he meets Hemi Noble (Timaru Freestyle MMA) in a light-heavyweight contest scheduled for three rounds.
Toa has a background in MMA, having fought 25 professional fights.
He said he hoped to get back in the cage one day in the future and chase a few titles but for now was enjoying training the Hammerhead members.
The last Hammerhead fight card was held in June and raised $3000 for the Christchurch earthquake appeal.
Toa said he was expecting a crowd of about 1000 for Saturday's event.
