Sinead Kavanagh knows that history will be made on Friday night as she takes on Leah McCourt at Bellator 275 in Dublin.
In what will be the biggest-ever fight between two Irish women, the featherweight contenders will do battle in front of a packed 3 Arena.
The all-Irish co-main event follows an action-packed evening featuring some home-grown rising stars before the middleweight world championship is put on the line as Gegard Mousasi takes on Austin Vanderford - a seismic main event a nod to the now infamously raucous capital crowd.
And they'll be on their feet for Kavanagh and McCourt's bout as 'KO' Kavanagh looks to bounce back from defeat in her title fight with Cris Cyborg back in November.
"It's legendary," Kavanagh told the Irish Mirror.
"Me and Leah will be talking about this for years, that we fought each other in the 3 Arena, that we had the courage to sign the contracts and put everything on the line - fair play to the two of us for actually doing it.
She added: "It's a quick turnaround especially because I just fought. I'm all prepared now, I was out for a year before the Cyborg fight so I feel like I'm ready for this now."
The pair both fight out of SBG, but despite training from different gyms, have a healthy respect and were pictured hugging at their face-off on Thursday.
But that hasn't stopped a little needle creeping into pre-fight talk as Kavanagh vowed to put on a show and get herself back in contention for the featherweight world title.
"There wasn't on my team," Kavanagh laughed.
"But I don't know she said something to the reporters (at the press conference), so there you go - we have beef now.
"I'm going to bring what I always bring - excitement.
"I'm going to throw hands, powerful hands, and make it a dogfight - like what I always do."
Belfast star McCourt is riding a wave in recent years after picking up six victories on the spin, and feels that whoever has their hands raised should be the next to fight champion Cyborg.
McCourt said: “I’m really proud that this fight has gotten the recognition I think it deserves because it’s such a big fight and there’s big repercussions after for whoever wins.
"There will be big opportunities and I always say once you step in the cage, your life and the outcomes can change so much after. It’s nice to get that respect because I think people take for granted what we do sometimes.
“I just think stylistically it’s such a good fight. I don’t think it’s about the No. 1 spot in Ireland. That’s not really my goal. My goal obviously is to be a world champion.
“I’ve always said as an amateur world champion, it’s my destiny to be a professional world champion. No matter what path, whatever happens or which way it goes, it’s inevitable. But I definitely think I should be given that opportunity if I get past Sinead."
Irish fans have plenty more to look forward to, and none more so than up-and-coming star Ciaran Clarke.
He picked up a big preliminary card win against Jordan Barton at Bellator Dublin November, and the fan favourite is bumped up to the main card to take on Abou Tounkara.
“In regard to my skillset, it’s like you can watch me and it doesn’t look marvellous but it’s only until you’re in there," Clarke explained.
I think it will be the same on Friday. I put pressure on guys and I bring the pace. I dictate. I just bring them into my world and they’re reacting to me.
“This is another tough fight. Tounkara is 7-2. This will be his tenth fight. This will be my fifth. So he’s got twice as many fights. But I think I’m probably more experienced. I don’t know much about his amateur career, but I’ve been doing it a long time.
"I stayed amateur for over 20 fights. I think I’ll have that on him. He’s a tough lad and I’m looking to show more of my skillset. I’ve improved big-time since the last fight.”
There's a huge return to look forward to as Brian Moore fights in the 3 Arena for the first time since his November 2017 loss to AJ McKee.
After fighting around Europe and the world in subsequent fights, 'The Pikeman' is delighted to be back and taking on a big name in Jornel Lugo.
“I cannot wait. I can guarantee you one thing, there isn't a more excited fighter this week than myself. I cannot wait to make that walk," Moore glowed.
“The traveling has a benefit too. You get to fight and see the world, somewhat. But nothing beats fighting at home, that’s for sure. I'm going to embrace every step and like I always do, fight with everything I have.
“This is something you're going to bring to your deathbed. It'll be one of the last things you think of, walking out in front of a sold out 3Arena. This is the Mecca of European MMA and we're all privileged to be fighting here.
“I asked for Jornel, very simply because he's a good fighter. He's a great fighter. Very technical. Good on the feet - the way he switches from southpaw to orthodox. Good grappler too.
"He's a mixed bag but a very technical guy and we can expect a hell of a fight. This is the two best strikers in the bantamweight division fighting each other. Whether or not it'll be a striking matchup, I'm not sure, but we'll see Friday night.”
Amid all the Irish interest in a preliminary card featuring prospects such as Danni McCormack, Lee Hammond, Darragh Kelly and Nathan Kelly, there's plenty for the purists.
Khasan Magomedsharipov v Jose Sanchez will prove an exciting main card clash while the prelims is closed by exciting bouts such as Charlie Leary v Davy Gallon and Brett Johns v Khurshed Kakhorov.
But perhaps the most impressive part of the show is that Bellator have brought over two of the biggest names in the promotion for the main event in Gegard Mousasi and Austin Vanderford.
Mousasi puts his middleweight strap on the line to close the show, with the title fight following Peter Queally's battle with Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire for Bellator gold last November.
Mousasi said: "I've been here before, I've fought twice already in Ireland and I'm excited to be here. Nice people here, very friendly and they are big fighting fans. I hope to perform well. I think the crowd will be on my side, but I don't think competing her previously is an advantage.
"He's an undefeated, 11-0 guy who is younger than me. He's confident, he feels he has something to prove, he's fighting for the belt. I think I have a big task ahead of me.
"But my coaches told me I have never been stronger, God gave me special powers for this fight, and Austin's going to feel it."
Vanderford said: "I’m looking forward to Friday night and going out and putting on a show. I’ve been told by numerous people that this arena is the best crowd in MMA and in combat sports. I’m looking forward to feeling the energy and going out and performing.
“I expect Gegard to be Gegard and that not much will change from all of his previous fights. I’m just a different animal and a different opponent that he’s going to be facing. I feel good, I’m confident and I’m excited for Friday night.
"It would mean everything to get that belt. I was holding it for photos the other day and I just can’t picture myself leaving Ireland without it."
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