A MIXED martial arts fighter from Croydon is bidding for a world title shot as he headlines the O2 Arena on Saturday.
Jimi 'poster boy' Manuwa, who owns the Lions Pride MMA gym on Tamworth Road, is topping the bill at UFC Fight Night 37.
He faces Swedish fighter Alexander Gustafsson, the number two in the world in the light-heavyweight division.
A win could propel Manuwa, currently ranked 11th on the planet in that category, to a world title shot against champion Jon Jones in Las Vegas.
Manuwa, 34, who still lives in Croydon and used to live in Thornton Heath and South Norwood, said: "On paper it's the biggest fight of my career but then my last three or four fights have been the biggest of my career, so it's nothing new to me, I've just got to go in and do the business."
His opponent lost narrowly to the champion Jones in a fight described as the best of the last year. And although Manuwa is prepared, unlike many fighters, he is not prepared to enter into any verbal volleying with Gustafsson.
He said: "It's nice he's been complementary to me, he's been very respectful and I'm very respectful of him.
"He's a great fighter as well, he's the number two in the world and I don't see any holes in his game. It should make for a nice barn-burner. It's going to be a great fight.
"I don't do verbal intimidation, he just has to watch my fights and hear my name, I don't have to try and stare him out or this, that and the other.
"We're both professionals and we know what's going to happen Saturday."
But Manuwa, who is undefeated in 14 fights including 13 through stoppages, has got no intention of losing on Saturday.
"The thought of losing always enters my head but that just gives me strength and determination to train harder and make sure that doesn't happen – I'm scared to lose," he said.
"I wouldn't be stepping on the canvas if I didn't think I could beat him. I'll be stopping him Saturday."
And Manuwa will be cheered on by some famous names including West Ham footballer Carlton Cole and Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs, who he shares the same barber with on London Road, Croydon.
He also took time out of his training schedule recently to appear in Thornton Heath MOBO Award-winning duo Krept and Konan's latest video.
Manuwa added: "They did a remix to one of their songs and invited me, my daughters and my dog and we featured in the video. I think they are doing great things and I'm proud of them for what they are doing. They're doing positive stuff coming out of Thornton Heath.
"And I'm proud to be representing Croydon, everyone should come down and watch it or watch it on telly and support the Croydon boy."
Manuwa's fight will be shown on BT Sport on Saturday evening.
