STEPPING into the ring in front of his home crowd has Dan Zealand eagerly anticipating this month's Airlie Fight Night III.

Zealand will contest his third mixed martial arts (MMA) bout on Saturday, May 24 at the Whitsunday PCYC.

There's nothing new about the experience, as Zealand has fought in an Airlie Fight Night before, but it's the hype that has him chomping at the bit.

"There's so much pressure but the crowd cheering is electric...there's not too much close to it," he said.

Zealand said the adrenaline rush of a Fight Night exceeded that of skydiving, suggesting it was almost incomparable.

For now, Zealand is trying to put emotions to the side, instead focussing on preparation - which includes losing 10kg.

"I've still got 5kg to cut," he explained.

"I'm trying not to think about it [the fight] too much because you can psych yourself out. I'll continue my physical preparation then think about the mental side in the last couple of hours."

Zealand is originally a boxer (his record is seven wins from nine fights), but only recently made the transition after helping Whitsunday Martial Arts' coach Anton Zafir condition for a fight.

"Being a partner for Anton I took a liking for it," Zealand said.

"It was a new type of skill set and a different venture...striking isn't the only weapon [in MMA]."

Whitsunday Martial Arts' coach Anton Zafir praised Zealand's work ethic ahead of the May 24 fight.

"He's one of the hardest working, most dedicated people I've ever met," Zafir said.

"He always puts 110 per cent into it and I think he'll go fine."

Zealand paid tribute to the support of Whitsunday Martial Arts, Airlie Fitness and wife Sam Zealand for helping his strenuous preparation.

Call 0404 386 744 for Fight Night tickets.