Exciting Suffolk fighter Corrin Eaton is taking inspiration from a visit to the world's greatest gladiatorial arena as he prepares to set foot back in the cage this weekend.

Eastern Daily Press: Eaton, seen here winning a fight by choke back in 2011, boasts an 8-2 pro recordEaton, seen here winning a fight by choke back in 2011, boasts an 8-2 pro record (Image: Copyright: Jeremy Farinos)

Eaton, 27, will do battle with France's Igor Camino-Mora in a featherweight clash at Contenders Norwich 17 at the Norfolk Showground, fresh off a trip to Rome and an awe-inspiring visit to the Colosseum.

'It was amazing,' said Eaton, a former student at Chantry High School in Ipswich. 'The perfect way to start a fight week.'

Eaton will be looking to extend his impressive 8-2 pro record when he tangles with Camino-Mora (6-4) – but the Suffolk slugger is not entirely sure what to expect from his latest opponent.

'There's not a lot of footage out there on him,' Eaton explained. 'From what I've seen he just looks quite powerful and throws an overhand right.

'It doesn't bother me though, that's how I used to have all my fights anyway – I just go in there and do the business.

'As long as I know I'm going in there with all my tools sharpened then I'm happy.'

Eaton trains with Team Titan under head coach Mickey Papas - with whom he made the trip to Rome – and British MMA legend Brad Pickett, and says preparations have been perfect for Saturday's fight.

'Training is going really well,' he explained. 'I only just fought in October (beating Carl Morley in 49 seconds at Rise of Champions 3) and it was a quick win so I'm injury free and ready to go again.

'My plan all the time is to go in there and fight like I train in the gym - when I'm in the gym it all just flows and comes naturally, that's what I want to do.

'I need to take my time and show my skill set, that's the plan anyway!'

With the explosion of MMA as a sport across the country, a large and loyal following, exciting style and time on his side, it's entirely feasible that Eaton could follow in the footsteps of fellow featherweight Arnold Allen and become Suffolk's second UFC fighter.

And while that is his goal, he's also planning to give back to the Ipswich community who have backed him so well.

'The ultimate goal is the UFC, but you have to be realistic,' he explained. 'I'm setting up things in the pipeline and opening a gym with my main sponsors, Bell Corp, which will make me very happy.

'The gym's going to be in Sproughton and be called Unit 36, I'm hoping to open it before Christmas – it's my way of giving back.'

You can buy tickets to Contenders 17 at www.contendersea.com or by phoning promoter Steve Newman on 07983 334603.