MMA star Kiefer Crosbie said the birth of his son less than a week ago provides "unbelievable motivation" ahead of his fight at Bellator Dublin.
The Dubliner will take on Brazilian Iamik Furtado at the 3Arena on Saturday evening.
And although the contest comes just five days after the birth of his son, Crosbie insists that only provides additional motivation to improve on his 7-1 record.
He told the Irish Mirror: "It's unbelievable motivation. He was born two days ago and I've had this overwhelming surge of energy, I can't even put into words what it's like.
"I went to the gym that evening and I trained and I was on fire, I had a different type of energy. I don't know where I got it from.
"I got this energy of just gratitude, and that I have to do this for my family. That's more special than anything, so that's where I'm at right now."
The fight presents a huge opportunity for Crosbie, but he insists he is prepared for whatever his opponent brings.
He said: "I just have to fight my fight, stay defensively switched on and ready to kill and that's who I am as a fighter.
"I don't think about him too much, I don't really care what he does I have an answer for everything. We'll see what happens on Saturday night, I am on top form and I am ready."
Kiefer was one of the hometown favourites at the last Bellator Dublin event in September 2019, where he saw off Hugo Pereira in a comfortable split decision.
However speaking in the cage after the bout, he expressed his frustration that he couldn't finish the Portugese fighter.
And this time Crosbie is keen to make a statement, although he dismissed suggestions that it was about "putting on a show".
He added: "It's not a show, it's a statement I want to make. And it's not for anyone but me.
"I have points to prove to myself, I'm going in to kill a man and that's it.
"I don't want to be known as a decision fighter or playing it safe. I'm a killer and on Saturday night you'll see that."
