"I've got my work cut out for me that's for sure. It's just a matter of who's going to impose whose will on the other person first," he said.
Digby's training has stepped up with high interval and high intensity workouts, but he is mindful of not overdoing it and burning off the explosive energy needed for MMA fights.
"We like to back off in the last week and try to rest the body before you put it through hell on the night."
The night will also include nine corporate boxing matches with well-known local businessmen fighting each other.
Digby's trainer and event organiser Jerry Sargeant has been training the businessmen for the past four months and said they had developed good base level boxing skills.
The event will raise money for Hawke's Bay Women's Refuge.
"You get a lot of kids in women's refuges who have seen their fathers kicking the crap out of their mum," Sargeant said.
"And I think doing something like cage fighting or some other martial art is a great way for these kids to channel their energies and their aggression in a positive environment."
He said it was about keeping it in the ring and off the street, and saw the sport as a way of surrounding kids with good role models who could pass on their knowledge and wisdom, helping them towards a better life.
Doors open at Pettigrew Green Arena at 6pm, fights start at 7.30pm. More information at www.merciless.co.nz
The fight card
Fight 1: Nigel Grootjans of Steel n Tube vs Scott Richardson of Fletcher Steel
Fight 2: Mario Kearney, PBT Couriers vs Justin Power, Comac Industrial Services
Fight 3: Natalie Eliasson, Wiseys bakery vs Gemma Anderson, Union Hotel
Fight 4: MMA Aaron Wilson, Octagon Combat Wellington vs MMA BJ Bland, Fierce Fitness MMA Napier
Fight 5: Shane Holst, Piper Construction vs Lee Bishop, Online Autos
Fight 6: Blayde Truts, Stevo's Tyres vs Louis Thompson, Gemco Trades
Fight 7: Brendon Smith, Pak 'n' Save Hastings vs Dion Cooper, Turks Bar
Fight 8: MMA Will Chope, Phuket Top Team vs MMA Ev Ting, Auckland MMA
Fight 9: Jon Brady, Mercedez-Benz vs Rob Townsend, Bayswater
Fight 10: Gary Wise, Wise Real Estate vs Cliff Dyer, VW Print
Fight 11: Paul Wise, Wiseys Bakery vs Rob Coles, Online Autos
Fight 12: MMA Kevin Bently, Strikeforce Auckland vs MMA Pane Haraki, Fierce Fitness MMA Napier
Fight 13: MMA Forrest Goodwin, Strike Force Canterbury vs MMA Daniel Digby, Fierce Fitness