It could have been Daniel Digby's new hairstyle - a set of blue ear muffs.
"Yes they could have been a good omen," laughed Hawke's Bay mixed martial arts fighter Digby as he reflected on his latest international success.
"But it was more than likely the tough training I had before I
left for Aussie," said Digby, praising the work of his Twin City Martial Arts Club coach Shayne Cox and training partners Damian Smith and Gareth Burke.
Digby, 26, took just 30 seconds to beat Aussie veteran John Leven in the under-77kg section of the Rize Promotions Mixed Martial Arts Four-Man Tourney in Brisbane on Saturday.
"It's a long way to go for 30 seconds of action but the fight couldn't have gone any better.
"It was my quickest fight against the toughest opponent I've fought and in front of the biggest crowd which has watched me ... about 1200 spectators," said Digby.
Leven had 17 fights before taking on Digby who had nine (eight wins and one loss).
Digby took one kick from Leven before forcing him to submit with a rear naked choke.
The bout was scheduled for three five minute rounds. Digby will return to Brisbane on March 13 for his final against Aucklander Rod McSwain.
A qualified carpenter with MDP Builders, Digby, had nine days notice for the weekend's event.
"We trained pretty hard and got the result we wanted.
"Hopefully this will open the door for more international fights," said Digby.
"I've still got the New Zealand Super Lightweight Mixed Martial Arts title and now I'm one win away from holding an Australian title ... it's exciting times," said Digby.
SportToday pointed out that should he win in March he might have to change his hair colour - black and white on one muff and gold and green on the other.
"That's a possibility," he said with a laugh.
