SOUTHEND’S Stav Economou is gearing up for the biggest fight of career this weekend.

The 29-year-old is taking on former UFC fighter Thiago Silva in the Akhmat MMA Grand Prix in Russia on Saturday.

And Economou cannot wait to get into the cage.

“This is without a doubt the biggest fight of my life but I’m looking forward to it,” said Economou who is nicknamed the crazy bear.

“It's the first round in a big tournament and there is everything to fight for.

“Winning this tournament can change my life forever so I'm going to go out there and give it everything I can.

“I'm feeling great for this fight too.

“I've been looking forward to competing in this big tournament against some of the best in world and I'm excited for the challenge ahead.”

Economou has lost two stone in the last three months in preparation for the fight.

But his original opponent, Geronimo dos Santos, has been forced to pull out, resulting in a high profile change of plan as

“My original opponent was much bigger physically but not as big of a name,” explained Economou.

“Style wise he was a lot different to my new opponent who is one of the best in the world.

“But it’s good and I’m looking forward to seeing how I match up against one of the world’s best.”

However, Economou will also be feeling nervous ahead of the fight.

“Whether or not it’s a big international fight or a domestic local fight, I always feel the nerves,” he said.

“But I think nerves are good for you before a fight, it's just all about how to deal with it.

“Being nervous keeps you on your toes and helps keep you focused.

“Don't get me wrong it doesn't feel nice but I just make sure I stay composed.”

Victory for Economou would see him heading back to Russia in June for the semi-finals of the competition.

And his coach at the TSG gym Dan Burzotta feels Economou could not be in better shape for the fight.

“Stav has worked incredibly hard ahead of what is a huge fight and opportunity for him,” said Burzotta.

“The last time this promotion put on a show like this Vladimir Putin was in the crowd and gave one of the fighters $300,000 for how brave he was.

“Stav is ready for this though, it’s an opportunity he deserves against one of the most famous fighters in the world.

“It’s 100 per cent his biggest fight so far but we’ll fight anyone and we want to send a message out by doing well in this one now.”