Liverpool's Terry Etim (Pictures) stepped into the world mixed martial arts scene in Manchester, England in April, when he landed heavy strikes before impressively submitting his favored opponent, Matt Grice, with a guillotine.

The choke earned Etim, 20, "Submission of the Night" for UFC 70 -- he couldn't have hoped for anything more in his octagon debut.

"It was my first fight for the UFC, and it's a big step from fighting on the smaller shows in England to stepping up to a world stage," Etim said. "It was the best feeling of my career.

Although Etim had a perfect record to protect, the lightweight appeared remarkably calm while moving up in competition.

"I don't really feel that much pressure," said Etim, now 10-0. "My team says don't really think about that too much, just take it as another fight. That's how I think of every fight -- I don't try and put too much pressure on myself."

Now Etim is poised to step up another level. At UFC 75 this Saturday he'll clash with Gleison Tibau (Pictures) of Nova Uniao.

"I've been training three times a day," said Etim, who's known for his diligent preparation. "Two of my good friends are over from Brazil, Luciano Azevedo (Pictures) and Julian Jabba. It's been great having them over, training with me three times a day as well."

After such preparation the young fighter is confident going into his bout against Tibau (14-4-0).

"I know he's a very experienced fighter," Etim said. "He's fought some good fighters, so I think it will make for a good fight. I know he's very good on the ground. I also train with very good people on the ground. I've been out to Brazil and trained with some of the best. Luciano Azevedo (Pictures) is one of the best."

After battling his way to the top of the hill on the UK scene, Etim is clearly proud to represent his country when the UFC comes into town. With another win, he may even be representing England abroad before long.

"It's been a big dream of mine to fight in America," Etim said. "Every fighter would love to fight in the UFC, and to fight on a show in America would just be amazing."

Yet, Etim is careful to take it one fight at a time.

"I'm still young," he said. "It's early in my career, so hopefully just win each fight and take it step by step, and I'll see what comes of it."