GLENDALE, Calif. -- Boxer Vic Darchinyan has toyed with the idea of competing in mixed martial arts for awhile now.

Now it appears the time is near. According to coach Edmond Tarverdyan, the 38-year-old former IBF, WBC, and WBA super flyweight champion has signed to make his MMA debut in his adopted home country of Australia.

"They actually gave him a fight in Australia already," Tarverdyan said. "It's good pay, he's happy and he wants to do it."

Tarverdyan said the MMA fight, with opponent, exact date, and location all to be determined, is expected to be held sometime in late April, and will be contested at flyweight.

Darchinyan will begin his MMA training at the Glendale Fighting Club next week. But Tarverdyan might have to school him on some of the finer points.

"He told me ‘I'm coming around there, and I'm being honest, I just need three or four inches, and then I'll punch somebody and break somebody's jaw, even on the ground,'" Tarverdyan said. "I'm like, Vic, ‘it's not all about a couple inches,' he goes, ‘no, no, no, all I need is just a little bit of distance, and when I hit him I'll break him.'"

Darchinyan has a pro boxing record of 39-6-1. His most recent fight was a September loss to Nonito Donaire.