THE Australian Army told Brisbane brawler Damien Brown to fight in the Afghanistan war. But when it came to fighting in a cage, they weren’t so happy for his body to be risked.

Brown is an army veteran turned prison guard who achieves his life-long dream when he debuts for the UFC in his home town.

Brown had to leave the army following his Afghanistan tour to pursue a career in mixed-martial-arts.

He drives an hour each way for 12-hour shifts guarding Woodford prison’s finest then trains at night.

He once flew himself to Europe and paid for a six month stay only to lose three consecutive fights.

Brown is now on a five fight win streak. He has sacrificed too much to fail.

Brown was in jail when the UFC rang, perhaps the first fighter in history to be called out of prison to debut.

“I felt sick. I felt physically ill. When I got the call I was overwhelmed,” he told News Corp.

“I am married and there have been a lot of sacrifices with our family for me to chase my dream.

Aussie fighter Damien Brown will make his UFC debut on Sunday. Picture: Marc Robertson Source: News Corp Australia

“I’m looking forward to not just fighting in the UFC but making an impact.

“I don’t want to be that guy who comes in and gasses out.”

Brown (15-8) faces highly regarded lightweight Alan Patrick who has 12 wins and just one loss to his name.

He is also fighting Patrick on one week’s notice as he fills in for an injured fighter and his last bout was four weeks ago at Mansfield Tavern in front of 800-odd people.

There will be 11,000 odd people at Sunday’s event.

Brown is typical of Australian mixed-martial-artists who can’t make a living out of the sport unless they are signed by the UFC.

That is why it was such a risk to leave the steady career path the Army afforded.

“I had the best job in the army. The army unfortunately are not 100 per cent supportive of fighting though,” Brown said.

Damien Brown spilts his time between Woodford prison and the gym. Picture: Marc Robertson Source: News Corp Australia

“When I was 21 I joined the military as an infantry soldier and 12 months after joining I went to Afghanistan in 2007.

“When I got back I started training to fight.

“I had a fight in Asia and they made the fight difficult for me to get time off for.

“I couldn’t take the opportunities I wanted to and didn’t have control of my life.

“I don’t have any hatred or angst towards the military but to get to my dream of competing in the big show I had to get out.

“Someone told me once that if at any stage you feel the army is taking over your life and you don’t want to do what they say then you should get out.”

Sunday’s UFC Brisbane event is headlined by Mark Hunt’s heavyweight fight with Frank Mir and the action begins mid-morning Queensland time.