That's the opinion of longtime coach and mentor Nudge Mieli ahead of his charge's long-awaited meeting with Quinlan at the WEC on Saturday.

It's a case of third-time lucky for the middleweight pair, who've twice been scheduled to meet in the past.

Both will draw on the countless rounds they sparred with each other earlier in their careers, but Mieli feels boxer Lucas has grown a lot more than his rival in the years - and bouts - since.

"It's the third one and to be honest we haven't changed anything," Mieli said.

"Ren says he's going to knock Mark out but he says he's a good fighter, a skilfull fighter so they respect us and respect Mark.

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"We respect Ren as well. He's strong, he's durable, he can punch but the basic fundamentals aren't great with him. I think he'll come out hard and if we weather the storm in the first three or four rounds we'll be a bit too smart for him."

Neither man has made a habit of taking easy fights, with Lucas suffering decision losses to Rocky Jerkic and Sam Soliman in his past two outings.

Quinlan has losses in four of his last five outings, all in title fights against undefeated opponents, but both men are in need of a win.

"We don't even consider losing," Mieli said.

"Certainly in his last three fights this is the longest preparation we've had and we're very, very confident."