MIXED MARTIAL ARTS: Scotland's own Robert 'The Hammer' Whiteford is in action at UFC 171 this weekend - and you could see his fight for free.

Herald Sport has teamed up with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to offer three MMA fans the chance to watch Robert Whiteford v Daniel Pineda via the UFC's online Fight Pass service, without having to pay a penny.

A subscription to Fight Pass usually costs £5.99 a month. But thanks to our competition, three people will be given free access to Fight Pass for six months.

The featherweight battle between Whiteford (10-2) and Pineda (18-10) is first up on the night's Preliminary Card and won't be broadcast anywhere other than on Fight Pass.

UFC 171's main card will be broadcast live on BT Sport on Saturday night and is headlined by a welterweight title bout between Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler.

Whiteford, a member of the Dinky Ninja Fight Team, has been training with American Top Team in Florida ahead of Saturday's event in Dallas Texas.

The 30-year-old Judo black belt lost his UFC debut, against Jimmy Hettes at UFC Fight Night 30 in Manchester last October, and hopes to become the first Scot to win a bout in the world's premier MMA organisation.

Speaking to Herald Sport from Dallas, Whiteford said: "I know people work hard for their money and if any of them want to spend it buying a pass to watch my fight, that means a whole lot to me.

"And it's great that three people will get access to Fight Pass for free ... I just hope some of my mates win the competition."

Whiteford has been preparing for this fight since January, with some of the best coaches and training partners in the world at American Top Team (ATT) in Florida.

He believes he has never been better prepared for a bout.

He said: "I usually go into a fight worrying that I could have done something differently.

"And I've never said this before, but I am in the best shape of my life.

"I could not have done anything more to prepare for this fight.

"The coaches at ATT have done perfect work in my fight camp to get me ready for Pineda.

"My weight is great, I've been on the Dolce diet and have nine pounds to cut.

"I will start the weight cut right after this phone call and I feel great."

Whiteford, from Fauldhouse, West Lothian, hopes to return to Scotland with his - and Scotland's - first ever UFC win under his belt.

And a performance bonus for Fight of the Night or Knockout of the Night would definitely be put to good use.

He added: "I'll be back in Florida for three days after the fight then I fly home to Scotland.

"I'll spend some time with my Dinky Ninja team mates at the gym and then I'm going on vacation, because I'll definitely need it.

"If I pick up a fight bonus, can you imagine it?

"It'll be a holiday to remember."

As for the night's main event, Whiteford thinks underdog Lawler - who also trains at ATT - is in with a real chance.

He said: "If Robbie Lawler hits Hendricks, Hendricks is going to sleep.

"I think Lawler will win the title."

For a chance to win one of three free six-month passes to UFC Fight Pass, simply answer this question.

Which Scottish fight team does Robert Whiteford represent?

To enter, send your answer, name and daytime contact telephone number to: marketing@theherald.co.uk putting UFC in the subject line.

Closing date for all entries is Friday, March 14, 2014 at 4pm. Usual Herald competition rules apply and the editor's decision is final.