Jake Matthews has his sights set on eventually becoming Australia's first UFC champion as he prepares to fight in his hometown of Melbourne.
Matthews will take on US veteran Andrew Holbrook in the co-main event at Rod Laver Arena on November 27 as he looks to improve his 10-2 record.
The 22-year-old lightweight is unbeaten on his home turf and says he's determined to keep it that way against grappling specialist Holbrook.
"I can't lose on Melbourne, on my home soil. I'm always going to win," he said on Monday.
"He's a tough American wrestler. He's not scared to get taken down and be underneath. I'm looking to use my range, my explosiveness and my speed and try and keep a distance.
"If it does come to a grapple I'm still confident but definitely the game plan will be to keep on my feet and hopefully get a good knockout."
Just two years into his UFC career, Matthews is confident he can go a lot further than his current No.42 ranking and says he would relish the opportunity to fight Irish superstar Conor McGregor.
" That would be the ultimate goal, definitely try and get up to the top 10 and work my way up to the belt," he said.
"I've watched a lot of top 20 guys for a long time and I don't think it's anything I couldn't handle as long as I show up on the day and do what I can do."
Matthews has called upon the expertise of a former opponent in US fighter Johnny Case as he prepares for his bout against Holbrook.
"He was the hardest fight I've had to date," Matthews said of Case.
"He's able to simulate pretty much any type of opponent. We thought we'd bring him out just to have another UFC fighter around and get that mindset of someone who's able to push you hard every session."
Sydneysider Robert Whittaker will fight fellow middleweight Derek Brunson in the headline bout at Rod Laver Arena.
The card will also feature another Aussie in former Olympic judo fighter Daniel Kelly, who will face Chris Camozzi.
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