Bendigo product Jimmy Crute has set some ambitious goals after becoming the latest Australian fighter to enter the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Crute was awarded a prized UFC contract after he scored a first-round knockout win in Dana White's Tuesday Night Contenders Series in Las Vegas last week.
It's a huge leap forward for the 22-year-old's career and came with glowing praise from White.
The UFC supremo declared Crute his favourite fighter in week six of the series that pits hand-picked foes against each other for the chance to gain a lucrative three-fight contract.
"I've worked towards this since I was a 12-year-old, so for it to come about like this ... I'm pinching myself to be honest," Crute told AAP.
"I had a vision and I knew that one day all the hard work and sacrifice was going to pay off.
"There have been times where I've had to choose whether to pay to eat or pay for fuel to get to training.
"There were some challenging times but I wouldn't change it because I know I've earnt this.
"I know I deserve to be here."
Crute staggered American Chris Birchler with a fierce right, left-punch combination just over four minutes into their fight.
The referee stepped in with the TKO improving Crute's record to 8-0 and earning him a coveted contract.
He joins a strong group of Australian and New Zealand talent spearheaded by current middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.
But he's not content just to have been invited into elite company.
"This is a big step, but it's only the beginning ... I'm not here just to be in the UFC, I'm here to go all the way," he said.
"I don't want to be the guy who just got there ... I want to be the guy that changes the sport."
Crute's background is in Brazilian jiu jitsu but he's confident he has developed the well-rounded technique required to succeed at the elite level.
Coached by renowned Australian MMA fighter Sam Greco and jiu jitsu expert Stewart Moulden, Crute splits his time training out of North Melbourne Boxing and Fitness and Stewie's House of BJJ in Bendigo.
He is eyeing a spot on the card of the next Australian UFC event to be held in Adelaide in December but could be called into action overseas before then.
