Luke 'The Jedi ' Jumeau fizzing ahead of Auckland UFC debut

New Zealand's own Luke Jumeau (Supplied)
New Zealand's own Luke Jumeau (Supplied)

At 29 years of age, Kiwi MMA fighter Luke Jumeau can't quite believe his UFC dream is finally on the brink of coming true.

'The Jedi' takes on American Dominique Steele in Auckland on Sunday, when the Ultimate Fighting Championship makes its second visit to New Zealand.

With a professional career spanning 14 fights in nine years, Jumeau is pinching himself to ensure he is not dreaming.

"It really hasn't set in yet," told Newshub.

"I'm trying to take it in and enjoy the moment, but it doesn't really feel real. I think when I am walking to that cage is when it's going to set in.

"This is the way that I am though. I'm relaxed and I have a way of switching it on when I need to."

Daniel Hooker looking for elite level performance

The Hamilton local hasn't lost since 2013, and that momentum has led to the opportunity that awaits him against Steele.

Despite plying his trade in local organisations across New Zealand and Australia, the Kiwi firmly believes that he has fought and beaten UFC-calibre opponents.

In January, Jumeau knocked out UFC veteran Vik Grujic in a fight that made UFC officials stand up and take notice.

"The level is no different to the guys that I have been fighting.

"Yes, they are outside of the UFC, but they are UFC quality.

"I know what to expect when I get in there and at the end of the day it's just another fight."

Jumeau is the only the second New Zealand-based Kiwi to step into the Octagon, following in the footsteps of Daniel Hooker who made his debut at the UFC's first Auckland event in 2014.

Not only is the New Zealander keen to emulate 'The Hangman' and win his first UFC fight, but he also noted there are other talented local fighters that could easily step up to the elite level.

"He [Hooker] started a big train and everyone got on board, including me and here I am now.

"Kai Kara-France is right there, he is so deserving with what he has done recently and also Kieran Joblin is ready for a shot, but their time will come, I'm sure of that.

"Now that I'm here I can do more and try and help them."

As for Jumeau's walk out music come Sunday? Well there was only one choice, according to the Kiwi.

I'm going with 'Gangstas Paradise' by Coolio; it gets me in the mood to fight."

Newshub.