It's a simple case of rinse and repeat for UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in Chicago on Sunday (NZT).
The Auckland-born Australian defends his title against former Olympic medallist Yoel Romero at UFC 225, a rematch from 11-months ago when Whittaker topped the Cuban by decision to win the then interim belt.
'The Reaper' was awarded the undisputed title later in 2018 when Georges St-Pierre vacated days after beating champion Michael Bisping.
Whittaker fought 22 minutes with a severely injured left leg, later diagnosed as medial ligament damage.
But fight he did, becoming just the third UFC combatant to go the distance with 'The Soldier of God', and the first to beat him.
Whittaker told Newshub it was difficult, but he was able to adapt well which gives him immense self-assurance he can handle anything Romero throws his way on Sunday.
"It was frustrating," Whittaker told Newshub.
"The first couple rounds I was trying to work out how I could move and what I could do. I knew it was injured pretty bad and I wondered how I could win the fight.
"I take a lot of confidence that I was able to leap over the obstacles and hurdles I faced in that fight and win in the face of adversity.
Whittaker, who labels himself an All Blacks fan, was born in South Auckland, but raised in Sydney.
The son of a Maori couple, Whittaker admits he takes great pride in his heritage and culture and fights for both Australians and New Zealanders.
The 27-year-old has his hands full in Chicago given Romero is coming off a huge knockout win over former champion Luke Rockhold.
Romero holds victories over two other former UFC champions in Chris Weidman and Lyoto Machida.
Whittaker understands the challenge in front him, but given his success last time the two met inside the octagon and his recovery from injury, he assured Newshub he is ready for any secrets Romero may have up his sleeve.
"My body is at 100 percent," Whittaker says.
"This is the best I have ever felt coming into fight week so I am very excited for what awaits me this weekend.
"I take some confidence from how that first fight went but Romero is too dangerous for me to sleep on, he could put me asleep at any point of the fight so I am going into this fight giving him all the respect he deserves but I will do everything in my power to win this fight.
"You don't change too many things – you just try to perfect it. That's exactly what I want to accomplish, to be the best Robert Whittaker you have ever seen."
Whittaker rules the same division as the UFC's latest breakout star, Kiwi Israel Adesanya.
"The Last Stylebender" is fast making a name for himself after two impressive wins, and will headline the Ultimate Fighter finale in his next fight in July.
Adesanya has already called out Whittaker, telling Newshub earlier this year that he would 'fight Whittaker by the trolley bays at a local Pak 'N' Save."
The Sydneysider isn't one to respond to trash talk but wouldn't be surprised if the two cross paths in the future.
"He is a young guy coming up and he clearly has a high skillset. Who knows where his ceiling is and where it could take him," Whittaker says.
"It is what it is. That's just him I guess. I'm not a big fan of trash talk and I don't like getting involved in that sort of stuff. It's very hard to ruffle my feathers.
"It's a great time to be a middleweight. It's anyone's game at the moment. It's a very volatile division with everyone taking out everyone. It's really exciting to be a part of."
Whittaker is looking to extend the longest current winning streak in the middleweight division with an eighth-straight victory if he gets his hand raised.
Keep up with all the action at UFC 225 with our live updates on Sunday.
Newshub.
