Kiwi UFC fighter Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker is using his next fight as a stepping stone for a future title shot in the lightweight division.
The 29-year-old will headline UFC's return to New Zealand next February when he takes on American Paul 'The Irish Dragon' Felder in Auckland.
He's come full circle after debuting in the UFC's debut New Zealand event back in 2014 - and now six years later, he's set to headline for the very first time at the same venue.
"It's been a pretty interesting progression since 2014, the progression of my career has been incredible and this is showcasing that," Hooker told Trackside.
After beating American's James Vick and Al Iaquinta in his last two fights, Hooker is looking at Felder as another step on his pursuit of a title shot.
Ranked sixth and seventh in the rankings, the winner of Felder v Hooker will hold a three-fight win streak and almost certainly, a top-five ranking.
"It [a win] gives you a shot at one of the big names in the division," Hooker added.
"We are both on two-fight win streaks - so a win would put us on a three-fight win streak and that guarantees a shot at one of the big names."
"Whether it's Cowboy [Donald Cerrone] or Conor [McGregor] or Dustin [Poirier] one of these big names in the division, it gives good momentum and a winning streak behind us, and only puts you a couple away from a title shot."
After his last win against Iaquinta, Hooker called out Poirier, to which the 30-year-old responded on Twitter, saying "I'm fighting the Irishman next. You're close but not yet buddy keep punching."
Hooker understood the timing was wrong but wants to make an offer Poirier won't be able to say no to early next year.
"Who knows, another win and it might be too hard to resist."
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