It's a cliché in the combat sports world for a fighter say 'this is the biggest fight of my career', but that's exactly the position the Dan Hooker finds himself in.
The Kiwi UFC star will be staring across the Octagon on Sunday (NZ time) at American Jim Miller, who will be competing in a record 29th fight for the organisation.
The New Jersey native will tie Brit Michael Bisping for the most fights in the UFC, a truly remarkable achievement in such a competitive sport.
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Despite having never competed for UFC gold, Miller is regarded as one of the toughest lightweights in the division having fought the elite, including former champions' Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson as well as notables Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone and Dustin Poirer.
Hooker sees the fight as a true defining moment in his career as he looks to bounce into the title conversation by the end of the night.
"It's huge," Hooker told Newshub.
"This will be the fight for me the shows where I am at. It will show if I am a top 10, top 15 fighter.
"After this fight, if I can get past Jim Miller impressively I can show the world, show the UFC that I am deserving of a top tier guy. I want ranked opponents after this fight."
But Hooker acknowledges his task is far from easy despite his impressive run.
The Auckland based 28-year-old is riding a two-fight win streak, both highlight reel finishes of Marc Diakiese and Ross Pearson respectively.
However the Kiwi believes Miller poses a unique threat.
"Jim is such a highly skilled grappler. His submission and takedown game is so good," Hooker told Newshub.
"If I can steer the fight away from that, keep it on the feet, then that's good for me.
"I don't see him as being an easybeat when the fight is standing. He has been in there with the best of the best and beaten a lot of those guys. I only see myself having a slight edge in the striking but there is no huge discrepancy between us, no matter where the fight goes.
Hooker's career ambition involves UFC gold, which will be a step closer if he can best the 40-fight veteran in New Jersey at UFC Fight Night.
'The Hangman' makes no bones about what he wants to accomplish before hanging up his gloves.
"I never settle. I'm never satisfied with where I am at. I just continue to improve. I'm never content. I have always built and improved.
"I fight in the UFC because I believe I can be the champion. The day I stop believing that I can beat the best guy in the world then I will walk away from the sport. I am here to compete with the elite."
A win for Hooker should see the Kiwi enter the UFC lightweight rankings next week.
Newshub.
