Belfast MMA fighter Karl Moore insists he is 'living the dream' as he prepares to make his American debut on Friday night.
Moore takes on fellow-ranked light-heavyweight Alex Polizzi on the massive Bellator 297 card in Chicago.
The 31-year-old is on a three-fight winning streak with the organisation and has climbed to eighth on the rankings.
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Friday night's card is headlined by Bellator light-heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov who defends his title against former UFC star Yoel Romero.
Into his 12th year as a MMA professional, Moore says he has "already won" by getting the opportunity to fight on such a massive event Stateside.
"Twelve years? Is that how long it's been?" Moore smiled during this week's press conference.
"That's a long time. And now it's my first time fighting in the USA.
"Fighting at the 3Arena in Dublin is a class experience, it is unbelievable. I don't know about every other Irish guy, but one of the main goals for me is to fight on a Premier organisation on one of the biggest shows in the world in Chicago.
"It is one of those lifetime goals, and for me I have already won. I am fighting in Chicago for the biggest organisation in the world, and I get paid to do it.
"It is class."
Moore's career has been on the rise in the past 12 months. Since returning from a three-year hiatus he has gone on an impressive run of victories, and another on Friday would stretch that recent record to four undefeated.
He admits "everything is falling into place" following a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
"I was out for three years, so this is what I want. I want these guys and these types of fights," he said.
"This will push me towards that number one contender spot. So this is what I want.
"All the guys in my weight class, one heavy shot changes the course of the fight. Polizzi is durable, a decent wrestler. I have to fight smart and stay switched on.
"I have to make it a hard night for him."
Moore added: "My plan is falling into place. When I re-signed for Bellator I wanted four fights in the space of a year.
"This is my third fight in nine months, and if I win this then I want to fight at the 3Arena in September.
"I am halfway there already.
"This fight is like any other fight. I treat every fight like a title fight, because when you overlook any opponent that's when things turn to s***.
"This is a guy I have to pass to get where I want. This is business as usual."
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