Robert Whittaker is getting back to work, with the former UFC middleweight champion to face top contender Marvin Vettori at UFC 275 in Singapore on June 11.
Whittaker will take on former title challenger Vettori in a three-round clash as he attempts to make his case for a third bout with his nemesis, champion Israel Adesanya.
While the title is always at the back of Whittaker's mind, the 31-year-old is taking a businesslike approach to his future following his decision loss to Adesanya last month — his second defeat in two outings against the New Zealander.
He is clearly levels above the rest of the division but he will have to mount an extremely impressive case in order to gain a third bout with the champion.
"Where can I climb too? That's how I looked at it on my first run to the title," he said.
"I enjoyed that preparation but I'm in a different place these days.
I do consider what I do as a job. It is a job and I'm good at it and I'm blessed to have the gifts to excel in this field.
"Getting the belt is a goal I'm always aiming for. It's kind of like someone in a job looking for a promotion. Nobody in any job is happy where they are. They want that promotion and I'm in that boat.
"But first and foremost it's about upping my skills, winning fights, getting paid and coming home to my family.
"That belt is always there, it's always an ambition of mine, but I have to enjoy the process."
Enter Vettori, the tough-as-nails Italian who is one of the few elite middleweights Whittaker has yet to face.
Vettori is known for his grit – he lasted 10 rounds across two fights with Adesanya and most recently gutted his way to victory against Brazilian Paulo Costa.
"It's a guy I haven't fought yet," Whittaker said. "He's high ranked, he's a tough fight.
"It's my job, it's how I get paid and earn my keep. The time is right to stay active, keep my fitness up. The stars kind of aligned.
"What stands out is his toughness, resilience and cardio. Those things combined are a really dangerous combination and they can take you all the way to the top, which it has for him.
"He's the sort of guy where if you underestimate him even a fraction, he'll walk all over you. I'm definitely giving his skill set all the respect it deserves."
The bout will be Whittaker's first fight close to home since 2019 and just his second three-round fight since becoming champion in 2017.
"I'm looking forward to the three rounds," Whittaker said.
"I probably wouldn't have taken it if it was five.
"I'm super pumped it's only in Singapore. It's only an eight-hour trip. I can't wait for it.
"Everything has lined up for this fight, and in my job when things line up like that you'd be a fool not to take it."
UFC 275 will also boast two title fights, with light-heavyweight champion Glover Texieria facing the Czech Republic's Jiri Procházka in his first title defence, and dominant women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko locking horns with Talia Santos.
At least one other Australian will be on the card. Middleweight Jacob Malkoun will face Brendan Allen.
