Anticipation for Israel Adesanya's middleweight title unification bout is building to a head this week, as fight fans across the nation prepare to tune in to see how New Zealand's most celebrated MMA fighter fares against Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 in Melbourne on Sunday.
And if 'The Last Stylebender' has his hand raised at Marvel Stadium, Kiwi fights fans may not have to travel too far to witness his first defence in the flesh.
On Tuesday, UFC boss Dana White confirmed that he'd "absolutely" be willing to bring a pay-per-view UFC card to New Zealand shores next year, for an event that would be headlined by Adesanya.
"We can definitely do a pay-per-view card in New Zealand," White told Newshub.
"If the champ is from New Zealand, we can absolutely do one from New Zealand."
It's been over two years since the UFC has brought MMA's biggest show to NZ, back when Kiwis Mark Hunt and Dan Hooker earned knockout wins at UFC Fight Night 110 in June 2017.
After securing the interim world title in Atlanta in April, Adesanya attempted to persuade White to hold this weekend's title bout on his home soil.
He may not have been successful, but White expects that campaigning to ramp up considerably should the Nigeran-born Kiwi defeat Whittaker.
"First of all, [Adesnaya] fought hard for this fight to be in New Zealand, he wanted this fight to be in NZ. So, I have to imagine, if he wins on [Sunday] he's going to want to defend in his home country."
White also said that in light of the talent emerging from these shores in recent years - spearheaded by Auckland gym City Kickboxing - he's eager to hold his 'Contender Series' and 'The Ultimate Fighter' talent-scouting shows here.
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As it's turned out, Adesanya will likely become part of UFC lore this weekend, when 60,000 fans are expected to set a new attendance record for the promotion and the eyes of the combat world will be trained on the Victorian capital.
"This fight this weekend is massive. Not just for Australia and New Zealand. This is a global event. This is the biggest fight we've ever done. It's going to break all records.
"It's a big deal, it's a big moment for us. Everybody always asks me about the monumental moments that have happened in the UFC, this is one of them."
The bout with Whittaker will be the culmination of a breath-taking rise to the top for Adesanya, who - in less than two years - has gone from promotional debutant to an interim title, and now a chance to become the undisputed middleweight world champion.
White says he knew Adesanya was destined for greatness from the very beginning, and victory this weekend would be justification of those hopes.
"This kid exploded on to the scene, and from the minute I met him I knew this kid could be a star. The question was can he win the big fights, can he break into the top five and fight for a title.
"Now here we are - he's the interim champion. The kid's good looking, smart, speaks well and his style of fighting is very exciting. He has the whole package - the 'it' factor."
But in White's eyes, the true test of Adesanya's star potential lies in defeating a fighter of Whittaker's quality.
"The answer to questions is what happens this [Sunday]. He's going against Whittaker, a guy who's been in big fights like this before. He's fought tough, really durable guys. He's undefeated at that weight class. He's got KO power in both hands and he's got unbelievable wrestling.
"If he can get past Whittaker - the sky's the limit."
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