Melbourne UFC young gun Jake Matthews is eyeing off Conor McGregor's lightweight championship belt as his career ambition, in the build-up to his next fight against American Andrew Holbrook in front of his home crowd.
Matthews features in the co-main event at Rod Laver Arena on November 27, while veteran Olympic judoka Daniel Kelly will kick off the main card against rival Chris Camozzi.
![UFC fighter Jake Matthews is preparing for his home town bout.](/web/20161115055205im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/o/s/l/i/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsosd1.png/1479094888014.jpg)
McGregor made history at the weekend when he became the first fighter to claim UFC championships in two weight classes after he knocked out Eddie Alvarez in the second round of their bout in New York.
"That's the ultimate goal, to try to be the first Australian UFC champion," Matthews said on Monday.
![Conor McGregor now holds championship belts in two divisions.](/web/20161115055205im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/o/d/2/0/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsosd1.png/1479094888014.jpg)
"But that's the ultimate goal, to try to get to the top 10 and work my way to the belt."
"You know, I wouldn't mind fighting McGregor, that would be a good fight.
At 22, Matthews is viewed as the face of Australian mixed martial arts for the next decade.
While he won't put a time frame on when his career will peak, Matthews said setting his sights on McGregor's belt isn't an unrealistic aim.
![Jake Matthews tangles with training partner Daniel Kelly.](/web/20161115055205im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/o/s/l/n/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsosd1.png/1479094888014.jpg)
"It all depends, as long as you win fights you'll do well," he said.
"I've gotten close before, I think I was ranked 35 so to be in the top 40 in the world in our weight class is pretty good.
"I've watched a lot of the top 30 guys, I've watched them for a long time and I don't think there is anything I couldn't handle, as long as I show up on the day and do what I can do."
Matthews will be looking to bounce back after his recent loss to American Kevin Lee.
Before that he had back-to-back wins against Akbargh Arreola and Johnny Case. The latter was invited to Australia to help him train.
Despite a tumultuous build-up to his bout with Case in Brisbane, in which the pair exchanged bitter words on social media, the enemies have now become friends as Matthews looks to do all he can for the fight against Holbrook.
"He [Case] was the hardest fight I've had to date, just his skill and his style, he's able to simulate pretty much any type of opponent so we thought we'd bring him out."
"He's here just for me, so I've got him for the next two weeks just to push me and keep me company, just to have that team atmosphere around."
Sydney's Robert Whittaker was elevated to the showpiece bout for his battle with American Derek Brunson after Luke Rochold was forced to withdraw from his bout against Ronaldo Souza.