From admiring boxing legend Carl Frampton on city centre billboards, to headlining Belfast's SSE Arena off his own name, Rhys McKee is revelling in the moment.
The 26-year-old from Ballymena is preparing for his biggest fight night yet, headlining Cage Warriors 140 in his own back yard against Justin Burlinson. There is also the small matter of there being a welterweight title on the line.
McKee recalls seeing former two-weight world boxing champion Frampton lighting up the fight scene in Northern Ireland. The Jackal regularly enjoyed sold-out nights at the SSE punctuated by partisan crowds and plenty of glory.
Read more: Cage Warriors 140: Justin Burlinson plays down 'home' boy Rhys McKee's title prospects
With Frampton now retired, McKee believes there is a void in the Northern Ireland combat scene, with fans calling out for a new hero. And he is ready to deliver.
"I have worked my whole career to be here. From seeing Carl Frampton on billboards and things like that," he told Belfast Live.
"You just don't really know if this is possible when you're young. But here we are and I am living my dream."
It has been McKee's face adorning billboards around Belfast ahead of Saturday's world title clash. He has been the Cage Warriors poster boy ahead of the organisation's maiden visit to the city.
"It was one day after training on a Saturday and my fiancé Rebecca and I decided to take a trip to see one of the billboards. There is no nicer moment than that," he said.
"It was really special, and a lot more special than I thought it would be. I am very proud of that."
McKee also believes there is a "big gap" for a young MMA star to grasp the attention of the Northern Ireland public. And an opportunity to make Mixed Martial Arts a household sport here.
"There's a big gap there, for sure. And a 6ft 3' man from Ballymena could surely fill it," he smiles.
"I am all for it. And MMA is also still finding its way here, it is not a household name in Northern Ireland just yet.
"I think it is still waiting to be accepted. But I think I bring something different to the table as an athlete.
"I am not your Conor McGregor, your loud character. I am a bit more respectful, I believe.
"So I believe I can become a household name, and I believe I can help MMA become more accepted in Northern Ireland."
He added: "I am proud to put Ballymena on the map. Unfortunately there is no billboard in Ballymena, that's one thing we need to change for next time.
"Maybe next time they will put one up. That's when I will have made it."
The SSE Arena will be a cauldron of noise when McKee and Burlinson enter the cage on Saturday night. Most will be backing the home fighter.
"I am so excited to hear the roar of a crowd. Anyone who has been to the Odyssey, as we know it, they know the big, roar of the crowd," McKee said.
"It is just special, and it is a special arena. I fought at York Hall and there were about a thousand fans there, whereas this will be packed to the rafters.
"It will be loud people, probably drunk as well. And you know the noise is coming and it will be spectacular."
And McKee says he would love this to be the start of something special for MMA in Belfast. And lead to more big nights in the city.
He added: "Even boxing promotions will be watching this. They will be wondering what's the blueprint and how do they do it?
"And at the same time they get to see me. So it is good for me, good for Cage Warriors.
"We are all in a really good position, and that's what ramps it up even more. That's why people have to watch it if they can."
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