Tongan-Australian standout Isi “Doxz” Fitikefu plans to take out the welterweight MMA division’s most dangerous contenders on his climb toward gold. The Mangere, Auckland native started his athletic career when he was just 14 when he went into Rugby training. Regardless, years have passed since then and now he is bout to face his next opponent for MMA glory.

First, though, he’ll need to get past surging finisher Hiroyuki “Japanese Beast” Tetsuka on September 6 at ONE 168: Denver. Let us have a look at the fighters, Fitikefu wants to defeat before his world title shot.

Isi Fitikefu targets title shot and high-stakes fights after upcoming matchup

That high-stakes matchup will go down live in U.S. primetime at Ball Arena, and for Fitikefu, it represents his chance to make waves on the global stage.

If he’s able to defeat Tetsuka – who comes into the contest riding a five-fight winning streak – “Doxz” will have positioned himself well for a shot at reigning ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee.

Fitikefu admits that he’s targeting a World Title clash with Lee in the future, but he has a couple of names on his hit list before he fights for gold. The 31-year-old explained: “I’ve got my eye on Christian Lee, but there’s a lot of guys I’ve got my eye on. The other guy that excites me a lot is Roberto Soldic. He fought Zebaztian Kadestam on the last Denver card.”

He further added, “Both of them. Those two fights excite me a lot. I love hard fights, and those are the fights I want. I want a fight that gives you butterflies in your stomach because it’s challenging.”

Fitikefu’s road to the ONE Welterweight Title

Indeed, both Soldic and Kadestam are two of the division’s most devastating knockout artists and electrifying athletes. A win over either man – and especially a knockout win – would solidify Isi Fitikefu as a truly elite talent worthy of a shot at 26 pounds of gold. Of course, he’ll first have to deal with the task at hand, which is “Japanese Beast” at ONE 168.

Never one to shy away from a big challenge, “Doxz” says he wants no easy fights on his way to the ONE Welterweight MMA World Title. He added: “These guys are good, and if I can beat them, then I know I’m worthy enough for a World Title shot. I want to earn my shot. I don’t want anything given to me.”

What’s your take on Isi “Doxz” Fitikefu’s plans for the future? State your thoughts in the comments below.