Kiwi mixed martial arts star Israel Adesanya says he will prove doubters wrong about his ground game, come Sunday at UFC 236 in Atlanta.
The 29-year-old has had a meteoric rise in the UFC, after winning five straight bouts in the space of a year.
He takes on US rival Kelvin Gastelum for the UFC middleweight interim title this Sunday.
Gastelum has been known for his high calibre wrestling and powerful punching power.
Adesanya told 1 NEWS he is happy to showcase his wrestling skills against his opponent Gastelum.
"It's always talked about [wrestling/ ground game], they always talk about my wrestling and say 'he has never faced a wrestler like blah, blah, blah, blah, blah and so and so and so is a better wrestler on paper.'
"I keep proving them wrong and this weekend isn't going to be any different."
Adesanya has no doubts he will be bringing home New Zealand's first UFC title after his bout in Atlanta.
"Yeah definitely, of course I am taking gold back home, guaranteed."
Adesanya has a record of 16-0 in MMA with Gastelum holding a record of 15 wins and three losses.
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