Martin Vettori is already side-eyeing UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The Italian fighter is set to face Kevin Holland in the UFC Vegas 23 main event and vows to “smoke” the 28-year old in their clash this Saturday. Vettori confidently detailed his pathway to Adesanya in an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports.

Vettori added that he now is now better equipped to take down the UFC middleweight champ, should he stay true to his word and put down Holland, who holds a 21-6 MMA record.

“I'm a whole different fighter by now than what I was back then. So I can't wait. Gonna smash this guy, and everything will fall into place.”

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Vettori and Adesanya already faced off against each other three years ago, with the latter winning via split decision. Since then, Vettori has won four fights, three of which came via unanimous decisions. Being the confident competitor that he is, Vettori definitely wants to avenge that defeat and prove that he is the best Middleweight in the division.

Nevertheless, while he still has his sights set on Adesanya, Vettori did note that his main focus is still taking care of business against Holland. The Trailblazer is just coming off a defeat via unanimous decision at the hands of Derek Brunson last March. As Darren Till's replacement in the main event, Holland won't waste this opportunity to take down one of the hottest fighters in the division. Vettori shouldn't take this lightly if he wants another shot at Israel Adesanya.