West Australian Quillan Salkilld has outlined his path to the UFC lightweight championship as he prepares for the biggest test of his promising career at RAC Arena on Saturday night.

The exciting West Australian mixed martial artist will step into the octagon against veteran Beneil Dariush (23-7-1) on the back of an incredible four-fight win streak in the UFC.

Salkilld (11-1) has gained attention for his ability to finish his opponents, with impressive knockout victories against Anshul Jubli and Nasrat Haqparast, as well as a submission win over fellow Australian Jamie Mullarkey.

A win against Dariush would almost certainly propel Salkilld into the top 15 of the lightweight rankings, but the 26-year-old has much bigger goals in his sight.

“A win over someone in the top 10, then the top five, and then a contender spot,” Salkilld told The West Australian about what is next.

“I envisage myself getting another three fights before we get into that No.1 contender spot. And I see myself getting to the belt, becoming the champion, and then we see where it goes from there.”

Before he can get there, though, Salkilld has to worry about Dariush, who not only lost his last fight to Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 322 last year, but missed weight.

Dariush is still a dangerous opponent, with the 36-year-old having been in the UFC for more than 12 years.

However, Salkilld said it was now his time to become a staple of the lightweight division.

“I think based on his latest performances and my youth (that I am better),” he said.

“I am a hungry up-and-comer. This is the typical changeover, passing of the guard now. It is my time now, and it’s how I see things happening.

“I want to get in and get out as fast as possible. The quicker you get out of there, the better. It is good to get some experience out there, but the better pay cheques come when you get them out of there early.”

After his first four fights came on pay-per-view cards, Salkilld will be the co-main event of the iconic fight night in Perth, which will be held in prime time in WA.

It will be the first time Salkilld steps into the octagon in front of friends and family in his hometown, which brings another whole level of pressure.

“Every day I think about the walkout and the song and seeing the crowd. That’s what I live for, it’s going to be nuts,” he said.

“I have envisioned this whole camp every day.

“Thinking about after the fight and celebrating, gathering with my family and friends is going to be cool.”

Salkilld is an entertainment machine, having earned performance of the night bonuses in three of his four UFC bouts, which has caught the attention of UFC president Dana White, who announced his bout against Dariush personally.

“It’s cool. Makes me feel good. Makes all the hard work and years of being in the gym, it’s coming to fruition, and it’s all worth it,” he said.