I'M still deep in training ahead of my next UFC bout on January 2.

I've had to sacrifice my entire Christmas to get ready for this fight and have been in lockdown for about six weeks now. I've done the bulk of my training at a secret location in Holland.

I'll now be facing American Dustin Hazelett in Las Vegas at UFC 108, as my original opponent, Carlos Condit, was forced to withdraw due to injury.

This has forced me to re-think my strategy, but it's nothing that I've never experienced before. I'm a seasoned mixed martial artist and have fought all over the world.

I've competed in nearly 40 professional fights and am used to thinking on my feet and adapting.

I know Hazelett will be a test for me. Just because he has come in as a replacement doesn't mean he's any less of an opponent. If anything, a late replacement often offers even more of a threat.

I made my UFC debut as a late replacement and I ended up knocking out Martin Kampmann, a guy who was on the verge of a title shot. I just make sure I train the same way, whatever the opponent. I don't take my foot off the gas or relax, irrespective of who I'm fighting. I need to win this fight and I want to do so spectacularly.

Everybody knows I finish fights with my hands and feet. I've got that one-punch knockout power. I want Hazelett to realise why I have a reputation in this weight division.

A win over Hazelett will set up a massive 2010 for me.

I've always had ambitions to fight for the UFC title and that is definitely something I want to achieve in 2010. I don't just want to compete for it; I want to win it. I don't care who holds the title at the time – I want to take that belt and put it around my waist.

The UFC title means so much to me, simply because the UFC itself was the reason I first got started as a mixed martial artist. The UFC probably started everyone off, except for the Gracie family.

At first, the lure of a cheque was obviously key for me, but then I just started to love the competition and quickly realised I could become good at it. Now my main goal is to get my hands on that UFC welterweight title.

The good news for Nottingham is that my friend and training partner Dan 'The Outlaw' Hardy will get our city's first shot at the belt when he challenges champion Georges St-Pierre next March.

Dan and I are very similar characters. We're almost flip sides of the same coin. We're different people with different backgrounds, but we share similar attitudes, mindsets and approach situations the same way.

He's got the right fights in the UFC and has made the most of them. He should be really proud of himself for the way he has taken the challenge by the scruff of its neck and beaten everyone put in front of him. I knew he would defeat Mike Swick at UFC 105 and he did so in style, setting up this shot at the UFC title.

So long as Dan fights to the best of his ability and sticks to the game plan, he has the talent to beat anybody at 170-pounds, GSP included….

UFC 108 is LIVE on ESPN on January 2.