Controversial ex-NRL player Curtis Scott is aiming to become the first player from the code to secure a UFC contract.
The 27-year-old hasn't played top-level rugby league since being sacked by Canberra Raiders for poor behaviour in 2021.
However, Scott has attempted to build a career in fight sports since, knocking out AFL champion Barry Hall in a boxing clash last year.
After being given an offer from global MMA organisation Professional Fighters League (PFL), Scott is now targeting selection in the UFC.
MORE: Barry Hall vs. Curtis Scott fight result: Scott claims first-round KO in cross-code showdown
His PFL deal will see the former NRL centre fight four times over the next two years - where he hopes to get noticed by the UFC.
“Making the UFC is definitely the end goal,” Scott told Fox Sports Australia.
“Being a offered a deal with the PFL, that’s a massive opportunity for me.
“And I actually think MMA suits me more than every other combat sport.
“I’ve done a lot of wrestling, a lot of grappling, and I’m strong for my weight.
“My boxing coach, Brian Doyle, also trains both Rob Whittaker and Jacob Malkoun, so if everything goes to plan I’ll head out to Smeaton Grange and get involved with those guys.
“When it comes to Australian MMA, they’re the top of the tree.
“So the plan would be to go out there and train.”
Scott is also hoping to fight former heavyweight world champion Lucas Browne in a bare knuckle fight next year.
After starting his NRL career for Melbourne Storm in 2016, Scott was released to join the Raiders for the 2020 season.
In January 2020, Scott was involved in an incident at Sydney's Moore Park precinct, where he threw a mobile phone at a passing vehicle and fallen asleep on the ground, before police alleged he needed to be tasered after assaulting intervening officers.
However, Scott was only found guilty on charges of offensive behaviour after police bodycam footage failed to show any resistance to arrest.
In June 2021, it was alleged Scott was in a fight at a Canberra nightclub with two men, giving one a broken nose and concussion - but police were not involved and the NRL player was not charged.
After his sacking from the Raiders, Scott was arrested on domestic violence charges while walking around a Sydney golf course in January 2022.
He was eventually found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and stalk or intimidate with the intention of causing fear or physical harm.