Dhiego Lima realized the greatest moment of his UFC career the last time he stepped inside the octagon. He said he’s hoping to build off that at UFC on ESPN+ 8.

After going on a three-fight losing skid in pro competition, Lima (13-7 MMA, 2-5 UFC) made good on what may have been his final chance at UFC glory in December. He scored a brutal 97-second knockout of Chad Laprise at UFC 231, giving him his first finish in seven bouts with the organization.

Lima always has felt like his UFC record hasn’t accurately reflected his abilities. He showed what he’s capable of by finishing Laprise, and now he hopes to make another statement on Saturday when he meets Court McGee (19-7 MMA, 8-6 UFC) in a welterweight bout at UFC on ESPN+ 8.

“I needed (that knockout win),” Lima told MMA Junkie. “I’ve been in this sport for a very long time. I’ve been in the UFC for quite some time, but my record wasn’t too good. I knew how much talent I have; it just wasn’t the time. I believe that God knows when it’s the right time. Now is my time. Now I’m super motivated. I’m going at full speed. Now when I step in cage, I feel right at home. The mental pressure is off. Now I can do in fighting what I’ve always done in training. In training, I’m a machine. It wasn’t clicking during fights before. Now, I feel I can do those things during fights.”

UFC on ESPN+ 8 takes place at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. Lima vs. McGee is part of the early prelims on ESPN2 prior to prelims on ESPN and the main card on ESPN+.

Lima said his previous performance was just the tipping point and believes he still has “far to go” in the sport with many of his best years ahead. After beating “The Ultimate Fighter: Nations” winner Laprise four months ago, Lima is now looking to take out “The Ultimate Fighter 11” winner McGee, which is a challenge Lima said he embraces.

There’s no ill will heading into this fight, though. Lima said he holds McGee in high regard, especially because of his ability to overcome a dark past that included a serious battle with substance addiction. The personal story is inspiring, but when it comes to stepping into the octagon, Lima said it will be all business.

“Court McGee is a winner in life itself,” Lima said. “He’s gone through a lot of tough things, and he’s still here fighting. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s hard to beat. I’m ready for a long fight. He moves forward and doesn’t stop. He has been stopped only once, against Santiago Ponzinibbio, by TKO. Most of his fights go to decision. So against him, I have to be ready to go all three rounds.

“He doesn’t run away. There are a lot of fights I can study, so I can figure out where to land my strikes. I feel I’ll be very ready. He won’t stop looking for a fight, and neither will I. It’s going to be a war. The fans should not blink. It’s going to be nonstop action.”

Lima said becoming just the second man to finish McGee inside the distance would be a huge feather in his cap. He’s had a rough road to get to this point, but if Lima can produce consecutive wins under the UFC banner, he said he will be in a good position to make 2019 the most significant of his career.

“With two or three wins in a row, it’s possible to be facing a top-15 or top-10 opponent next, especially since people recognize my name,” Lima said. “I want a big win, and to keep on winning. I’m not one to be calling people out. I prefer to go in the cage and show my work. The winner always gets to speak. I want a spectacular win so the fans and the media can talk about me. I can’t afford any setbacks. I’m going to keep forging my way ahead.”

For more on UFC on ESPN+ 8, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.