SACRAMENTO – Nik Lentz is 3-0 since a drop from lightweight to featherweight, and on Saturday, he fights the division’s No. 1 contender, Chad Mendes. But if you think Lentz hasn’t been vocal enough to earn his own title shot, he doesn’t agree.

In fact, ahead of their UFC on FOX 9 main-card bout, he’s making intentions very clear: When it comes to a potential title shot, he wants it, and he feels he deserves it. And that includes a bold prediction when it comes to reigning UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo.

“I’m already vocal about it,” he told MMAjunkie. “I’m already going to take Jose Aldo’s belt. That’s why I want him to keep it – because I want to be able to beat the guy that’s considered pound-for-pound one of the best in the world. You can’t write it up better. That’s the kind of match I want to win (to get) a world title.

“It’s already special to win a world title, but to do it over someone that’s been one of the best in the game? That’s what I want. Chad Mendes is in the way of that.”

Mendes (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), of course, is no pushover. In the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings, Aldo is No. 1, and Mendes is right behind at No. 2. Lentz (24-5-2 MMA, 8-2-1 UFC), who’s ranked No. 11, enters hostile territory for the fight, which takes place at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento venue is just a short jaunt from Team Alpha Male, which is home to Mendes and many of the sport’s other top lighter-weight fighters.

However, Lentz, who’s defeated Brazilian fighters in Brazil during his past two wins, doesn’t see it as any real advantage for his opponent.

“I’ve grown to love , but like I said in a couple other interviews, this is nothing compared to Brazil,” he said.” This is my home. I’m a U.S. citizen, you know? California is still in the U.S. I feel like I’m fighting at home for once.

“It’s not that big of an advantage for him. In fact, I think it’s just going to put more pressure on him.”

Check out the full interview above.

And for the latest on UFC on FOX 9, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.