Trekko, who runs the TP Gym in Cronulla, has signed a one-year, four-fight deal with the UFC and will make his debut in the US on February 15.

‘‘It’s not the first time I’ve tried to get in, but everyone is trying to fight in the UFC,’’ Trekko, 30, said.

‘‘I was a bit shocked. Everyone in the world wants to be there; all the best fighters are there and it’s the place to be.’’

Trekko has dominated the Australian scene since moving to Sutherland Shire from Brazil five years ago.

In his only mixed martial arts fight last year he retained his Australian lightweight Cage Fighting Championship crown with a five-round unanimous decision.

He will now take on unbeaten up-and-comer Yoislandy Izquierdo, of the US, in the UFC, on Fuel TV.

‘‘I feel like it’s my time to step up and jump in the UFC and test myself against the best,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve watched a couple of [Izquierdo’s] fights and he is a good kick-boxer. ‘‘It’s definitely going to be a good match-up, and interesting to watch.’’

His UFC call has meant Trekko has had to pull out of a fight at Sharkies Leagues Club next month.

Unable to secure any big-name bouts in Australia, he had been forced to move up from his favoured 70-kilogram weight division to the heavier 77 kilogram.

Trekko will now have to shed eight kilograms for his UFC debut to get back to a 70.3 lightweight division.

A lack of challenges made him venture into foreign ground, highlighted by his professional boxing debut last year.

Under the guidance of recently retired regional boxing champion Ryan Waters and world champion boxing trainer David Birchell, Trekko had a four-round draw in his only fight in October.

‘‘I was excited to test myself with something different,’’ Trekko said.

He joins an elite group, with only two other Australians — George Sotiropoulos and Kyle Noke — being active UFC fighters.

The first Ultimate Fighter tournament winner Diego Sanchez will headline the event against Jake

Ellenberger.

‘‘My goal now is to win my first fight,’’ Trekko said. ‘‘I’ll get to the US a couple of weeks before the fight.’’