Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto will need a fifth place or better if he's to win the title in Vegas.

A stunning sixth win of the season at Salt Lake City last weekend has set Ryan Villopoto up for his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, title entering this weekend’s season finale in Las Vegas.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Villopoto earned his sixth win of the season during the penultimate round of the series in Utah, handing him a handy nine-point lead in the series over Australia’s Chad Reed with one round to run.

The victory extended Villopoto’s lead by three and he’s content with that cushion ahead of the pressure-packed final round on Saturday night.

“I knew that I didn’t have to win for the championship, but I really wanted to give myself a better cushion going into Las Vegas,” said Villopoto. “Considering the weather we saw over the two days in Salt Lake City, the track turned out great.

“It is nice to head into the last round with a little bit of a gap. If the opportunity presents itself, I want to go after the win, but I know what I have to do for the championship.”

In order to clinch the crown this weekend in the title chase, Villopoto needs to finish fifth or better, even if Chad Reed wins on Saturday night.