Since no one else in the featherweight division is calling out Zabit Magomedsharipov for a fight, Michael Johnson said he would be willing to share the octagon with the rising Russian star – but only if it happens soon.

Magomedsharipov (16-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) has been looking for a noteworthy fight at 145 pounds after his scheduled matchup with Yair Rodriguez fell apart in September. Rodriguez scored an incredible knockout win in his return to action at UFC Fight Night 139 this past weekend, and afterward Magomedsharipov questioned why “El Pantera” was mum on rescheduling their bout.

Johnson (19-13 MMA, 11-9 UFC) has noticed that no one has been keen on asking to share the octagon with Magomedsharipov. He said he’s not explicitly doing that, but “The Menace” is determined to get a spot on next month’s UFC 232 lineup (or any December card, really), and if Magomedsharipov is ready, he said he wouldn’t hesitate to accept.

“If he wants to fight in December I’m all for that,” Johnson told MMAjunkie Radio. “He’s a very tough guy, he’s up and coming and it’d be a great fight as well. He’s ranked. None of those guys did call him out and I don’t think anybody really has called him out. I’m not necessarily going on air calling him out, but I’m saying that’s a fight I would take of course.”

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Although Johnson is coming off a late-October victory over Artem Lobov at UFC Fight Nigh 138, he said he’s healthy and eager to get one more fight in before the 2018 calendar rolls over. After going on a three-fight slide, Johnson has won his past two and is keen to keep that momentum going.

At this point Johnson, 32, is not interested in making a fuss over who is standing across the octagon with him. He’d like the biggest fights possible, obviously, but whether it’s Magomedsharipov, 27, or someone else, Johnson just wants to step in the cage again as soon as possible.

“I’m just trying to stay active at this point,” Johnson said. “I’m staying in the training room and trying to get better myself and get busy. At the end of the day we’re fighters. That’s what we do. We’re not trainers and guys who just can train all day. We’re fighters, so the more I can fight, the better position I’ll be in physically and mentally.”

For more on UFC 232, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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Gallery Michael Johnson def. Artem Lobov at UFC Fight Night 138: Best photos view 11 images