Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis was due to fight Myles Jury this weekend in Chicago at UFC on FOX 16, but another injury has made a rough 2015 campaign even worse.

In May Pettis suffered ligament damage when he dislocated his right elbow during wrestling training, pushing his return to year's end.

As for dance partners, Pettis has a few ideas.

"I don't really care," Pettis told Talking Brawls. "As long as it gets me that next title shot. If Khabib's [Nurmagomedov] healthy and he's next in line, that's who I want. Or Nate Diaz. I've been calling him out, as well. Diaz has been talking a lot of s**t."

Diaz hasn't been too complimentary of Pettis lately, mocking him for a string of injuries.

You motherfuckers serious Every fight ? Smh this sports rough but #umadefromglass https://t.co/KT6PiuzTwO pic.twitter.com/s9ItLsndq3 — Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) March 19, 2015

According to Diaz, the pair also had a brief flareup in Mexico City at UFC 188 in June.

"He's not relevant at all but it's personal," Pettis said of Diaz. "When someone talks crap to me in my face I need to address that. Where I grew up that doesn't happen. He just talks s**t. When I walk past him he has something to say. In Mexico City he had a few words, but it was by the media event.

"He runs over, gets on the camera and stays relevant. I don't play into that. If he wants to fight, let's set it up. I'm not afraid to fight this dude. He's not even top ten.

With Pettis ranked No. 1 and Diaz at No. 14, the swing may be a bit much for UFC matchmaker Joe Silva.

"It doesn't make sense for me but the fact that it's personal is why I want that fight," said Pettis. "I want to whoop his ass. That's it."

5 MUST-READ STORIES

'What is this? Nineteenth-century Prussia?' Chuck Mindenhall explains why the UFC firing Jacob 'Stitch' Duran was really not cool... and in fact, just cold.

Blowback. Reebok issues statement in wake of 'Stitch' Duran firing.

Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas previews UFC on FOX 16, discusses Stitch Duran's Reebok comments, HBO's report and more in this week's live chat.

'I gave you a sign; you didn't understand...' Anderson Silva says his second loss to UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman was God sending him a message.

A little help. The UFC is working to book former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar at UFC 191 in September, currently headlined by Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson.

MEDIA STEW

UFC on FOX 16 embedded episode 1.

Episode 2 of Joe Lauzon's UFC on FOX 16 vlog.

Jason Miller's uncomfortable interview on Real Sports.

Don Frye and Forrest Griffin, together at last.

Jose Aldo suing Chael Sonnen and UFC?

Zach Makovsky smashing things in slow motion to dubsteb.

Long watches.

UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs Barao 2 Care/Don't Care Preview

...

Chael Sonnen's 'You're Welcome' with Donald Cerrone

...

TWEETS

Even more Stitch.

Gonna miss you around my friend! @StitchDuran "If he gets a good surgeon he's gonna be alright" thnx for keeping me in that Fight, much love — Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) July 22, 2015

I did a quick blog post about the Stitch stuff. http://t.co/PLe41Nx8GR — Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 22, 2015

So sad to hear that @StitchDuran will no longer be around during fight week. It's the end of an era. The golden age of MMA has passed. — Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) July 22, 2015

First no @BurtWatson4real now no @StitchDuran That's a tough loss for the fighters back stage. Only those who have fought or cornered can .. — TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) July 22, 2015

Know what a positive impact they can have on a fighters mind frame . Glad I had the opp to be a part of the UFC while they were there. — TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) July 22, 2015

My man @StitchDuran wrapped me for my biggest victory in my career @ufc 42! Much respect the best cut man greater person! — Pete Spratt (@IamPeteSpratt) July 22, 2015

Just saw @StitchDuran @StitchPremium is no longer with the UFC. Sucks to see the best cut man in the game won't be able to keep me safe. — Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) July 22, 2015

The @ufc won't be the same without you @StitchDuran. Thanks for all of your help during my career! — Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) July 22, 2015

Sad 2 hear @StitchDuran thanks for taking care of me physically and emotionally since day 1 for me in the UFC hope the best for u #legend — Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) July 23, 2015

Buds.

I'm not sure why anyone is surprised by ufc cutting Stich ! More of the same from them ! The list gets longer all the time of folks they dis — Randy Couture (@Randy_Couture) July 23, 2015

Stich is a fantastic person ! So happy to have had him during my career ! I'm happy he spoke out about he felt . It's Typical ufc BS !! — Randy Couture (@Randy_Couture) July 23, 2015

Beef.

@DUANEBANGCOM Ur opinion doesnt matter. I'll b givin u no thought or attention after this. Ur like the jealous delusional ex- girl friend — Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) July 22, 2015

I'm ok with What ever it takes to find ur full potential @Cody_Nolove good luck with ur career — LudwigMartialArtscom (@DUANEBANGCOM) July 22, 2015

I've been a champion my entire life. Don't disrespect me with that nonsense. pic.twitter.com/ebSmvg3kFj — Lance Palmer (@LancePalmer) July 23, 2015

Paging Rockhold.

Get well soon.

For those of you wondering, I broke my hand during the fight so I'll be in this cast for 6 weeks. I'm... https://t.co/wzBTLjoPad — Michelle Waterson (@karatehottiemma) July 22, 2015

Aw.

Legitimately worried about how slippery those rocks are.

Family, Friends Mourn Death of Cage Fighter

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 22 2015)

Raphael Butler vs. Lorenzo Hood at Bellator 141: Dynamite

cancelled Uriah Hall vs. Joe Riggs at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Teixeira

cancelled Jared Cannonier vs. Jonathan Wilson at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Teixeira

Nazareno Malegarie vs. Joaquim Silva at UFC 191

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.