The UFC could be in the process of setting up a bout between Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee for UFC 216 on October 7.

The UFC lightweight division has been at a stand still while the champion Conor McGregor is seeking opportunities in boxing. The rest of the top five in this division have been eagerly waiting for some clarification regarding the title and the possible creation of an interim title. The answers may be coming this fall at UFC 216.

Yesterday on the tail end of The MMA Hour, Ariel Helwani reported that the UFC is in talks with Tony Ferguson to get him a fight with Kevin Lee for that card taking place on October 7, in Las Vegas. Ferguson, who is currently ranked second in the division, initially campaigned for a rescheduled bout with top contender Khabib Nurmagomedov.

You don't need my manager, I'm the one who fights with you. Take the fight or tell fans that you looking for easy way. — khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) August 9, 2017

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson have been going at each other on Twitter trying to set up a fight at UFC 217 in NYC this November. Now it would appear that Nurmagomedov will not be ready to fight on that date according to Helwani. The UFC has now begun moving ahead to match Ferguson with seventh-ranked Kevin Lee. These two have some history between them as well. The two exchange words following Kevin Lee’s most recent over Michael Chiesa during the post fight interview with Fox Sports 1.

😂😂 yall sound like a married couple @TonyFergusonXT @TeamKhabib — Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) August 9, 2017

There is no word yet on whether this fight will be for an interim title in the absence of Conor McGregor. In March the UFC was ready to set an interim title bout between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov. That bout was later canceled after Nurmagomedov was hospitalized because of a problem with his weight cut.

Conor McGregor has stated recently that he intends to return to the UFC following his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather that takes place later this month. This bout between Ferguson and Lee could set up the potential title contender for McGregor’s return.