LAS VEGAS – Despite his loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 241, former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis believes he’s still “in a good spot.”

Saturday, the Roufusport product confirmed recent claims made by his head coach. Earlier this month, Duke Roufus said Pettis (22-9 MMA, 14-9 UFC) is eying a fight with “The Ultimate Fighter 1” winner Diego Sanchez (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC).

Both Sanchez and Pettis are coming off losses. In his most recent outing at UFC 239 in July, Sanchez was defeated by fellow “TUF” winner Michael Chiesa. Prior to the loss, Sanchez had earned back-to-back victories over Mickey Gall and Craig White.

In Pettis’ eyes, the contest makes sense because both men have the flexibility to fight at 155 or 170 pounds. “Showtime” would prefer a matchup with Sanchez take place at welterweight, a weight limit he only has to lose six pounds to hit. Pettis would like to see the fight take place by the end of 2019.

“I’m a good spot right now where I could make 155,” Pettis said. “Like the Nate Diaz fight, I only fought him at 176 pounds. I only gained six pounds with my weight cut. I want Diego Sanchez. That’s what I told Duke.

“One more fight before the end of the year. I tell myself three big fights this year. He’s available. At 155, there’s no one available for me. I want to stay busy.”

Why is Pettis calling for a fight with Sanchez? The UFC welterweight said he wants to give the fans the matchups that would interest them most. In Pettis’ opinion, that would make three “killer” opponents he’s faced in a row.

“I feel like especially the fans want to see it,” Pettis said. “That’s what it’s all about. If the fans want to see the fights I choose, then it works out. Look who I just fought. From (Tony) Ferguson, (Stephen) ‘Wonderboy’ (Thompson), Nate Diaz … even before that, I was fighting killers.”

Even though he’s been calling for a return to the cage in 2019, Pettis said he hasn’t talked to the promotion yet about any specific matchups. But he has talked to UFC president Dana White, and also said he has heard the promotion will be having a matchmaker meeting soon that could result in a booking.

“I haven’t talked to the UFC yet,” Pettis said. “I reached out to Dana about it. They’re supposed to have a matchmaker meeting, so if it works out, it works out. If not, we’ll find out. There’s a lot of good guys, but I feel like Diego deserves that kind of fight. He’s been around a long time.”