LAS VEGAS – Luke Rockhold firmly believes he should be next to challenge UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, even if company president Dana White was unwilling to confirm he’s the No. 1 contender.

Following Weidman’s (13-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) first-round TKO win over Vitor Belfort (24-11 MMA, 13-7 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 187 headliner at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, the UFC boss said Rockhold (14-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is “first in line,” but also that there’s another contender in the wings – Ronaldo Souza – who could receive the shot.

“Luke Rockhold had me cornered on my way here and told he’s ready and wants the fight,” White said on FOX Sports 1’s post-UFC 187 show. “He’s first in line. But ‘Jacare’s’ manager said he was ready to go. We’ll see.”

Rockhold took issue with White’s comments. The 30-year-old said his current four-fight winning streak, which includes stoppages of Lyoto Machida, Michael Bisping, Tim Boetsch and Costas Philippou, should make him the undisputed No. 1 contender to Weidman’s belt.

“I don’t know what the hell they’re doing, but it’s guaranteed that that’s my shot,” Rockhold told MMAjunkie after the event. “It’s happening. They’ll be a date locked down soon. We’re fighting. I talked to Dana, and we got some things coming.”

Confident he has the next title fight, the questions shift to when and where Rockhold could possibly challenge for the belt. Weidman said he wants to wait to see if MMA is legalized in his home state of New York with hopes he can fight in the UFC’s debut event in New York City. The organization has a Dec. 5 date reserved at Madison Square Garden, but there’s no guarantee it will happen.

Moreover, a December fight would mark a significant layoff following Rockhold’s UFC on FOX 15 win over Machida in April. He said he wants the fight much sooner, possibly in September, but would be willing to wait to participate on the monumental fight card.

“That’s a long time, but it’s a big stage, and it’s something worthwhile waiting for,” Rockhold said. “I would prefer something closer. I think (in) September, there might be a date here (in Las Vegas). Maybe we could turn it around quick and like I said, I could give him that rematch (in New York).

“I want to fight. I want to get that fight, but MSG if worth waiting for. There are still some hoops to jump through to get there. I’m hoping for the best.”

Rockhold didn’t hide his opinion about UFC 187’s co-headlining title fight (watch the Weidman vs. Belfort video highlights). He felt Weidman would retain the title in dominant fashion if he could survive Belfort’s trademark first-round blitz, which is exactly how it played out.

“Chris did what I thought he would do; I thought he could come out there and dominate,” Rockhold said. “I was worried about the initial steroid burst. Vitor always has that, and then he breaks. He broke, and it was what I thought. Chris has got heart. He took shots well, covered up and fought back and did what he always does. The guy is a tough-ass dude.

“I think I’m better on the ground, and I think I’m better on the feet. I think this becomes more of a standup fight. Chris is tough, technical and he hits hard. But I’ve got more finesse. I’ve got more footwork and more weapons. You’re going to see a great fight.”

For more on UFC 187, check out the UFC Events section of the site.