CALGARY, AB - JULY 28: John Makdessi of Canada prepares to fight Ross Pearson of England in their lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Scotiabank Saddledome on July 28, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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John Makdessi says he wants to face bigger-name fighters and not UFC newcomers, and he names fellow UFC veterans as potential opponents.

John Makdessi says it’s time for a step up in competition, and he’s asking the UFC to give him bigger fights in the hopes of getting closer to title contention.

“I’ve been loyal to the UFC, over 8 years now,” Makdessi tweeted. “I have no motivation fighting these newcomers. I want name fights to get me to title contention; to prove I’m one of the best Canadian fighters in the UFC. Would be [an honor] to test my will vs guys like [Miller and Lauzon].”

While Makdessi has competed against veterans like Donald Cerrone, Dennis Hallman, and, recently, Ross Pearson, the Nova Scotian fighter is asking for fights with bigger name fighters in order to make progress towards contention in an already stacked 155-pound weight class.

Miller most recently competed at UFC Ft. Lauderdale, where he quickly submitted Jason Gonzalez. He’s now won two of three since a four-fight losing streak. He currently holds the record for most UFC bouts and most wins in UFC lightweight division history.

Lauzon hasn’t fought since UFC 223 last year, where he lost to Chris Gruetzemacher by corner stoppage. It marked his third straight loss and fourth loss in his last five bouts. Lauzon, however, does hold UFC records for most Submission of the Night honors in UFC history and most finishes in UFC lightweight history. His 15 post-fight bonuses are tied with Nate Diaz for second-most in UFC history.

Miller and Lauzon have competed against one another twice, once in 2012 and once in 2016, with the former bout earning UFC’s Fight of the Year for 2012.

Makdessi, an eight-year UFC veteran who competes in the lightweight division, is currently on a three-fight win streak, most recently scoring a unanimous decision win over Jesus Pinedo at UFC Nashville in March. He’s also won four of his last five bouts since 2016, with his only loss in that span coming to Lando Vannata at UFC 206.

Pinedo and Vannata were each competing in only their second UFC bout when they fought Makdessi, who made his professional MMA debut in September 2008 and his UFC debut in December 2010.