You have to hand it to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Despite not competing for nearly two years, "The Eagle" isn't looking for an easy fight back as he gears up for his much-anticipated Octagon return this spring.

Case in point, after he saw Eddie Alvarez top Anthony Pettis at last weekend's (Sun., Jan 17, 2016) UFC Fight Night 81 event in Boston (see it again here), he contacted UFC President Dana White immediately via text to lobby for a bout against the victor.

Should that request not be granted, Nurmagomedov would still love to settle his unfinished business with Tony Ferguson, who is perhaps the hottest 155-pounder in the game today.

"Yes, this is true. I watch the fight, Eddie Alvarez vs. Pettis, and I sent a message to (Dana White) that I want to fight this guy because this guy fought two big names, Gilbert Melendez and Pettis. He's No. 1 contender, very close to me and a contender in lightweight division. I want Alvarez or Tony Ferguson. No problem if UFC gives me Tony or Alvarez because this is two contenders. I am a contender and I want to take one of these guys and after this fight, fight for the belt."

Of course, now that Alvarez is the No. 1 ranked guy at 155 pounds, he's calling for bigger fish to fry.

Khabib admitted that a fight and win over Ferguson would be better given "El Cucuy's" win streak, and also revealed that he is now back to full training following his most recent injury. Though White didn't give him a straight up answer, he did reveal that he would be giving him a foe in the coming weeks for an April 2016 return.

If you had your choice... Alvarez, or Ferguson?