Now 4-1 as a UFC bantamweight, Bryan Caraway says he’s on the cusp of big things in his career.

While Caraway said he needs to visit a doctor to check on some nagging injuries, he said the UFC is eyeing him for a top-tier opponent.

“There’s been talks of possibly Michael McDonald or Raphael Assuncao, a guy that’s top five in the world,” Caraway (19-6 MMA, 4-1 UFC) told MMAjunkie Radio.

With four submission wins and a controversial split decision marking his only octagon setback, it’s no surprise Caraway is on deck for an opportunity. Although he remains a popular target among hardcore fans as the boyfriend of onetime women’s bantamweight title challenger Miesha Tate, and he recently drew fire for inadvertently fish-hooking his most recent opponent, Erik Perez, he is the No. 15 ranked fighter in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA bantamweight rankings. On the UFC’s official list, he is No. 8.

“I think I earned that,” he said. “I think I beat Mizugaki. With four finishes, I think I’m one fight away from fighting for the title. I believe the UFC feels that way, as well.

“Talking about a fight with McDonald, I know he’s been out with injuries; I’ve got to get checked out, but I really love that fight. Michael McDonald is a tough kid. I want to fight him not because I don’t think he’s good, but because I think he is good. He fought for a world title; he fought (Renan) Barao, and he’s ranked top five in the world. That’s what I want. I want to fight a guy that is top five in the world – (Eddie) Wineland, Raphael, McDonald, (Urijah) Faber, any of those guys.”

Currently, the bantamweight division is still adjusting to the dethroning of Barao, whose long title reign was ended this past May by Team Alpha Male standout T.J. Dillashaw. Ex-WEC champ and TAM patriarch Faber indicated he would face Dillashaw if a title is on the line, though Assuncao appears the most qualified as the next contender after Barao gets a rematch in the main event of UFC 177. Assuncao currently enjoys a six-fight win streak despite turning down a bout with Barao that led to Dillashaw’s installment at UFC 173.

Meanwhile, ex-champ Dominick Cruz lingers on the cusp of a comeback after a two-year layoff due to injury.

“I think anybody who follows MMA believes Assuncao is the No. 1 contender for a long time now, but there’s a lot of politics,” Caraway said. “He’s been hurt; maybe the communication between him and the UFC from him being in Brazil is a little rough.

“You never know what’s going on with his personal life. But as far as his record and his technical abilities, he’s the next guy in line, too. But sometimes it doesn’t always match up with the personal life and all these other factors.

“I think I’m right on the cusp, there. I’m taking one fight at a time. I’m just looking to whoever I fight next to finish him.”

Caraway, of course, would have liked to have been the fighter to beat Barao for the title. Dillashaw’s win means he’ll have to fight a former training partner and teammate, as he once served a stint at TAM and was roommates with the champ on the 14th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” But when a belt is on the line, he’s willing to put that history aside.

“He earned that win, and I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Caraway said. “I saw him today, and I said, ‘Hey man. I’m working hard. You’re my buddy, but I’m coming for your belt. I’m going to punch you in the face as hard as I can.'”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.