VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Perennial UFC contender Donald Cerrone warned his promoter against denying him a title shot if he beat Tony Ferguson in June.

Unfortunately for Cerrone, Ferguson has won that fight, but now “Cowboy” is urging the UFC to give his recent opponent that chance.

“Hell yeah, man! Give the dude his dues,” Cerrone told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at an open workout for his UFC on ESPN+ 16 headliner opposite Justin Gaethje on Saturday at Rogers Arena.

Ferguson has been identified as the rightful contender by everyone of consequence in the lightweight division – and UFC president Dana White. The executive said the ex-interim champ will face undisputed champ Khabib Nurmagomedov next, but only if he accepts the offer.

There’s a bit of wiggle room in there, and it certainly didn’t seem White added it by accident. Cerrone can only shake his head at the idea of ex-champ Conor McGregor sliding in to the spot.

“That would be tough for Tony to swallow,” he said. “No, (Ferguson) deserves it. For sure.”

For his part, Cerrone is skeptical UFC fans will ever see McGregor return to the cage. The veteran has some first-hand experience to speak from after a targeted fight with McGregor fell apart in negotiations.

“Chasing that, it’s not even worth it to me anymore,” Cerrone said. “(Expletive) or get off the pot, bro. But yeah, there’s no one else.”

The title picture is not Cerrone’s immediate concern as he heads into yet another main event fight against Gaethje, a hard-headed brawler who has also targeted McGregor.

Cerrone has come close to a UFC title so many times, only to fall short at the final step. At 36, he said he’s taken all the pressure off to succeed and simply looks forward to having fun.

Whether it’s champ Nurmagomedov or another challenger, he’ll take on anyone.

“Saturday night, there’s not many places in the world I’d rather be,” Cerrone said. “I’ll fight anybody. Those words, to me, are like truth, like who I am. When I don’t love it any more, I’ll call Dana. I really will. If I take a fight and halfway through the camp, I’m not feeling it, I’ll just call Dana, like, ‘Hey man, this one isn’t for me. I’ve got to take some time. I’ve got to maybe stop. Maybe not.’

“But right now, there’s no stopping. I’m rolling. I’m rocking. I love all of it. There’s no stopping. Losing sucks, winning’s fun, but the whole journey to me is what it’s all about. … Win or lose, man, I’m putting it on the line for every one of you.”

To hear from Cerrone, check out the video above.