UFC’s lightweight division has a lot of great fighters who can make compelling arguments as to why they deserve a title shot against current champ Khabib Nurmagomedov. Nobody’s arguments are better than Tony Ferguson’s. An interim title wrongfully stripped away. A 12 fight win streak, with the last two victories violent pummelings that forced stoppages between rounds. The UFC understands this, which is why Dana White has said Ferguson should be next.

But White also made it sound like Ferguson accepting a title shot against Khabib wasn’t a sure thing. That’s why he’s keeping Conor McGregor and Georges St-Pierre in his back pocket as potential replacements. We imagine that all has to do with bout negotiations and money, because of course Tony wants that fight, right? Of course!

Well, just to confirm that fact, here’s “El Cucuy” on social media calling out Khabib for UFC 245 in December.

Pretty sure we can make some room for good ol fathead Khabib,” Ferguson wrote above a collage of his bruised and bloodied opponents. “Dana White, make it happen! #DefendorVacate #Accepted Dec 14 - Champ s**t only.”

We’re not surprised that Ferguson is chomping at the bit to get into the cage to take on Khabib. But it’s pretty unlikely the two will face off at UFC 245 in Las Vegas. The card already has two title fights booked - Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight strap and Amanda Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie for the women’s bantamweight belt. And while a mega card at the end of the year sounds A-OK to us, we imagine the UFC would prefer to spread the wealth across other cards early into 2020.

Here’s hoping Khabib Nurmagomedov is still feeling the urge to stay active, because we haven’t seen Tony Ferguson since his June thrashing of Donald Cerrone. While December isn’t likely, January sure would be swell. February at the absolute latest!