Islam Makhachev has promised to "smash" Conor McGregor after securing his tenth consecutive UFC win to edge closer to a title fight.
Makhachev brutally stopped veteran Bobby Green within minutes in the first round of their meeting at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and has called for a world title fight.
But there is a chance that McGregor could leapfrog him for a chance at the belt with his considerable star-power, despite losing his last two fights.
The Irishman told Mirror Fighting on Friday night that he will be eyeing up a world title fight upon his return to the octagon later this year.
And Makhachev has said that he would happily take care of McGregor if a fight were to be presented to him.
There's no love lost between McGregor and Makhachev, with the Russian cornered by the Dubliner's most hated rival Khabib Nurmagomedov.
"Honestly, I don't remember when this guy beat someone," Makhachev told reporters after his win over Green. "He has to come back and beat someone and then let's go, why not?
"I'm going to smash him like easy."
Makhachev also joked that his opponent Green, who he dispatched of within a matter of minutes, would be a more difficult challenge than former two-weight world champion McGregor.
"Bobby Green is going to be harder for me than for him," Makhachev added.
Makhachev is ranked at No.4 in the division behind Beneil Dariush, whom he was supposed to fight on last night's show, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
It appears that Gaethje is set to face champion Charles Oliveira, who won the belt vacated by Makhachev's teammate Nurmagomedov last year.
The bout could take place on May 7 at UFC 274, which is reportedly to take place in Arizona, after Oliveira defended his title successfully in December against Poirier.
"I just want a title fight," Makhachev said in his post-fight octagon interview. "No more.
"I'm tired of all these things. I need title fight. I'm ready. I'm here."
He later noted that Green, who has been fighting professionally for the best part of 14 years, was "not at his level", and laid out his case for a title fight.
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“I told you guys a couple days ago," he said at the post-fight press conference. "this guy is not my level and I’m going to show you my level
“In 11 months, I finish four guys and I deserve [a title shot]."
And he believes he matches up very well with Oliveira should the UFC opt to give him the bout instead of Gaethje, who defeated Michael Chandler in November.
“I think it’s going to be good match because this guy’s good in the striking and grappling and wrestling,” Makhachev added.
“I’m going to make him tired, pressure him, and make him give up.
"This guy, I know like when somebody go with him three or four rounds and give him hard punch and hard time, and he can finish some people with choke.
"But when he do not do this, he give up all the time - I have grappling skills more than him.
"He is going to try to finish me on the ground, but it’s going to be so hard for him.”
