Khabib Nurmagomedov has refused to rule out a blockbuster clash with UFC legend Georges St-Pierre and will push for the fight in 2020.
The 31-year-old UFC lightweight champion notched up his 28th victory in September when he successfully defeated former interim champ Dustin Poirier at UFC 242.
And the undefeated Khabib is scheduled to defend his championship against Tony Ferguson in April or May 2020, according to UFC president Dana White.
The 'Eagle' has been a long-time admirer of 'GSP,' who retired from MMA in February, and is keeping his hopes up of securing a fight with the UFC legend after his clash with Ferguson.
"Our opponent is definitely Tony Ferguson," Khabib told Fight World Turkey.
"There's no other name that deserves it. We wanted the 'GSP' fight, but GSP didn't get along with the UFC.
"For this reason, our only and most valuable option is Ferguson.
"However, it is still wrong to say 100 per cent it will be this fight without signing the papers.
"If the UFC and 'GSP' can negotiate, we want to meet 'GSP' after the Ferguson fight."
Khabib has previously called 'GSP' the "greatest fighter ever to step in the octagon" and even called for a fight with him before he announced his retirement.
And the Dagestan superstar's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, also admitted in May that Khabib wants a clash with 'Rush' in 2020.
'GSP' has also flirted with the idea of making a sensational U-turn on his retirement and setting up a match with Khabib.
When he was asked last month if he would return to UFC, the Canadian star left the door open by saying he would return if the "right fight came along."
UFC chief White has also warmed up to the idea and would want the fight to happen after Khabib's clash with Ferguson.
"Tony fight has to happen first," he said during an Instagram Live last month.
"Tony Ferguson vs Khabib and, obviously, if Khabib wins that fight, the 'GSP' fight would be a fun fight to make for sure.
"I don't know if you guys have seen pictures of 'GSP,' but he's looking really, really, really f*****g skinny right now.
"I think right now he's ten pounds lighter than Khabib is. Something like that, somebody told me, so that's pretty crazy."
Legendary trainer Freddie Roach would love UFC to book the clash and explained why he would back 'GSP' to beat Khabib.
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