Islam Makhachev didn't entertain who he'd like to fight next fresh off of producing a vicious first-round TKO of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on Saturday.
When Daniel Cormier asked Makhachev on ESPN+ if he'd like to fight Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje next, Makhachev responded by simply saying: "I never choose. Dana — you have some job. Give me someone."
Well, Gaethje heard that loud and clear, as he took to his X account to send a message the lightweight world champ's way.
That being said, Gaethje admitted that he has a hard road ahead if the UFC does grant him the title opportunity.
Gaethje is currently No. 2 behind Oliveira, who was originally slated to fight Makhachev at UFC 294, on the UFC lightweight rankings.
"He already lost to Makhachev," Gaethje told ESPN+'s Megan Olivi about Oliveira and why he deserves the next crack at Makhachev.
"I've been doing this s—t a long time but I earned my spot," Gaethje tacked on.
Gaethje is coming off a second-round KO (head kick) of Dustin Poirier in July.
Additionally, Gaethje is well aware of the comparisons made between Makhachev and legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and he'd like nothing more than to test his skills against the lightweight champ.
"I just want to figure it out."