Tom Aspinall is looking towards a fight with Francis Ngannou, even if it is a long-shot.
Ngannou fought last weekend against Tyson Fury in his professional boxing debut, having left the UFC as champion.
Ngannou is expected to return to MMA with the PFL franchise, but continues to be linked with another high-profile fight in the ring, whether it is with Fury in a rematch, or another big name.
The Cameroonian was denied a win as Fury won a split-decision victory in Saudi Arabia, and had the WBC champion knocked down on the canvas in the third round.
Aspinall meanwhile is back from injury and will fight Marcin Tybura at UFC 295 for the interim heavyweight championship, which could set him on a path to challenge for the title against current champion Jon Jones.
Speaking to Casino Canada, he was sceptical Ngannou would be back with UFC, but would still welcome the chance to fight him.
He said: “If I was Francis Ngannou, I would not be returning to the UFC with the money he is now making. The world is at his feet money wise, and he could make so much money doing anything he wanted.
“If I could fight him that’d be amazing because I’d make so much money as well. I think it’s really good what he’s done. He is inspiring and believed in himself when everyone else thought it was ludicrous in what he was doing in fighting Tyson Fury.
“You’ve got to respect what he has done and I’m very impressed by him. The knockdown looked fine to me in round three. Fury came in with the big one-two and Ngannou landed the perfect counter to the right hand. It was fine as far as I’m concerned.”