Management conflicts have stopped Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor from clashing in the past, but the American has removed that roadblock.
And the 35-year-old Ferguson, sitting pretty on a 12-fight win streak after his win over Donald Cerrone last weekend at UFC 238, believes that McGregor needs to keep competing to maintain his legacy - and that he's the man who will keep coming back ready.
"El Cucuy" has his sights firmly set on the UFC Lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier at UFC 242, but hasn't ruled out a fight with McGregor after his recent change of management from Paradigm, who manage the Crumlin man.
"I respect (Conor) as an athlete," Ferguson admitted, before swiftly tagging on: "As a person, I think he’s kind of a d****e.
"I have a new agency now, so there’s no conflict of interest. We’re here to kick some ass. We’re all out of bubble gum.
"If it’s McNuggets for a money fight, he’s an athlete, too. I know the division misses him. I’m pretty sure he misses the fight game, too.
"I mean, seriously, we need to see these fighters keep coming out and represent the sport, because that’s why you got into it. Because you're a f***ing athlete, man.
"Keep coming back because when it's your time to retire, go and retire man. But if you've made a name in this sport, and you're able and you're within the age limit, keep f***ing competing.
"I really want to keep doing that."
