Conor McGregor's hopes of a fight with Charles Oliveira have been given a huge boost by the Brazilian.
Oliveira made the first defence of his UFC lightweight title earlier this month when he submitted McGregor's rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 269.
UFC president Dana White confirmed No.1 ranked contender Justin Gaethje would be next in line for Oliveira after his win, reports The Mirror.
But White has also refused to rule out the possibility of McGregor receiving the next title shot after the Irishman requested to fight Oliveira on Twitter.
Oliveira has admitted he would prefer a big money fight with McGregor over a fight with former interim titleholder Gaethje.
And the Brazilian is even willing to fight McGregor without his lightweight title on the line.
"May would be a wonderful date. Conor challenged me asking a date, and tweeted Ireland vs. Brazil 2," he told Sherdog.
"Not only him, but also myself and all the world wants to see that fight. So let's make it happen. I'm waiting for him in May.
"It may be in welterweight, lightweight or middleweight, with my title on the line or not. Just choose and I'll be ready."
McGregor - who broke his tibia against Poirier in July - faces a hefty cut back down to lightweight after bulking up to 190lbs since his injury.
The former two-weight world champion - who has also competed at welterweight in the UFC - is without a win at 155-pounds in five years and finds himself ranked No. 9 in the division.
Gaethje has threatened to "burn it all down" if McGregor jumps the line and is awarded a title shot against Oliveira in his return to the cage.
'The Highlight' has previously criticised Oliveira for being a "quitter" in some of his UFC losses, but he showed respect to the Brazilian after his win against Poirier.
And Oliveira has been left confused by Gaethje's recent change in attitude towards him.
"Gaethje was knocked out by Poirier, who I just submitted. He was almost knocked out by Chandler, who I beat via TKO," he continued.
"But I'm a UFC employee. If they choose that I should fight Gaethje next, I'll be ready too.
"To tell you the truth, I couldn't understand his posture. He said a lot of bull**** about me, but when he faced me he said I deserve all the respect, that I was a real champion.
"A few minutes later told he the press that he would [break my face]. To tell you the truth, I really don't care about all this drama."
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