Donald Cerrone believes he is edging closer to a fight with Conor McGregor in the new year.
McGregor announced last week that he plans to return to the UFC in Las Vegas on January 18.
He did not reveal an opponent but Cerrone is believed to be the favourite ahead of Justin Gaethje.
And the American is confident McGregor will eventually agree to face him.
"I think it's going to happen this time, I really do," Cerrone told TMZ. "Conor is really serious about making a comeback. He's doing whatever he wants to do.
"I think Conor's side and our team both reached out and we're trying to figure it out; it's looking good. I've got just as much needle power as he does, it's going to be a huge fight. It's a fight everyone wants to watch.
"It's going to be a fun fight, he's a great fighter, I'm not taking anything away from him. Sign the damn deal, man. Let's get this done."
McGregor made his announcement in Russia where he was promoting his Proper Twelve whiskey.
The Dubliner has not fought since he was choked out by lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov last October.
And he said: "I would like to announce the return of ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor will take place on January 18 in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“So, that is my comeback fight, it’s 12 weeks this Saturday. I’m in prime physical condition, I’ve agreed the date with the company.
“As far as the opponent, I have the opponent’s name, but for me and the game that I’m in, and from experience, if I was to give you people the name — which I would love to do — I know the UFC would flip it because they are a crafty company.
“For me, here’s this one, ask the UFC who the opponent is because I do not give a f*** who the opponent is.”
