Conor McGregor could be handed a surprise rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov after the lightweight champion retained his title on Saturday night.
Nurmagomedov choked out Dustin Poirier in the sweltering desert heat of Abu Dhabi in his first fight since he did the same to McGregor last year.
The UFC intends to offer the next shot at the champion to Tony Ferguson who has previously seen four fights with Nurmagomedov fall through.
But if he declines the invitation or is not ready to challenge the Russian, McGregor could be given the chance to avenge his defeat.
"If, for whatever reason Tony can’t take the fight or doesn’t want the fight at that time, then we would figure out what was next," UFC president Dana White said.
"But Conor would make a lot of sense. Conor wants that fight really badly, and I’m sure the fans would want to see it. So we’ll see how this thing plays out."
McGregor was quick to respond to his rival's victory, saying simply: "Book my rematch for Moscow."
Nurmagomedov dominated Poirier from the opening bell and three times in the opening round looked set for a submission victory only for Poirier to wriggle free on each occasion.
The challenger enjoyed brief success of his own at the start of the second session and then in the third almost choked out the champion for what would have been a huge upset.
Nurmagomedov turned the tables however and soon sunk in a submission of his own and Poirier tapped.
The unbeaten champion now wants to be recognised as the best in the world.
He said: "Give me respect and put me No.1 pound-for pound because I deserve it.
"I dominate all my opponents and I am undefeated - I think I deserve some respect."
