“I’m pretty sure Conor McGregor and I will be meeting in the Octagon soon!”

Fight fans are eagerly awaiting news as to who will be the next man to score a “red panty night” and challenge former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor.

Following his submisison victory over Mike Perry at UFC Denver, Donald Cerrone stated his desire to square off with the Irish superstar.

While many fight fans liked the idea of “Cowboy” squaring off with “Mystic Mac” in a lightweight showdown, the promotion apparently had other ideas.

The UFC recently booked Cerrone to fight a relative newcomer in the form of Alexander Hernandez at next month’s UFC Fight Night event on ESPN+.

Despite being booked for a fight with “The Great” on January 19 in New York, “Cowboy” is still confident that he will get his “red panty night” with Conor McGregor.

“I think [McGregor’s] side is interested in it, I know I’m very interested, and for the UFC, that’s a money fight,” Donald Cerrone told ESPN. “By no means am I overlooking Alex [Hernandez]. I’m focused on getting through him, and Conor McGregor is potentially what’s next.”

Cerrone continued:

“I don’t see why he would turn the fight down. I’m interested to see how it all plays out. I’m pretty sure Conor McGregor and I will be meeting in the Octagon soon.”

Donald Cerrone will return to lightweight for the first time since December of 2015 when he takes on Alexander Hernandez on January 19.

“Cowboy’s” most recent lightweight tilt was actually for the promotions 155-pound strap, a bout which he lost via first-round TKO to then champion Rafael dos Anjos.

In order to earn a future bout with Conor McGregor, Cerrone knows that he has to get past Hernandez in exciting fashion next month.

“This first fight is about getting back into the rankings, but from that point on, we’re going to have to sit and choose opponents,” Cerrone said. “Because getting all the way to the front door, only to have the guys ahead of you say they want to wait, so you give an up-and-comer a shot at your position — I’d just be turning myself into a gatekeeper, which is not what I want. It’s time to get that belt. It’s the last thing I need for my legacy. So I plan on doing that, and doing whatever it takes to get there.”

Do you think we will see a future fight between Donald Cerrone and Conor McGregor? Who do you think would win? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!