UFC lightweight star Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the best fighters on the UFC roster without a title belt. Nurmagomedov’s run at a UFC title has been a rather lengthy one however given his 2-year layoff following his win 2014 win over Rafael dos Anjos.

After making his successful return to the Octagon earlier this year by TKOing Darrel Horcher, many expected Nurmagomedov to finally get his crack at UFC gold given his 23-0 professional MMA record, and 7-0 UFC record despite the fact that Horcher was a UFC newcomer in their bout.

On the heels of it being announced that Rafael dos Anjos and Tony Ferguson would be fighting in Mexico before the end of the year, Nurmagomedov took to Instagram to update fans on his hopes of a title shot:

As soon as rumors about my title fight comes out, my loyal friend rushed to help me with preparation. But seriously guys, I'm just waiting for phone call with news, that I'm fighting for title. I really want to bring this title to Russia and prove that we deserve it. Как только пошли слухи о моем титульном бое, мой верный друг, как и в старые добрые времена примчался помочь мне готовиться, а если честно друзья я просто жду, жду когда мне позвонят и скажут, Хабиб ты дерёшься за пояс, я искренне хочу привезти этот пояс в Россию и доказать что мы это все заслуживаем.

A photo posted by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) on Aug 2, 2016 at 2:58pm PDT