Unbeaten UFC lightweight fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov is getting antsy about returning to the Octagon, but he doesn’t plan on doing so unless championship gold is on the line. 

In an interview with MMA Junkie, the highly-regarded Russian grappler once again called out lightweight titleholder Anthony Pettis. 

“It’s a sport and a business, too, and I respect everyone. But I don’t respect Anthony Pettis,” Nurmagomedov said. 

“He’s champ, but he’s not a true champ. He’s a paper champ, and he hasn’t defended his title in one-and-a-half years.”

Boasting a 22-0 record overall, including six straight wins under the UFC banner, “The Eagle” has put his stamp on the UFC’s 155-pound division with clear-cut victories over names like Pat Healy and Rafael dos Anjos. 

Meanwhile, Pettis captured the UFC strap from old rival Benson Henderson at UFC 164 last August, but hasn’t competed since then due to injuries and a head coaching gig opposite Gilbert Melendez on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter. 

Pettis and Melendez are set to square off at UFC 181 in December and it would be tough to give the winner anyone besides Nurmagomedov next. 

Also factor in that the 26-year-old is nursing a knee injury and a title bout between March and May suddenly seems probable. 

Will Nurmagomedov end up fighting for the UFC lightweight title next or will someone behind him in the rankings pull off a stunning victory to leapfrog his place in line?