Chad Mendes wants immediate showdown against Ricardo Lamas, but 'Bully' targeting Conor McGregor

Friend zone.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight No. 1 contender Chad Mendes is in a big hurry to get back inside the Octagon after dropping a close decision to Jose Aldo last month in Brazil. To that end, "Money" is targeting a showdown against fellow title chaser Ricardo Lamas.

"ASAP," his manager told MMA Fighting.

Unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual. "The Bully" is fresh off a submission win over featherweight wunderkind Dennis Bermudez, and is hoping to secure a 145-pound showdown against Conor McGregor at UFC Fight Night 59, according to UFC Tonight, should something happen to Dennis Siver.

That means Mendes has to wait until Jan. 18 for his answer, or look elsewhere.

Outside of Lamas -- based on the top 10 rankings -- there is nowhere to go except outside the top five (see why here). Cub Swanson and Frankie Edgar are throwing down this weekend on FOX Sports 1 and "Notorious" is doing his thing in "Beantown."

What fight do you, as a fan, want to see?