Khabib Nurmagomedov targets UFC return in March, calls out Tony Ferguson

After reconsidering his retirement plans, Khabib Nurmagomedov is ready to get back into the swing of things on the heels of his latest injury setback (details).

And "The Eagle" already has his path to the gold mapped out, as he said on The MMA Hour that he wants to fight in March of 2016 then get a title fight at UFC 200 in July.

As for who he'd like to take on in his comeback fight, Khabib wasn't shy in spilling a few names, as he pegged three potential foes.

"If Rafael dos Anjos wins and says he wants to fight me, I can give him rematch no problem. But, I think first of all, I need to stay healthy and I think next year, March is a perfect date. I need to fight someone in March then come back and fight for the title at UFC 200. As for my opponent, if I don't fight for the title, I think whoever win fight Pettis or Alvarez or maybe Tony Ferguson. If they don't give him title fight, I think we need to fight for No. 1 contender. Feguson have seven win streak and he deserves a title shot or a fight with me. I watch his fight, congratulations Tony. He did a very good job because Edson Barboza is no easy fight. He eat a lot of kicks and punch but he kept going and finish the guy."

Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were set to tango this past weekend (Fri., Dec. 11, 2015) at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 22 Finale before an injury sidelined the Dagestani.

Ferguson went on to face (and defeat) Edson Barboza (recap) to win his seventh straight and a potential shot at the lightweight strap. If he doesn't get it, then Khabib is more than willing to settle their unfinished business to see who the rightful owner of the next 155-pound championship fight really is.

If not, well then there are plenty of issues to work out with Pettis, too.