Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza believes he's next in line for a title shot with Michael Bisping

Forget about Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, and Dan Henderson. Newly crowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight king Michael Bisping has another potential title hunter nipping at his heels.

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, former Strikeforce champion Ronaldo Souza threw his name into the hat to be the next guy in line for a title shot. After all, "Jacare" recently butchered mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Vitor Belfort via first-round TKO back at UFC 198, extending his promotional record to 6-1 in the process.

"I'm not afraid at all, I think I deserve the title shot," said Souza in response to the idea that he'd be passed over after declining to fill in for any injured Weidman at UFC 199. "Even if they give me somebody else to fight before the title shot, I might take it and spank someone. But I know I have the right to be the next one."

Souza said he'll be ready to fight again in November following knee surgery, which is the same month that Weidman called Bisping out (shown below) for a showdown in New York City at UFC 205.

Hey @mikebisping was it a lil easier sayin my name before the opportunity of fighting me came? I don't hear you now. I'm sorted out, bum. Let's see you try to shut me up Nov 12th on the biggest stage in the world. The fairytale is over soon, believe you me. #alltalk #scared #destiny #ufc205 #MSG

A video posted by Chris Weidman (@chrisweidmanufc) on Jun 9, 2016 at 10:09am PDT

For what it's worth, Souza's only loss in the UFC came via split-decision back at UFC 194 opposite Yoel Romero, who tested positive for Ibutamoren and has been serving a shortened suspension under United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) rule ever since.

"I probably should have been better prepared for that fight, but I believe I did a good job," added Souza regarding his defeat to Romero. "I came back, I showed heart. And he was not loyal. He kind of fought dirty, held the cage twice. It is what it is."

While the UFC Middleweight division has never had more deserving title contenders than it does right now, Souza is certainly on the short list of potential challengers considering his overall dominance since entering the promotion back in 2013.