Arnold Allen has been campaigning to face some of the top names in the featherweight division for some time now.
The #7-ranked contender has already shared the cage with the likes of Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar but there's still plenty of new and exciting match-ups for him.
For one reason or another, Allen has felt in the past that he's missed out on getting the most exciting names which led to him fighting less high profile contenders in difficult bouts.
After bouncing back with a win over Giga Chikadze at UFC 304 in Manchester, one of those names recently said his name.
Former interim champion Yair Rodríguez told MMA Junkie's Farah Hannoun during UFC 308 fight week that he's potentially lining up a return for Mexico City in February.
This is where "El Pantera" last fought, suffering a submission loss to Brian Ortega but still occupying the #4-spot in the division.
When asked about potential opponents, Rodríguez said that Allen's name, as well as Diego Lopes', have come up in conversations.
During his recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, "Almighty" said that he'd be happy to be the Mexican fighter's dance partner early next year.
"I've put it out there a load of times, that is the fight that makes sense to me. That is the fight for both of us, I feel like that would be a shame if that fight never happens so it'd be cool if that happens. Mexico City, altitude kind of sucks but yeah, we'll make it happen."
Rodríguez has become a huge star for the UFC in Mexico, making it a no brainer to have him back in Mexico City after he wasn't a part of September's Noche UFC.
Entering into enemy territory is something that excites Allen about this potential fight even if the altitude is less than ideal.
"Yeah, it'd be cool. It'd be really cool. I'd like that. I think British-Mexican boxing, there's a lot of history there so yeah, it would be cool."
During his appearance on the show, Allen also weighed in with his thoughts on the featherweight title fight this weekend at UFC 308.
The Brit said that though he hopes Holloway does well because it reflects better on him, he believes that we will hear "and still" come the end of Saturday night.
"I'm leaning for Ilia but obviously, for obvious reasons, I hope Max wins...I think so yeah. I don't know. I just imagine him, he's going to wrestle more and he's got more to his toolbox than people have seen. He's not just a knockout puncher, he's a high IQ fighter, good wrestler. I've heard from people, very, very good jiu-jitsu so I wouldn't be surprised to see some of that."
Watch the full interview below:
