Could Anthony Pettis be moving up to the UFC welterweight division? It’s an option that’s apparently on the table for the former lightweight champion.

Former UFC and WEC titleholder Pettis (21-8 MMA, 8-7 UFC) has already won belts at 155 pounds and fought for a belt at featherweight. Now he’s considering a climb up to the 170-pound weight class, and is eyeing Stephen Thompson (14-3-1 MMA, 9-3-1 UFC) as a potential matchup.

It’s an idea that’s never been mentioned by “Showtime,” but with a 3-6 record in his past nine contests, a fresh start could be exactly what’s in order for him (via Instagram):

Heard somebody is looking for a fight. What you guys think? Take my talents to WW and take on the boy?

Pettis last competed at UFC 229 in October where he lost a “Fight of the Year” candidate against Tony Ferguson. Thompson, meanwhile, hasn’t seen action since falling short in a competitive decision against Darren Till at UFC Fight Night 130 in May.

“Wonderboy” suffered a knee injury in the matchup and has been recovering ever since. He was seeking a return to action against Robbie Lawler in the first quarter of this year, but the former UFC welterweight champ was instead matched up with Ben Askren.

With Thompson looking for a new opponent, Pettis is apparently interested. And according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke with MMAjunkie on the condition of anonymity, the UFC brass are, as well.

For more on the upcoming UFC schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.