CHICAGO – Donald Cerrone said after his recent win over Al Iaquinta that he wanted either a title shot or a clash with Conor McGregor. If he beats Tony Ferguson at UFC 238, though, he said the options narrow down to one.

A matchup between Cerrone (36-11 MMA, 23-8 UFC) and McGregor (21-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) has been a talking point for the better part of a year, but it hasn’t materialized. “Cowboy” has been accused of simply chasing a “money” fight, but he has explained in the past that fighting the Irishman doesn’t bring a significant additional financial gain.

Should Cerrone beat Ferguson (24-3 MMA, 14-1 UFC) at UFC 238 on Saturday, however, “The Notorious” may come calling for a matchup. Cerrone reiterated what he’s said in the past about moving on from the matchup, and even if presented with a larger contract, would take a title shot if that was offered, instead.

“No (I’m going to go with the title),” Cerrone told MMA Junkie during a media scrum at UFC 238 open workouts. “Conor’s had his shot. Sit your ass down now. (I’ll) take the belt.”

UFC 238 takes place at United Center in Chicago. Cerrone vs. Ferguson is part of the pay-per-view main card, which follows prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

Cerrone, who in the UFC’s all-time wins leader, may have his eye on the title, but he won’t get that opportunity in the near future unless he beats Ferguson, who brings a UFC best 11-fight winning streak into the event. Cerrone said he likes the style matchup, though, because he foresees the aggressive style of “El Cucuy” as one that creates plenty of opportunity.

“I think Tony’s style puts him in danger a lot, so we’ll see if he can take the punishment,” Cerrone said. “His standup (is dangerous). You can’t see his strikes coming, his punches. Him moving backwards he’s not very good, though.”

For more on UFC 238, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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