Mike Perry's MMA career is about to kick back into high gear—and he's already setting his sights on one of the biggest names in the sport. The former UFC fighter, who's been making waves in bareknuckle boxing, is stepping back into the MMA cage this month, and he's not planning on this being a one-off return.

Perry faces Nate Diaz on May 16 at MVP's inaugural MMA event, streaming live on Netflix from Inglewood, California. It's a massive fight, but Perry sees it as just the beginning. "I kind of had an idea that I was going to be doing some good stuff," Perry shared with MMA Junkie. "I work really hard, and I'm actually really freaking tough and good and strong. I always believed that I would be doing something—or, I still believe that the return to the UFC is coming. Other guys have done it. I go out here and have success. I think there are some fights in the UFC that got my name on them."

And what fight could be bigger than Diaz? For "Platinum" Perry, the answer is clear: a showdown with MMA superstar Conor McGregor. "That f*cking motherf*cker," Perry said. "He's always talking shit while I'm out here fighting and working. And I would love to (fight him). One, I already did take the trilogy with Nate from him, and I've got to go out here and perform on May 16. Then, yeah, absolutely: Me and him. UFC, hit me up. We'll make the McGregor fight. We'll fight at 170. I'm going to 170 for this one, and I'm going to shut his mouth."

McGregor reportedly has two fights left on his UFC contract, and while he's close to free agency, Perry doesn't see the promotion letting him walk. That's why he believes this dream matchup would happen under the UFC banner, not on Netflix. "Well, that's the thing, right? I don't think UFC is letting go of those two Conor McGregor fights," Perry explained. "That's why he hasn't fought in so long."

For now, all eyes are on May 16. If Perry can handle Diaz, the path to "The Notorious" might just be paved. Stay tuned, fight fans—this one's got all the makings of a classic.