Anthony Pettis, Anderson Silva open to fight

A pair of former UFC champions - two weight classes apart - want to meet inside the Octagon.

Anthony Pettis, a former lightweight titleholder, called out Anderson Silva, the greatest middleweight of all time, on social media Wednesday night.

"It would be an honor!!! @spiderandersonsilva #forthefans #185 #letsgo," Pettis wrote on Instagram.

Silva quickly responded, expressing interest in the clash.

"This is great, my friend, let's do it," Silva commented in response.

Three of Pettis' last four bouts took place in the welterweight division, but "Showtime" is best known for his run at 155 pounds. He's even competed twice at featherweight.

If the 33-year-old were to fight Silva at 185 pounds, it would mark his middleweight debut. Pettis is coming off a decision win over Donald Cerrone at UFC 249 in May.

Silva, 45, hasn't competed since a TKO loss to Jared Cannonier in May 2019. "The Spider" recently called out former two-division champion Conor McGregor for a catchweight bout. McGregor said he was interested, but UFC president Dana White shut it down.

Silva, who also competed as a light heavyweight, held the middleweight belt from 2006 to 2013, and he's widely regarded as one of the best fighters ever. However, since losing the belt, the Brazilian is 1-5 (1 NC).