Tuivasa wants Miocic in July: 'Time for some people to move out'

Tai Tuivasa wants to test himself against the greatest heavyweight in UFC history.

Tuivasa, who skyrocketed up the rankings with a recent knockout win over Derrick Lewis, said he's hoping to square off with former champion Stipe Miocic in July.

"It's definitely a fight that I think should be up next, or, especially, it's the fight I want. ... Out of respect, I think I would love to share the ring with him, and I think I'm up there for a chance of it," Tuivasa told MMA Junkie's Farah Hannoun. "So, why not?

"I think he's a great fighter, someone I've watched for many years, and someone I'd definitely love to challenge myself against."

Tuivasa became a top contender with a second-round upset of Lewis at UFC 271 in February, his fifth win in a row. The No. 3-ranked heavyweight sees No. 2 Miocic as the perfect opponent to get him to a title shot against Francis Ngannou.

Tuivasa also thinks it'll be a passing of the torch.

"Even to say Stipe's name, I think it kind of sounds a bit surreal sometimes. ... But it's like, I'm here," Tuivasa said. "I've made it now. I'm up here with the best, and that's who I want to get next. That's pretty cool.

"But it's time for some people to move out and some new people to move in."