It’s fair to say most people wouldn’t be desperate to fight the UFC heavyweight champion after just eleven professional fights, but then again Francis Ngannou isn’t most people.

The rising star in the heavyweight division has found himself forced on the sidelines without an opponent, after Junior Dos Santos’ was hit with a USADA infraction ahead of their scheduled bout at UFC 215.

Since then, Ngannou has been sat awaiting a new contest from the UFC, with names such as Alistair Overeem and Stipe Miocic being suggested. For Ngannou, if he gets any say, he wants to go right to the champion. And he wants to do so sooner rather than later.

Speaking with ESPN, Ngannou revealed his frustrations with being unable to fight, as well as why he believes he will defeat either the champion or Overeem come fight night.

“I already know everything they’re able to do,” Ngannou said. “Everyone knows all of their skills. They don’t know mine. They’re still discovering mine. I’m bringing a surprise in every fight. I’ve never had the opportunity to show my whole game yet.

“I knock Stipe out when we fight. I think under three rounds, I knock him out.

“I want Stipe, but they are also talking about Overeem. I’ll probably fight either on Dec. 2 in Detroit or on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas. I’d prefer to fight in Detroit just because it’s 28 days sooner. I had a fight this month and it didn’t happen, so I’m just waiting. It sucks.”