MANILA, Philippines – Lightweight fighter Anthony “Showtime” Pettis hopes he earned a shot at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title after his highlight-filled victory over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC on Fox 6 last Saturday.

“Dana White, what do I gotta do for this title shot?” Pettis asked the UFC president shortly after beating Cerrone via first round technical knockout.

Pettis showcased his effective and creative offensive arsenal against Cerrone as he crushed “Cowboy” with a series of strikes, including a kick off the Octagon fence that stunned his foe and the crowd inside the United Center in Chicago.

“Showtime” ended the fight with a kick to the liver that sent Cerrone to the canvas.

White later told MMA Fighting that Pettis had done enough to earn a shot at the UFC lightweight belt, which is currently held by Benson “Smooth” Henderson.

“I can’t say enough good things about this guy,” White said of Pettis. “He was incredible tonight. His big all-time highlight will be the kick of the fence. Today he was unbelievable. The knee of the fence was unbelievable.”

But Pettis will have to wait awhile to get his title shot, as Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez has already been installed as the number one contender to the lightweight title.

“I think that Melendez is pretty set, but (Pettis is) next,” White said.

Pettis said he is willing to wait and see what happens in the Henderson-Melendez fight.

“If it’s a guaranteed title shot, I’m waiting,” he told MMA Fighting. “Winning the title in 2013 is my goal.”