If reports are to be believed, Tony Ferguson vs Beneil Dariush is being targeted for UFC 262. According to MMA Junkie journalist Mike Bohn, UFC is looking to book Ferguson’s return against rising contender Beneil Dariush for the main card at UFC 262. However, the announcement has not been made official by the UFC.
Beneil Dariush has looked brilliant in his last few fights. He is currently on a six-fight winning streak and ranked #9 in the UFC’s lightweight ranking.
Also Read: “Welcome to the Real Game” – Nate Diaz Sends Out a Cryptic Tweet Ahead of Potential UFC Return
Beneil Dariush vs. Tony Ferguson is expected to go down at #UFC262, sources tell @MMAJunkieJohn and myself. Great matchup. https://t.co/T0i1kZDn3l
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) March 12, 2021
Dariush has been fighting under the UFC banner since 2014 and has a lot of experience behind him. He last competed inside the Octagon back in February this year in a Fight of the Night affair against Carlos Diego Ferriera.
Tony Ferguson is currently on a two-fight losing streak. He lost to Charles Oliveira in his last fight via a lopsided unanimous decision. Ferguson’s first loss after twelve straight wins came at the hands of Justin Gaethje back at UFC 249 when Ferguson suffered the first stoppage loss of his career.
Do or die fight for Tony Ferguson
After back-to-back losses, Ferguson’s popularity has taken a toll and many believe that El Cucuy was never as good as fight fans had been believed all along. Even Khabib Nurmagomedov repeated Justin Gaethje’s comment on Ferguson and stated that he was never an elite fighter.
Tony Ferguson has a lot to prove in his next fight. While the match-up against Beneil Dariush has not been made official by the UFC, should the match-up capitalize, it’s going to be a tough match-up for the former interim lightweight champion.
Tony Ferguson has a lot going into his next fight, which will evidently determine his future with the promotion. Many believe that after the beating that Tony took at the hands of Gaethje, he will never be the same again. Needless to say, Tony will look to prove to the critics that El Cucuy is still one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
Ferguson is still eyeing a potential fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Recently, Nurmagomedov’s close friend Islam Makhachev called out Ferguson and claimed that he will retire the former interim champion. While fans may have been expecting Islam Makhachev vs Tony Ferguson to be the next announcement, it looks like that won’t be the case.