Tony Ferguson fought for the interim lightweight title in the main event of UFC 249 against Justin Gaethje. Though Ferguson was scheduled to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov due to pandemic outbreak that fight got canceled.
Unfortunately, Ferguson lost the fight after a grueling battle. With that, his unbeaten streak of 13 fights came to an end. We also missed another opportunity to see the long-awaited showdown between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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But, the El Cucuay will be back in action soon against the former interim champion, Dustin Poirier. After UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs Munhoz, Dana White confirmed that the next fight for Tony Ferguson is booked.
When he was asked about the opponent, Dana White decided to keep that a secret. But he said it “probably” could be Dustin Poirier.
Tony Ferguson vs Dustin Poirier for number one contender spot?
This is the fight that makes the most sense in the lightweight division right now.
Conor McGregor can fight either Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier since Khabib will take on Gaethje next. However, Conor McGregor has decided to stay retired. And that opens the door for a showdown between Ferguson and Dustin Poirier.
Dustin Poirier is coming off a massive win over Dan Hooker. Poirier looked brilliant in that fight. And with a win over Ferguson, he can be the next in line for the lightweight title. And if Justin Gaethje somehow beats Khabib Nurmagomedov then it will be hard to make the rematch between Poirier and Gaethje
On the other hand, Ferguson should be the next in line for the title shot if he gest over Dustin Poirier. The fans have waited so long to see Ferguson and Nurmagomedov share the octagon. In fact, Khabib Nurmagomedov has said that whoever beats Dustin Poirier he is open to fighting him after the title defense against Justin Gaethje.
Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov talked about Tony Ferguson’s loss to Justin Gaethje and wished for a comeback of El Cucuy. Khabib said:
“Ideally I’d beat Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson makes a comeback victory and we fight next year. I don’t know what could happen to cancel that fight. I want that fight. When I prepare for an opponent like Tony Ferguson, I get a great deal of inspiration. I want him to come back.”
Tony Ferguson vs Dustin Poirier is guaranteed violence and a crucial fight in the lightweight division.