This week, UFC fight fans were dealt a tough blow as we found out that the highly anticipated lightweight matchup between Tony Ferguson (25-4) and Dustin Poirier (26-6, 1 NC) would not happen. Negotiations for the fight fell apart between Poirier and the UFC.
There were questions surrounding what would be the next move from the promotion. Many thought that the UFC would take a step back and try to renegotiate with Poirier, but Dana White said that is not the plan. They are working on a new fight for Ferguson.
Could Ferguson welcome a UFC newcomer?
“No, we’re not even trying to salvage it (the fight between Ferguson and Poirier),” White said in his post-fight press conference following UFC Vegas 10. White then said that the promotion was going to get another fight for Tony Ferguson.
The media then asked about a guy who could be an interesting matchup for Ferguson, and that’s Michael Chandler (21-5). White commented on if the UFC has talked with the free agent. “Yeah, we’ve talked to Chandler. I like the kid, so we’ll see,” White said of Chandler.
White said if they brought Chandler in, they would have to see what would be available for his UFC debut, but a fight with Ferguson wasn’t dismissed. In fact, that’s a fight that would make a lot of sense.
Michael Chandler has said that if he joins the UFC, he wants to go right into the top five. There’s no one better to test yourself against than El Cucuy. While UFC fans might be sad Poirier – Ferguson isn’t happening, I think Chandler – Ferguson would be a very nice replacement.