Dana White: ‘I assume Tony Ferguson is next’ for lightweight title fight

The complicated UFC lightweight title picture is starting to look a little clearer. While Khabib Nurmagomedov is scheduled to defend his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 in September, UFC President Dana White has an idea as to who is likely to get the next title shot thereafter.

Following his win over Donald Cerrone at UFC 238, Tony Ferguson extended his winning streak to 12 and once again made a statement that he deserves a title fight. While many fans were left unsatisfied after the Ferguson and Cerrone fight ended by doctor stoppage, Dana White says that he assumes “El Cucuy” is next in line after Nurmagomedov and Poirier battle for the title.

There have been several attempts to book a Ferguson vs. Nurmagomedov fight previously but all have failed in the past due to a variety of injuries to each fighter.

Recently Nurmagomedov said he believes Ferguson should fight Justin Gaethje next.

The lightweight division has recently been effected by the “Conor McGregor effect” where the former champion was able to jump right back into the title picture upon returning from a long layoff, but now Dana White seems ready to keep the division moving. During an interview with Guerilla Cross Radio, White spoke about the current state of the lightweight division and said he assumes Ferguson is next.

“Khabib is fighting Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi in September. Then I don’t know, we’ll see. Tony Ferguson just came off a great win this weekend over ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, and I’m assuming he’s next” (Transcribed by MMA Junkie)

If Tony Ferguson is indeed next in line for the lightweight title, it’ll be his first shot at the undisputed title as he was previously scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed title but was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered while doing media for his scheduled fight. Ferguson has been the UFC’s interim lightweight champion, a title he won back at UFC 216 when he defeated Kevin Lee by third-round submission in 2017.

Do you believe Tony Ferguson should be next for the UFC’s lightweight title after Khabib Nurmagomedov battles Dustin Poirier at UFC 242?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/17/2019.