Should Tony Ferguson Get The Next Lightweight Title Shot?

Streaking lightweight contender Tony Ferguson broke the record for most wins on the bounce in Mexico last night (November 5, 2016). In defeating Rafael dos Anjos, ‘El Cucuy’ made it nine in a row. During the history of the 155-pound division, no-one has gone eight unbeaten without garnering a title shot, Ferguson becomes the first to win nine straight, period, at lightweight. Typically fast paced and gruelling, Ferguson made a statement against the ex-lightweight champion in front of the partisan crowds.

For dos Anjos, the loss in Mexico is a huge setback. Already looking sub-par against Eddie Alvarez, ‘RDA’s’ form leads to many questions about his future. Displaying outstanding striking and endurance, Ferguson’s record-breaking win over dos Anjos also leads to an intriguing quandary regarding Khabib Nurmagomedov. With Eddie Alvarez facing Conor McGregor in a lightweight title clash at UFC 205, should ‘El Cucuy’ be considered the next in line for the winner of that bout?

 El Cucuy or The Eagle?

Until last night’s impressive win over ‘RDA,’ Ferguson was ranked behind the former champion and number one contender Khabib Nurmagomedov. The question is now, should ‘El Cucuy’ leapfrog both men in the official rankings? Had Ferguson faced ‘The Eagle’ at their previously scheduled bouts in December 2015 or April of this year, this puzzling scenario could easily have been avoided. Now, with Nurmagomedov set to face Michael Johnson on the November 12 prelims, a potentially difficult situation could become further complicated, or simplified.

Indeed, if ‘The Eagle’ were to lose against ‘The Menace’ at UFC 205, then Ferguson’s title shot would be unquestionable. Victory in New York for Khabib would put him at eight straight wins, one of which includes ‘RDA.’ If that were the case, then either he or Ferguson would get the next title fight, or perhaps the long-awaited collision with each other could finally come to fruition. As is often the case with title pictures, clarity is not easy to find.

What If?

The ‘what if’ factor regarding the UFC 205 lightweight title fight could play a huge role in both Nurmagomedov and Ferguson’s immediate future. Assuming Khabib is victorious, an argument for either man receiving a title fight would be relevant, at the least. Potential injuries to either Alvarez or McGregor could see a delay, or even the rumoured break from fighting for ‘The Notorious.’ If this were the case, then a battle between Khabib and ‘El Cucuy’ would definitely make sense.

Maybe the UFC strips McGregor of the lightweight belt, or perhaps if Alvarez wins then he is able to immediately defend. Whatever the case, UFC 205 will be pivotal in the upcoming title mix for 155 pounds. When, where and who will feature in that delicate scenario is yet to be seen. What will not change is Tony Ferguson’s highly impressive, bar-setting win against Rafael dos Anjos-one that could set him ahead of the unbeaten Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Watch this space.

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