It’s an exciting time for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 155-pound weight class, thanks to the resurgence of interim champion Dustin Poirier, but it should also be noted that the lightweight division is still without two of its biggest stars.
Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson, ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
Promotion president, Dana White, expects to sit down with “Notorious” at some point in the very near future, hopefully to discuss a return to the Octagon. Unfortunately, he did not sound as optimistic when it came to Ferguson’s comeback.
“I was supposed to meet with (McGregor) down here; we’re going to meet in L.A. instead,” White said at the UFC Ft,. Lauderdale post-fight press conference (watch it here). “As far as I know right now, Tony’s still not ready to go, or I would be trying to book him.”
McGregor announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) earlier this year, after failing to come to terms on a new deal. Not that anything was wrong with his old deal, “Notorious” just wanted to grab a piece of the promotion before making his return.
As for Ferguson, his path to the 155-pound title was derailed when a since-expired restraining order left the combat sports community concerned for his mental well being. “El Cucuy” insists he’s been medically cleared to compete, but it appears there may still be a few existing hurdles to clear.
Stay tuned.