Could former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson’s return to the octagon happen sooner than later? It appears that way.
In the wee hours of Sunday night, Ferguson tweeted that he’d arrived in Las Vegas for a “business meeting.” Early Monday morning, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani confirmed that Ferguson, along with new management Ballengee Group, was set to discuss his future with UFC brass.
By the end of business day on Monday, Ferguson sent a clear message to his followers on Twitter.
“I’m Back MF’s” – Champ Shit Only 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽
What that means isn’t exactly clear, though ESPN’s Brett Okamoto shed some light with a tweet.
Tony Ferguson and his new management, Ballengee Group, met with UFC brass in Las Vegas today. I’m told meeting went well, no fight agreed upon yet. But it’s possible things move quite fast from here. Tony is excited to fight, UFC excited to have him back.
Quite frankly, this is great news coming off a tumultuous period in Ferguson’s life. As MMA Junkie first reported in March, Ferguson’s wife filed a restraining order against him following several police visits to their home. Though Ferguson never was charged with a crime, his wife alleged a disturbing pattern of behavior that indicated a mental breakdown.
As a result, UFC president Dana White said Ferguson’s return to the cage would be contingent on UFC doctors evaluating him. No word on if that has or will happen. Late last month, Ferguson’s wife dropped the restraining order.
The path seems clear for Ferguson to return, which makes things very interesting in the lightweight division. Ferguson, 35, owns an impressive 11-fight winning streak and was stripped of his interim belt in April 2018 only after suffering a knee injury just days prior to a title fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Since then, Nurmagomedov has become undisputed champion and defended his belt with a submission of Conor Mcgregor last October at UFC 229, the same night Ferguson returned to defeat Anthony Pettis by TKO. But since then, Dustin Poirier has been crowned interim champion after defeating Max Holloway last month at UFC 236.
You’ve also got Donald Cerrone – coming off a win over Al Iaquinta for his third in a row – and Justin Gaethje in the title mix, as well. Ferguson’s return only increases the matchup possibilities of the most intriguiing division in the UFC.
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