White: Ferguson ‘probably’ facing Poirier next

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After UFC on ESPN 15 UFC President Dana White hinted at a forthcoming bout between two former UFC interim lightweight champions.

UFC President Dana White spoke with reporters last night (virtually) after UFC on ESPN 15 wrapped up, a show that saw Frankie Edgar take a close decision over Pedro Munhoz. That bout was Edgar’s debut fight at bantamweight.

White talked plenty about Edgar and his future in that division. He also hinted at something big coming to Edgar’s old division, too.

During the presser White confirmed that he had booked former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson’s next fight. However, White said he wasn’t ready to officially announce a deal anytime soon.

Despite his coyness, White did say that Ferguson’s next opponent was “probably” Dustin Poirier, who is also a former interim lightweight champion.

MMA Fightng has confirmed through sources that conversations over a Ferguson vs. Poirier fight have begun with both parties. However, that outlet also said that no contracts have been issued or signed.

Ferguson was last seen at UFC 249, inside the temporary Jacksonville COVID-19 bubble, taking on Justin Gaethje. Ferguson lost that bout to Gaethje via fifth round TKO.

Gaethje was a late replacement for UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ferguson vs. Nurmagomedov was scratched for the fifth time after the coronavirus pandemic blocked Numagomedov from leaving Russia.

Before falling to Gaethje, Ferguson was on a 12 fight winning streak that stretched back to his win over Mike Rio at UFC 166 in 2013. Recent Ferguson victories include stoppages over Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis, Kevin Lee and Rafael dos Anjos.

Dustin Poirier’s last appearance was inside the UFC APEX facility, in a headline spot opposite Dan Hooker. Poirier won that battle via unanimous decision. Prior to that he lost to Nurmagomedov at 2019’s UFC 242. Before losing to the lightweight champion Poirier had a six fight undefeated streak with wins over Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje.