“A Stand-Up Battle Wouldn’t be Bad”- Tony Ferguson Wants to Face Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier Next

Posted on by Matt James

Despite losing four fights in a row, UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson isn’t looking to take a step back in terms of the quality of contenders he faces. Moreover, Ferguson’s declaration to take on an imposing challenge comes right after the first knockout defeat of his career, at the foot of Michael Chandler no less.

Notably, Ferguson has his sights set on facing Dustin Poirier, who hasn’t competed in the UFC since losing to Charles Oliveira. ‘The Diamond’ was choked out via RNC after Oliveira mounted his back and Dustin Poirier was forced back to the drawing board. A Ferguson vs Poirier match-up would be a delight for the fans who will want to see the two craftY veterans going at it.

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Tony Ferguson expanded on the reason why he wanted to face former interim champion Dustin Poirier instead of taking a step back in the rankings. According to Ferguson, Dustin Poirier invited a stand-up battle, and this is enticing for ‘El Cucuy’.

Ferguson displayed some crisp striking in his last fight against Chandler, all the way up until ‘Iron’ Mike Chandler found a home for his front kick.

“I would love to be able to fight Dustin Poirier,” Ferguson told MMA Junkie. “Obviously he likes to go stand-up. A stand-up battle wouldn’t be bad.”

“When I’m ready to fight, I will let the UFC know,” Fergusons said. “I guarantee you they’ll let me know, too, ‘Hey, this is who we have.’

Given the fact that he dropped Chandler in the early goings of their fight, it’s very possible that Tony Ferguson will want to build on that momentum. Moreover, he’ll have a chip on his shoulder after being KO’ed for the first time in his career in the stand-up department, no less.

Another loss at the stage of his career could spell the end of Tony Ferguson’s UFC run in the upper echelon of the division. However, beating Dustin Poirier would showcase the Tony Ferguson of old and also possibly push him closer to a title shot before he calls it quits on his UFC career.