Tony Ferguson: I’m Still The True UFC Lightweight Champion

Tony Ferguson earned the UFC interim lightweight title after submitting Kevin Lee in the main event of UFC 216 last October. That win extended Ferguson’s winning streak to ten.

Tony Ferguson was slated to fight undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 last month, but ‘El Cucuy’ was forced to pull out at the last minute after suffering a gruesome knee injury.

UFC president Dana White said openly he would never book a Ferguson and Nurmagomedov’s matchup again and on his interim lightweight status, White said Ferguson will no longer be a champion once the main headliner throws strikes.

Then Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov went on to captured the undisputed lightweight title after picking a unanimous victory over a late replacement Al Iaquinta.

Despite being stripped of his title by UFC, ‘EL Cucuy’ is adamant that he’s still a true 155-pound champion and not agree with the decision made by UFC.

“The doctor told me recovery time is anywhere from three to six months with this kind of procedure, but I heal quick,” he told ESPN. “Whenever Khabib’s b-itch ass comes back, that’s when I’ll be back. I’m thinking November.

”The UFC has indicated my title is gone and Khabib is the only champion at 155 pounds, but the UFC hasn’t mentioned anything official to my management. As far as I’m concerned, I’m still the true 155-pound champion. I never lost my belt.”

The future of lightweight division is unclear at the moment, Nurmagomedov took hiatus from Octagon until fall, targeting November return to defend his title, Ferguson is a logical opponent, but a former lightweight champion Conor Mcgregor is also on the table, who is currently dealing with legal issues.

“That’s a big middle finger to ‘T-Ferg’ right there — that’s a kick to the groin if they do that,” Ferguson said. “At the end of the day, does the UFC really like its fighters? I’m one of their toughest fighters. Don’t kick me when I’m down.

”I missed out on pay-per-view points, my purse, a big payday; a lot of things behind the scenes. They have to either give me my title back or make sure I’m fighting under that same contract. I’ve earned that.”

Do you think a Ferguson should get a title shot upon his return?

Published on May 17, 2018 at 12:00 am
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