Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson returns, wants McGregor or Poirier next

Tony Ferguson is ready to make his return to the octagon after falling short in the interim title fight against Justin Gaethje. 

Ferguson was on a 12-fight winning streak prior to that loss. He is looking to pick up where he left off against a top contender. Ferguson wants Conor McGregor or Dustin Poirier next.  

Associated Press

“They’re both decent fighters. They’re both good,” Ferguson told ESPN. “We’re all elite and top five for a reason. … So far as fights go, if Conor wants to fight, I’m down for that. I’d love to fight a southpaw. I’d do really well.

I knocked Aaron Riley’s jaw in that one on accident, so I mean, when it comes down to me fighting standup, you gotta remember when I fought Edson Barboza. It’s a lot different. This mix and matching kind of stuff like that, if it does happen again, cool. I’m already used to it.

“Doesn’t matter. Opponent switches, COVID, anything else wants to pop up, we’re used to it now. You want to give me Conor, you give me Conor. You want to give me Poirier, we’ll make it happen, and then we’ll fight for the winner of the Gaethje and Khabib fight.”

John Locher/Associated Press

Ferguson went through a murderers’ row during his run to the interim lightweight title, so he doesn’t expect to work his way up. He is already at the top and is targeting another top fighter to get a chance at the title.  

“I would love to compete against Khabib, Poirier, McGregor,” Ferguson said. “Those are the three right there. Why? Talent-wise, that’s why.

Not because of any other ways or means. Because of the talent and the athletic respect that I have for their talent that they have in this sport.”