Tony Ferguson vs. Beneil Dariush in the works for UFC 262 in May
Tony Ferguson is ready to make his way back into the UFC Octagon. The number five ranked lightweight will be matched up against number nine, Beneil Dariush per MMAJunkie.com.
Ferguson is currently riding a two-fight losing streak for the first time in his MMA career. His last loss to Charles Oliveira was by unanimous decision back in December. Following the loss, the future seemed unclear for Ferguson. He was still hoping for another shot at the lightweight title, but since moving down in the rankings, the title picture has gotten blurry. Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, although retired, is still holding the belt. Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier are seemingly next in line for a possible title shot, and Oliveria is right there as well.
Ferguson has been called out by several opponents since his loss, most notably Nate Diaz, and Islam Makhachev. Either would have been a great opportunity to make a fight that excites the fans and can make so big money. It seems a bit strange that Ferguson would be matched with Dariush, considering he is sitting in the nine spot, but on the other hand, it is a great opportunity for Dariush.
Dariush will be coming into this bout having won six in a row. He has proven over the last two years that he is a force to be reckoned with at 155 pounds. The beginning of his UFC career was great, then for a few years, he slid a bit, and now back to rising to the top. This is a big test for Dariush, and with a win, he could pit himself right there among the killers at the top of the division and possibly a title shot within a few more bouts.
The location of this event is not announced at this point. Although Dana White has been vocal about wanting to hold events in Texas to sold-out crowds, a more likely choice would be Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi. The targeted date will be UFC 262 on May 15.
