A potential Dustin Poirier vs Tony Ferguson fight seemed inevitable, as both sides, along with UFC President Dana White, kept dropping subtle hints over the same. Fans, excitedly, viewed it as a striking contest between two top lightweight contenders. Even though Khabib vs Ferguson could not happen, the two could still be on the same card, right? However, as of now, it has all come to naught as the fight is not being considered for October 26 anymore.
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#2 ranked lightweight Dustin Poirier said, “UFC and I didn’t come to terms. I will not be fighting on October 24.”
This comes as a devastating blow, and fans know that ‘The Diamond’ revealed this news with an air of finality. This is because he opted to leave the American Top Team and will return home sometime next week.
Poirier commented on the fight yesterday and his words, when viewed today, show that he wasn’t being compensated adequately. He said, “I’m a prizefighter, and the prize needs to be right.”
Read: “The Prize Needs to Be Right”- Dustin Poirier Opens Up on Tony Ferguson Super-Fight
These are the seeds of the ugly fighter pay debate coming to the fore yet again. Throughout the summer, Poirier’s teammate Jorge Masvidal was at loggerheads with the UFC over adequate compensation. Now, it appears, ‘The Diamond’ also has his beef. Moreover, as he doesn’t see any resolution in sight, he will avoid the trip to Fight Island despite getting to fight a big name.
Dustin Poirier wants legacy fights
Dustin Poirier sits pretty in the lightweight rankings and is surrounded by the cream of the division. Furthermore, he has been vocal about wanting legacy fights as he has just a few more years as a fighter.
Read: “I Really Want to Leave a Legacy” – Dustin Poirier Comments on What’s Next for Him in the UFC
The Tony Ferguson fight is big. However, given Poirier’s timeline, he would want to rake it in big-time before eventually departing. At this point, it is unclear whether the UFC will keep ‘El Cucuy’ on the same card and try to get him to fight a ranked opponent.
Also, with Poirier saying he will leave the gym next week, it could be his way of informing the UFC that they got a few days more to give him what he wants.
Will the UFC and Dustin Poirier meet at the middle ground? Or is the potential fight done for now?
