Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson was left without an opponent for UFC 254 after Dustin Poirier turned down the opportunity.
However, it appears that the promotion has found a new challenger to fight Ferguson, former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler. Ariel Helwani of ESPN first reported the news:
Per @arielhelwani, UFC is the front-runner to sign free agent Michael Chandler, who has "been discussed" as a potential opponent for Tony Ferguson. pic.twitter.com/LBved7TTL1
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 16, 2020
Chandler became a free agent after scoring a first-round knockout win over former UFC lightweight champion Ben Henderson at Bellator 243. Bellator President Scott Coker has previously stated the promotion can match any offer made to Chandler, but it is unknown at this time if an official offer has been made to Chandler by the UFC.
UFC 254 takes place on Saturday, October 24 from Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gathje headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
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