Tony Ferguson will return to the Octagon to face surging contender Beneil Dariush on May 15 in a huge crossroads fight for both fighters involved.
The news was first reported by anonymous sources at MMAJunkie. Additionally, it would appear by Ferguson’s social media that he is indeed training to fight a top lightweight and assures his fans that, unlike in the past, he won’t take as much damage as he has in previous fights.
“Just Wingin’🥋It” 🌱 Active🍃Rest w/ Mokoju To Get Re-Calibrated 🎶 # Extra🎓Credit # AirIsUp Breathe, One. # Wing🥋Wednesday ⚔️🕶 -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 @MonsterEnergy #teammonster 🥇 Champ Shit Only™️ # pic.twitter.com/BG7G7e3SS9
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 4, 2021
Tony Ferguson and Beneil Dariush On Deck For UFC 262 May 15
Prior to the pairing, Ferguson has suffered some serious setbacks since the start of the pandemic. Last year in Florida, Ferguson and Justin Gaethje would headline a marquee card while the world was uncertain of the true ramifications of COVID-19. In addition to the Gaethje loss, “El Cucuy” took a loss to Brazilian contender Charles Oliveira in a very exciting stylistic match-up.
Despite Dariush not having the biggest name, he has always been a lightweight staple in the UFC. Fighting in the organization since 2014, the Dariush has seen a lot of ups and downs. However, as of late Dariush has looked outstanding. In particular, his fight against Drakkar Klose was a turning point in his career. The lightweight contender finished Klose in the second round. Not only that, but he went on to finish Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman by spinning back-fist knockout.
Then in a highly-anticipated lightweight scrap, the 31-year old Dariush pulled off a razor-close split decision win against the extremely tough Diego Ferreira.
One thing is for sure, this fight has heat behind it and it’s not to be missed. As questions surround Ferguson’s longevity, many also wonder if Dariush has championship-caliber qualities. All of those questions will be answered on May 15, at UFC 262.
With the addition of Tony Ferguson vs. Beneil Dariush, here is the most recent schedule of fights to go down at the blockbuster pay-per-view:
- Beneil Dariush vs. Tony Ferguson
- Jamie Pickett vs. Jordan Wright
- Priscila Cachoeira vs. Gina Mazany
- Viviane Araujo vs. Katlyn Chookagian
- Alex Perez vs. Matt Schnell
- Andrea Lee vs. Antonina Shevchenko
- Edson Barboza vs. Shane Burgos
