While reigning lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov finishes his suspension, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier will vie for the interim 155-pound belt at UFC 236. That wasn’t the promotion’s first choice, however.
UFC President Dana White told ESPN that former interim champion Tony Ferguson was offered the fight against Holloway but refused, opening the door for Poirier to take his place. It’s unclear why Ferguson didn’t accept the fight, but “El Cucuy” has since claimed that “I can make 145 [pounds].”
Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov had some choice words for Ferguson in a post on his Instagram account.