Tony Ferguson’s and Michael Chandler’s employment with the UFC won’t be at risk on Saturday.
UFC president Dana White says a loss for either fighter won’t dictate their future employment with the UFC.
“You’re still talking about No. 5 vs. No. 7 in the nastiest division in the sport,” Dana White said. “So if you look at who they’ve lost to, it’s all the best in the world. These guys always bring it. They always come to fight. Nobody’s fighting for their life in this one.”
Chandler (22-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC) started on UFC stage with a first-round knockout win over Dan Hooker in January 2021, which rapidly got him a title shot. However, the former Bellator champion lost against Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title at UFC 262, followed by another loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 268.
Ferguson (25-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC), went from a 12-fight winning streak, including winning the interim lightweight title in October 2017, to three straight tragic losses to Gaethje, Oliveira, and recently Beneil Dariush at UFC 262.
On the other hand, White says the loser of the PPV main card opener between Donald Cerrone (36-16 MMA, 23-13 UFC) and Joe Lauzon (28-15 MMA, 15-12 UFC) should consider hanging it up. Lauzon has come short three of his past four fights, whereas Cerrone is winless in his past six fights.
“They’re a different story,” Dana White said. “The loser should probably pack it up and ride off into the sunset. That I would agree with.”
