Dana White won’t ‘salvage’ Poirier vs. Ferguson, currently searching for UFC 254 replacement

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White is not interested in salvaging a lightweight matchup between Dustin Poirier and Tony Ferguson following recent struggles with “Diamond” at the negotiating table.

Poirier, who was in talks to fight Ferguson at UFC 254 this coming October, revealed earlier this week that he was unable to come to terms on a deal with UFC. As a result, his proposed fight opposite “El Cucuy” was removed from UFC 254’s wish list and put on the back burner.

From what we know, Poirier just wants to get paid. “Diamond” even stated after the fact that a potential clash with Ferguson could still happen if all sides come to an agreement.

“There’s always a chance just not looking like it’s going to happen next month,” wrote Poirier on Friday (via Twitter).

While fight fans were holding out hope that UFC could work its magic and entice Poirier to sign the dotted line for one of the most exciting pairings of 2020, it now looks like the promotion is ready to turn the page completely. This is according to White, who spoke with media members about the lightweight matchup during Saturday night’s UFC Vegas 10 post-fight press conference (full replay HERE).

“No, we’re not even trying to salvage it,” said White. “We’re getting another fight. It’ll happen (with a different opponent for Ferguson).”

A matchup between Poirier and Ferguson could have produced another Fight of the Year candidate, but at least the promotion is planning on keeping “El Cucuy” on the UFC 254 card. Maybe UFC matchmakers get a little creative and bring Max Holloway up from featherweight. Maybe red-hot contenders Charles Oliveira or Beneil Dariush get their crack at the lightweight top 5. There a ton of different options for Ferguson’s return fight, but Poirier won’t be one of them.

Poirier, 31, is coming off a masterful decision win over Dan Hooker at UFC Vegas 4 this past June. It was his first Octagon appearance since getting submitted by lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov just over one year ago. Poirier’s performance lined him up for a potential No. 1 contender’s bout with Ferguson, but now “Diamond” will have to go back to the drawing board.

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