White not ‘not even trying to salvage’ Poirier vs. Ferguson, working on replacement

Well, it’s official: Dustin Poirier vs. Tony Ferguson will not be co-headlining UFC 254 next month, nor will it be taking place in the foreseeable future.

That’s according to UFC president Dana White, who told MMA Junkie at the UFC on ESPN+35 post-fight press conference that a lightweight bout between ‘The Diamond’ and ‘El Cucuy’ is unsalvageable and that he is working on a replacement opponent for Ferguson.

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

Poirier pulled out of the proposed matchup after failing to come to terms with the UFC on fighter pay, with the former interim lightweight champion claiming that he wanted to be paid — and treated — like a ‘prize fighter’.

“I just need to be compensated if they want this fight. Simple as that. I’m a prize fighter and the prize needs to be right,” he said just a day before the matchup was scrapped.

Despite White’s recent comments, Poirier is hopeful that the fight will be rebooked at a later date.

“There’s always a chance just not looking like it’s going to happen next month”.

UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje will take place next month, Oct. 24 at the UFC Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi.