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#2. Tony Ferguson vs. 'Iron' Michael Chandler
Another fight that would make sense for Tony Ferguson at lightweight is former Bellator lightweight champion 'Iron' Michael Chandler.
A bout between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler was reportedly in the works last December, but the fight never materialized. As a result, Chandler instead made his UFC debut against Dan Hooker, which he won by first-round knockout. During his post-fight interview, Chandler put the division on notice that he was the one to beat at 155lbs.
Chandler and Ferguson had a memorable exchange during a UFC 262 press conference after Ferguson blamed Chandler for backing out. During their exchange, Ferguson said Chandler only received an opportunity because of 'Dana White privilege', which elicited a laugh from the UFC president.
After the win, Chandler received a title shot against UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 262, but he was unsuccessful there. Tony Ferguson, meanwhile, also came up short in the co-main event, losing to Beneil Dariush via unanimous decision.
Depending on what happens in Chandler's upcoming bout with Justin Gaethje, a matchup with Ferguson could be next. If Chandler loses, it would be his second straight loss. Naturally, a big fight between two big names on a losing streak would be significant for their respective rankings at lightweight.
#1. Tony Ferguson vs. Nate Diaz (welterweight)
Topping off this list of possible opponents for Tony Ferguson is former title-challenger Nate Diaz at welterweight. A bout between Ferguson and Diaz would be quite a draw for a PPV event. The Diaz rule of 5-round fights would make a lot of sense in a Ferguson-Diaz bout.
Even with recent losses, both Diaz and Ferguson remain two of the sport's most popular fighters. The personalities of both fighters would make their pre-fight press conference must-see TV. Both fighters aren't shy of speaking their minds, so it would be interesting to see what they come up with.
A five-round bout at welterweight, and both not going to have to go through tough weight cuts, would make for an exciting fight. Tony Ferguson and Nate Diaz have been known to get in their opponents' heads with their unorthodox movements.
With that in mind, the winner could be determined by who psyches the other out first. One would have to think Ferguson-Diaz could be a lock for the Fight of the Night bonus as well.
Tony Ferguson and Nate Diaz match up well with one another in terms of their fighting styles and durability. As both perform well in the later rounds, it could definitely be a fight that lives up to the hype. Ferguson-Diaz could be an unpredictable clash because both match up very well in the stand-up and grappling.
It's surprising Tony Ferguson and Nate Diaz haven't fought in the past. For years, both were in title contention at lightweight, but a bout between the two never materialized.
