Tony Ferguson gives reasons for declining last-minute UFC 209 offer to fight Michael Johnson

Tony Ferguson had a chance to still fight at UFC 209. As it turns out, he won’t.

With today’s unfortunate news of the UFC 209 co-main event between Ferguson (22-3 MMA, 12-1 UFC) and Kahabib Nurmagomedov (24-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) being canceled after Nurmagomedov was hospitalized because of his weight cut, UFC officials looked to have Michael Johnson step in.

Ferguson, though, declined the offer, stating an interim lightweight title, which was on the line vs. Nurmagomedov, would not be at stake against Johnson (17-11, 9-6 UFC). Ferguson also added that the UFC offered less money.

Both fighters tweeted about the situation.

Ferguson and Johnson fought once before, in May 2012, with Johnson winning a unanimous decision at UFC on FOX 3. Since then, Ferguson has compiled an impressive nine-fight winning streak.

Johnson has lost three of his past four bouts, including most recently by submission to Nurmagomedov at UFC 205 in November.

For more on UFC 209, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.