Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson rematch added to UFC 197

Tony Ferguson

A key lightweight matchup has been added to a star-studded UFC 197 lineup, as Tony Ferguson (20-3 MMA, 10-1 UFC) meets Michael Johnson (16-10 MMA, 8-6 UFC).

The rematch was first reported by the Los Angeles Daily News and subsequently confirmed by UFC officials. While the booking seems a bit odd based on recent results, the contest would allow Ferguson the chance to avenge the lone loss of his UFC career, which saw Johnson claim a May 2012 decision.

Ferguson is currently ranked No. 3 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA lightweight rankings, while Johnson sits at No. 12.

Ferguson, the winner of “The Ultimate Fighter 13,” has built an incredible UFC record since wrapping up the show. His lone loss in that run came to Johnson, though he’s since rattled off seven consecutive wins, including victories over the likes of Edson Barboza, Josh Thomson and Gleison Tibau.

While Johnson enjoyed a 7-2 run in the UFC between 2012 and 2015, “The Menace” finished this past year on a down note, losing a contentious split-decision to Beneil Dariush in August before being outworked by Nate Diaz in a December decision loss, as well.

With the addition to the lineup, UFC 197 now includes:

• Champ Rafael dos Anjos vs. Conor McGregor – for lightweight title
• Champ Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate – for women’s bantamweight title
• Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson
• Erick Silva vs. Nordine Taleb
• Corey Anderson vs. Tom Lawlor
• Darren Elkins vs. Chas Skelly
• Jim Miller vs. Diego Sanchez

For more on UFC 197, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.