Twitter Mailbag: On Tony Ferguson deserving better from UFC, future must-see fights, and more

Questions on your mind about recent happenings in MMA or the sport in general? MMA Junkie’s Twitter Mailbag is here – and this week it’s @MikeBohnMMA to answer:

• What do we think of the UFC not informing Tony Ferguson of UFC 249 being off before going public?
• How come more big-name fighters don’t aim to fight three times a year?
• How will MMA journalists stay busy during this MMA-less period?

Those are answered in the video above. You can also read on a few more topics below.

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Which three fights do you want to see most when UFC events resume?

The obvious No. 1 is Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson. I don’t care if this fight has failed to materialize five times – with a damn global pandemic of all things leading to the fifth scratch. The world needs to see it, and it’s worth booking again. Sadly, it’s not going to happen any time in the near future. Nurmagomedov will begin observing Ramadan later this month, and that essentially rules him out from fighting until mid-August at the earliest. It’ll have been 14 months between fights for Ferguson by that point, but again, it’s worth the wait, because we have to see it.

My No. 2 pick would go to Tyron Woodley vs. Colby Covington, although the back-and-forth between the bitter rivals has gotten somewhat exhausting in recent weeks as they played a game of “He Said, She Said” about a short-notice fight at UFC 249. That ultimately proved to be a pointless practice. Still, I want to see that fight. The disdain between the two sides has been building, and while it would’ve been better timing when Woodley was champion, it’s still be one of the best fights that can be made at welterweight.

Last but not least, my No. 3 pick goes to Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris. The UFC has booked this heavyweight headliner three times since December, but each time it has fallen apart. It’s not for a belt, or even a title eliminator, but more than anything I just want to see Harris back in there after the personal hardship he’s endured over the shocking murder of his stepdaughter. He seemed to be in a good place when I spoke with him last month in Las Vegas, but said it was helpful to have that goal of a fight as he continues to grieve the tragic loss. Hopefully he can get that opportunity back soon.

Would you be interested in flying to ‘Fight Island’ to cover some events?

I think it’s too soon to answer that, honestly. Mainly because we have no idea where Dana White’s private island is. Is it in North America, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere? Even if it was a manageable distance from me here in Toronto, I’m not too keen on the concept of traveling through an airport right now, and who knows where things will stand in a month, when White hopes to have his island up and running for events.

If this entire coronavirus situation takes a turn for worse, it’s hard to predict what the world will look like in four or five weeks. If the situation subsides for the better, then a realistic discussion can be had. But, assuming everything is safe, would I be interested in traveling to an island to cover MMA fights? Of course. That sounds dope.

Will GSP ever leave retirement and fight again?

I’m leaning pretty strongly toward no. I didn’t think Georges St-Pierre would return the first time after stepping away in November 2013, so he’s proven me wrong once before. But we’re approaching three years since his one-night comeback against Michael Bisping to win the UFC middleweight title, and St-Pierre is set to turn 39 next month.

Anyone who associates with St-Pierre will say he’s still as sharp as ever in the gym and maintains a disciplined lifestyle. He definitely remains capable of competing and could probably beat the majority of the top fighters at welterweight – and even middleweight – right now. What’s the point, though? St-Pierre’s legacy is pristine and not worth tainting. UFC has also not been willing to give him the matchups he wants most (which contributed to his retirement), and that likely hasn’t changed.

To ask a question of your own, follow @MMAjunkie on Twitter and let us know.