Ferguson Vs. Oliveira Booked For UFC 256

UFC 256 just got the co-main event it was looking for, as the upcoming ESPN+ PPV card now adds a lightweight bout between former interim champion Tony Ferguson and UFC’s all-time submission leader Charles Oliveira.

UFC president Dana White confirmed the booking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. It will be added to the Dec. 12 card in Las Vegas that is currently being headlined by a bantamweight title fight between champion Petr Yan and top contender Aljamain Sterling.

Ferguson, who is coming off a TKO loss to Justin Gaethje back in May, will get his wish to fight one more time before the end of 2020. “El Cucy” had called out Michael Chandler to a fight last week, but the former Bellator champion wasn’t interested. In comes Oliveira, who is riding a seven-fight win streak (all finishes) and has looked like a man on a mission of late.

On paper, this is a great matchup for the 155-pound division. Ferguson needs a quality win to position himself back into title contention while Oliveira tries to break through into the top 5. Both fighters are creative on the feet and possess a wildly fun ground game. It’s a hard fight to predict, especially considering the finish rate shared between “El Cucuy” and “Do Bronx.”

Ferguson took to social media after news broke to send a message to his fans.

“We don’t wait, we call the shots. Line them up.” Chief Security Officer of the UFC. See you Dec 12 Crew. Champ Shit Only. #DarceKnightRises

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