Ferguson: UFC wanted me to take 'huge pay cut' to stay on UFC 209
When it came to salvaging his spot at UFC 209, the price was wrong for Tony Ferguson.
"El Cucuy" experienced enormous disappointment last Friday when a weight-cut-related illness forced Khabib Nurmagomedov out of their interim lightweight championship bout less than 36 hours away from fight night. Several fighters offered to replace Nurmagomedov, with No. 6-ranked contender Michael Johnson drawing the most interest.
Johnson handed Ferguson his only UFC loss back in May 2012, and while Ferguson was interested in a rematch, officials informed him that the interim title would not be part of the equation and he would receive lesser compensation.
Ferguson recounted the events on "The MMA Hour" on Monday.
"They came and offered me Johnson, which I understand, but I wanted to whoop Michael Johnson's ass and avenge my loss," said Ferguson. "But I can't take a pay cut and no title. It made absolutely zero sense on this one. I begged them to pay me fairly so I can whoop his ass, but they refused."
"It wasn't what I wanted. They wanted to give me something, but I wanted my show money, I felt like at least I deserved that," he continued. "The day before and I'm going to take a huge pay cut, more than probably half, it was frustrating."
Another point of contention Ferguson's compensation after being removed from the card. Even with Nurmagomedov absent, Ferguson successfully weighed in at 155 pounds and it was assumed that he would be paid his show money at the very least.
However, despite UFC president Dana White assuring the media at Saturday's post-fight presser that Ferguson was paid, Ferguson has yet to see the check. In addition, he is looking for financial insurance in the future should he be booked to face Nurmagomedov again.
"Dana said that he paid me at the post-fight presser and reports are saying that it was my show money. But I don't know what he actually paid me, I haven't even received it yet," said Ferguson. "Am I thankful that Dana wants to do the right thing? Yeah. I appreciate him for it. I tip my hat, but I would need more assurances next time when this happens again with Khabib.
"I'm not losing money off of his fault, even if it is a replacement. I'll fight anybody as long as I'm not punished for something that somebody else is not showing up to do."