Ferguson vs. Lee

This is the official discussion thread for Ferguson vs. Lee. Let's see what you've got.

Khabib is still out. Ferguson vs. Lee for the Interim belt in October.

ANOTHER INTERIM TITLE?!? 



Whatever happened to #1 contender fights?  Is it now verbotten to make that kind of fight anymore?  Like I understand the creation of an interim title if there is a situation like with Dominick Cruz and all.  That is okay and absolutely acceptable.  But now, interim titles are turning into the participation trophy for MMA.  It's getting to the point now that the Pride victory trophies they handed to the winner of every fight in Pride FC are more valuable than a UFC belt.  I am honestly starting to wonder if I send in enough of my Wheaties box tabs in the mail, that I could have the chance to win interim belt. That is how ridiculous this interim belt fiasco is getting.  A championship belt is valued the way it is for a reason.  It is to signify that you are one of the elite to ever compete in the sport and it is high time the UFC start treating it that way again.

* Edited at 08.15.2017, 11:32 PM ET *

I cannot forget how easily Leanardo Santos beat Lee. Tony should easily take this, I see him knocking Lee out within the first round.

I know he's a much improved fighter but Tony did get totally out wrestled and win a ******** split decision against Danny Castillo,initiated most of the wrestling in that fight himself against the chinny Castillo in one of the worst examples of fight IQ I have seen.He used to let his opponents dictate where the fight went like Castillo wrestling,Johnson standing when he had a huge ground advantage,but he's much better about it now.I'll probably pick Tony cause there's still some questions about Lee but an upset wouldn't surprise me one bit,I might even take Lee he's been a monster lately and I did pick Lee over Chiesa,Trinaldo and almost all his fights.

@Greenhornet I'm not a big fan of interim titles but there is a reasonable concern that Conor won't return to defend his belt after the Maywhether payday. The reason we have seen so many interim titles lately is because of Conor moving weight divisions and Bisping holding out for the GSP fight and then getting injured. I think some fighters have been trying power plays and the response has been an interim title.

@bigj

Oh I know why it is being done. I am just sick of the UFC continuously finding a way to shoot themselves in the foot and not keep their champions in line.  As much as Woodley blew his chance of getting a big pay day with GSP, the fact that they can allow Bisping to weasel out of a title defense against Whittaker (and before that, Romero) is pathetic.  Add on the fact that they allow Conor to fight at whatever weight class he is in the mood to fight in and never defend his title, as well as allow him to adventure into a sport he hasn't participated in beyond the amateur level, and Dana White and WME-IMG look like a bunch of hypocritical bastards that don't give a **** about building up the sport anymore and are only in it to turn a quick dollar on a bunch of suckers that are the casual combat sports fans.

Bigj, that is the UFCs fault for letting Conor do that.  It may benefit them in the short run but not long run.

I don't blame Conor for taking the fight he is just getting paid. UFC do need to keep Conor happy and they aren't going to do that by making him take meaningful fights for less money. We also have to blame fans who don't care about anyone not named McGregor or Rousey and the only way to get them remotley interested is to have a title on the line. I've seen so many posts around the web complaining how much they don't care about all these great fighters who should have a bigger following. UFC has built certain fighters to a level where the UFC is forced to make compromises now. UFC is falling more and more into the boxing model and it's a little sad. Fighters will make more money but not in the way most fans hoped. More and More money will gravitate towards the top and many great fighters who have flat personalities will get left in the lurch. Kevin Lee actually figured it out. Respecting your opponent and classic martial art ideas of honor is for suckers. If you don't make noise you don't get noticed.

UFC is just trying to keep the divisions moving while their money makers are making that money elsewhere.

Lee get a title shoot ***?

One of the best match-up for Lee, Ferguson sometime take to much risk so Lee can capitalize on it and get a sub! But If Ferguson is cautious, it should be done easy!

Khabib should move up a wieght class....

Kevin Lee by RNC.

Of all the fighters to give a shot they give it to Lee.  Great choice. 

I actually like this fight. I'm not convinced that Tony will blow Kevin out of the water. I'm leaning towards Tony, but I'm not as sure he's going to win this fight. On the other hand, I was convinced that Tony was going to put Khabib away.

I say if Kevin is going to win, he has to do it within the first 2 rounds. Otherwise, Tony can weaponize his pace to put away Keving. After Tony's performance in Mexico, I don't think anyone would outlast Tony.

The UFC are deleting posts about this fight on their various social media platforms. It seems they're having remorse about booking this fight as a PPV headliner.

They got themselves a fight. 

El Cucuy will drag a durable Lee into deep waters and finish late.

Lee is a rising star, but I think Ferguson is a step too high for him at this time.

kevin lee has beaten good fighters, but nobody as dynamic as tony. i don't think he's on the same level standing and i think tony can scramble out of td attempts.