Dana White claims Tony Ferguson has been sidelined by ‘a lot of personal issues’

With UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov on the sidelines, and Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway battling for the interim lightweight title at UFC 236 in April, Tony Ferguson has seemingly been left high and dry.

Despite being the clear-cut top lightweight contender, he has been left without an opponent and without a clear path to the lightweight title.

UFC President Dana White claims that’s because Ferguson is dealing with some personal issues. The UFC boss divulged this tidbit while interacting with a fan on Instagram (screenshot via BloodyElbow).

“Tony is dealing with a lot of personal issues right now and can’t fight. Hopefully things turn around for him and he can get back in there.” – Dana White on Instagram.

While this comment from Dana White doesn’t provide a whole lot of information, Tony Ferguson himself recently posted a rather cryptic Tweet that suggested something could be going on.

“I’m the type of guy that has been antagonized, provoked, and threatened to take & not take fights or certain opportunities to benefit monetarily otherwise my family would be have been hurt. -Champ Shit Only” – Tony Ferguson on Twitter.

These comments from White and Ferguson follow a loaded Tweet from Sherdog founder Jeff Sherwood. In this Tweet, Sherwood claimed he has received a tip suggesting Ferguson is going through something with his wife and child.

“I’ve received a tip that an alleged incident involving Tony Ferguson is currently unfolding. A source has informed me that an event involving Ferguson’s wife and child is being investigated.” – Jeff Sherwood on Twitter.

Whatever the case, it appears that Tony Ferguson could be enduring some issues outside the cage. Hopefully all is well in the former interim champion’s world so that he is able to get back into the Octagon soon. Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing story as details emerge.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 3/14/2019.