Tony Ferguson To Return Against Anthony Pettis At UFC 229: Reports

Tony Ferguson is set to make his return to the octagon against former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at UFC 229 on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas. Two people with knowledge of the booking told MMAjunkie about the news Thursday night, but requested anonymity as the UFC is yet to make an official announcement.

The news was later backed by ESPN's Ariel Helwani.

Ferguson, ranked No. 2 with a 23-3 MMA record, is currently on a 10-fight winning streak and last fought at UFC 216 in October when he defeated Kevin Lee via submission to become the interim lightweight champion. He was expected to face then lightweight champion Conor McGregor in a title unification fight, but was then slated to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed lightweight title at UFC 223 in April when Dana White revealed the Irishman would be stripped of the title.

However, just days before the event in Brooklyn, New York, Ferguson suffered a freak injury when he tripped on some cable wires during a promotional event that resulted in a torn LCL in his left knee. White confirmed he would be stripped of the interim title as well.

Nurmagomedov would go on to face Al Iaquinta on short notice to win the lightweight title and will have his first title defense against McGregor in the main event of UFC 229.

"El Cucuy" though, has recovered quickly and after hinting at a comeback at UFC 229 in recent days, will compete in his first fight in nearly a year.

The timing of his comeback is also ideal for him. Having been injured just days before UFC 223, Ferguson not only missed out on the undisputed lightweight title, but also the biggest payday of his career. But by being on the same card as the McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov fight, should either one pull out, the 34-year-old can step in for them and keep the title fight as the main event. Even if he does fight Pettis, a win should assure Ferguson of the next shot at the title.

As for Pettis (21-7), Ferguson will be his highest ranked opponent since he lost his lightweight title to Rafael dos Anjos in 2015.

The No. 8 ranked lightweight most recently defeated Michael Chiesa at UFC 226 last month, but has suffered five losses in his last eight fights.