Jared Gordon sets sights on former UFC interim champion after Dana White's "silver lining" pep talk
Jared Gordon is looking at the positives following his controversial unanimous decision loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 282.
Gordon joined Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith on their Believe You Me podcast, where he spoke about the loss and what could be next. He mentioned that he recently texted his manager and made a case for why he believes he could fight Tony Ferguson next, saying:
"I text my manager and I was like, 'Give me Tony Fergsuon. I think it makes sense.' Where he's at in his career, I have a decent name now I guess you could say...he's where he is, I'm where I'm at and I think it makes sense for me to get a fight like that. I think eyes will be on me now. People are going to be watching this fight, people are behind me, and they're gonna wanna see me get in there." {17:30 - 17:58}
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'Flash' also recalled speaking with UFC President Dana White after the fight and reassured him that perhaps there is a silver lining that will come from losing to 'The Baddy' the way he did, saying:
"I spoke to Dana (White) after and he was like, 'Look, you literally came out...coming off of a loss, this is the best circumstance for you that could've ever happened.' And I think he's right. It's only been four days, so I have yet to see the silver lining, but I'm sure it will be made apparent." {17:07 - 17:29}
It remains to be seen whether the former interim UFC lightweight champion intends to return to lightweight, considering his most recent loss to Nate Diaz was a welterweight bout.
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Could Jared Gordon vs. Tony Ferguson be on the horizon?
Tony Ferguson has had some rough years. What's next for him?
#TonyFerguson #UFC https://t.co/CSyEcqMy1L
Jared Gordon calling for a fight with Tony Ferguson is interesting and could be logical for the UFC to book next.
'Flash' has gained a following since his bout with Paddy Pimblett, which could make the idea of fighting Ferguson more enticing for the promotion. The former interim UFC lightweight is on a 5 fight losing skid and will turn 39-years-old in February, so fighting somebody outside the lightweight rankings could be what's best for him at this stage of his career.
It would be a win-win situation for both as 'El Cucuy' would have an opportunity to snap his losing skid, while Gordon would have an opportunity to earn a win against a notable fighter and get his name in the lightweight rankings.