Scheduled to face Brazilian CharlesOliveira in the co-main event of UFC256, TonyFerguson used his Instagram account to express concern regarding his opponent’s ability to make thelightweight limit.
“I am counting on the Brazilian [Charles Oliveira] and others tocome In overweight like usual. So I’m calling it now,” Fergusonwrote. “Case law: Short notice fight, Charles Oliveira will not cutweight all week and show up 3-4 pounds overweight and use theexcuse of a short-notice fight.”
“If he shows up that much overweight, we are not competing. Socrew, make sure you visit the kid’s page and encourage him to makethe weight if you want to see a fight.
Shortly thereafter, Sherdog.com contacted both Oliveira and hishead coach, Diego Lima, to get a reaction to Ferguson’s statement.Both guaranteed that there will be no issues on the scales comeFriday.
'I am really happy with that statement from Ferguson. It just showshow worried he is about Charles’ size,” said Lima, who did nottravel with Oliveira from Sao Paulo to Las Vegas after testingpositive for COVID-19. “It's important to note that Charles hadproblems at featherweight but he never missed weight at 155. OnWednesday morning he woke up weighing 162 pounds. We still have twodays left to lose seven pounds.
“Do Bronx” later confirmed his coach’s remarks.
'Tell Tony that I'll cover my [end of the bargain]. I had a greatcamp and I brought my nutritionist and physical trainer and theyare doing a wonderful job,” Oliveira said. “Everything isgoing according to plan. I hope Tony does the same. When wewish bad to others, sometimes it returns to us.”