Michael Johnson is in Las Vegas to take part in some activities surrounding UFC 209, but then the interim lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson got canceled after Nurmagomedov fell ill before the weigh-ins.
Ferguson needs a new opponent on late notice and that may be Johnson.
“That was the boss man, Dana,” Johnson told MMA Junkie Radio. “We’re trying to figure it out. He just asked me if I could make weight and if we can get something going on, so we’ll see.”
Johnson hasn’t competed since UFC 205 and that night saw him suffer a submission loss to Nurmagomedov.
It is also unknown at this time if the interim lightweight title will be on the line, but either way, Johnson spoke of the bout.
“I’m a fighter at heart,” he said. “I’ll take a fight any time, anywhere. This is a perfect opportunity. Chances like this are what makes a fighter great. (I’m) out here relaxing, watching a teammate and a good friend fight, and an opportunity arose – of course I’ll take it. Why would I let that pass me up?”
UFC 209 takes place on Saturday, March 4 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson headlining. Fightful will be providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.