It's a far compromise. They already gave him Micheal Bisping. It would look bad to give a guy a back to back instant title shot in two different divisions.
IMO if It was up to me I wouldn't be giving GSP a crack at the 155 title knowing he isn't going to defend.
I think it's hilarious that DW tries to fling shit in GSP's direction. They gave the GSP the MW shot at Bisping... it was the UFC's choice and they made the fight. I don't think the UFC gives two flying fairy farts about what they look like anymore, it's purely a numbers and sales game now.
I'm torn on this issue, because I really like Ferguson, and he's certainly paid his dues and has legitimately earned everything he's going for. That being said, giving GSP the next shot at Khabib isn't really fucking up a lot of shit and if anything, presents the UFC with an opportunity to get what they want with less backlash from the fans and media. The Khabib/Tony fight has fallen through on multiple occasions, and for as much as I would like to see it, I'm less that confident it materializes.
Conor sells PPV's, no doubt about it. He's received special treatment in the past, and he was already gifted a LW title shot he didn't necessarily earn. After beating Alvarez, he immediately went on hiatus, and chased a money fight outside the sport, creating a mess with the 155lb title.
Between failed fights, interim championships, injuries and outside factors, the LW title had been on a virtual merry-go-round. Khabib finishing Conor finally righted the ship, and was the beginning of getting the house back in order.
This is just Dana's way of trying to maximize sales at someone else's expense. "Fight this guy, and if you win, you can fight Khabib." If the UFC doesn't want to get their shit together, then GSP should just wait it out and let the Khabib vs. Tony fight go down. I don't think a GSP/Ferguson fight will appeal to the casuals as much as a GSP/Khabib fight, but that's just my opinion.
Everyone knows GSP has one fight left, and he wants to make history. So let him make history. Khabib's already talking about fighting Tony and walking off into the sunset undefeated, so making GSP face someone else first also risks a Khabib/GSP fight ever coming to fruition. GSP wants to be the first to win 3 different titles, and Khabib wants to retire undefeated. Either way, a Khabib/GSP fight has significance the UFC can capitalize on and creates good options for afterwards.
Option 1 - GSP fights Khabib and wins, vacates and never fights again... he makes history, the Kingpin is at least done with dealing with GSP, the UFC makes a boatload of money (without needing Conor), the LW title goes back up for grabs and now you have Khabib vs. Tony for the open title. Tony vs. Conor while GSP fights Khabib would also be awesome and more big numbers for the UFC. The McGregor/Diaz rubber match is also an option. That's 3 or 4 good selling PPV's right there.
Khabib wins... he solidifies his legacy and retires undefeated on a high note, GSP losing should satisfy the baldfather, the UFC makes a boatload of money (without needing Conor), the LW title goes back up for grabs, and you have Tony vs. Conor (or Diaz, etc), and might very well present the only scenario where GSP continues to fight. Again, that's (at least) 3 good selling PPV's.