Home

UFC

‘I Absolutely Hate Losing’- Tony Ferguson Promises a Career Resurgence at Lightweight Following Three Straight Losses

Published 05/20/2021, 12:27 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

Tony Ferguson took to social media and sent a comprehensive message to fans, addressing his loss at UFC 262. Beneil Dariush shut out ‘El Cucuy’ in the co-main event to condemn him to his third straight defeat. UFC fans considered the former interim champion as the uncrowned champion at lightweight, however, things have changed in a matter of a year.

Ferguson was out-gunned in all facets of MMA and had virtually no success against a fundamentally strong Dariush. What’s more, this has become a growing trend as Charles Oliveira beat him down in a similar fashion. With his 12-fight streak now in the rearview mirror, there are plenty of unanswered questions that persist.

Tony Ferguson: Keeping the flame burning

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tony Ferguson briefly addressed many lingering doubts regarding his future as a contender. He reaffirmed the fact that certain adjustments are being made by his team and that he was constantly looking to grow. Moreover, he also acknowledged the fact that the game had evolved and he was attempting to keep up.

Regardless of possible adjustments, the general sentiment regarding ‘El Cucuy’ is that time has just passed him by. While he’s not lost his ability to take a shot, Tony Ferguson’s skill set seems to have diminished. Many fans attribute the brutal beat down at the hands of Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 for this steady decline.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, it’s hard to come to terms with this narrative, especially when considering Ferguson was to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov a few months earlier. In around a calendar year, his drop-off has been steep and steadily downward trending. Through it all, he maintains that he’s working out the right combination that will get him back to the top.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The landscape of the lightweight division resembles shark-infested waters when looking at the skilled contenders. It remains to be seen if Ferguson can get his mojo back when he returns to face another ranked killer. Another slip up in his next fight will all but certainly spell the end for the fan-favorite lightweight.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Darryl Pinto

2,138Articles

One take at a time

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.
Show More>