Tony Ferguson is one of the best if not the best lightweight to ever grace the UFC Octagon. The former interim UFC lightweight champion was once on a 12-fight winning streak before suffering a rough 2020. Two back-to-back losses to Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira were major setbacks for him. But this is the first time ‘El Cucuy’ is on a 2-fight skid in his illustrious career.

Ferguson returns this weekend against flying contender Beneil Dariush. He can’t afford to stub his toe anymore if he is to keep his championship aspirations alive. Ahead of this crossroads fight in Ferguson’s career, we take a detailed look into his ethnicity and origin.

‘El Cucuy’ comes from a Mexican heritage. However, he was actually born in Oxnard, California in February 1984. His stepfather was a Scottish American. That’s where ‘El Cucuy’ inherited the surname Ferguson from. Despite being born in Oxnard, he grew up largely in Muskegon, Michigan.

Ferguson completed his high school at Muskegon Catholic Central High School. He was an athlete from the early days of his life. He played 3 sports during his high school days. Later, he enrolled with Central Michigan University before eventually transferring to Grand Valley State University. He also spent some time at Muskegon Community College.

He moved back to California after his university life, as he wanted to spend some time with his family.

Is Tony Ferguson of Mexican ethnicity?

Anthony Armand ‘Tony’ Ferguson Padilla is of mixed ethnicity. He is of a Mexico-America ethnicity. As mentioned earlier, he inherits his stepfather’s surname. However, he pays homage to his Mexican origin with his moniker of ‘El Cucuy’. His nickname means a ghost-like monster in Mexican. He first took it up after being referred to as a central American boogie man by his coaches.

He is actually of American nationality. However, he has some Mexican parts in him. In a recent Instagram post, ‘El Cucuy’ clarified his origins.

Ferguson will look to end his skid this weekend when he fights Dariush. Many have counted him out saying he is on borrowed time at the top of the division. However, Ferguson is the type of guy that thrives under adversity. So, we might just see the best version of ‘El Cucuy‘ at the expense of Dariush this weekend.

Also Read: The Real Reason Why Tony Ferguson Carries a Baseball With Him