A Detailed Look Into Tony Ferguson and His Ethnicity

Published 05/13/2021, 1:27 PM EDT

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.

Article continues below this ad

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.

Article continues below this ad

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @TonyFergusonxt (@tonyfergusonxt)

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.

Article continues below this ad

The Real Reason Why Tony Ferguson Carries a Baseball With Him

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters.

A Detailed Look Into Tony Ferguson and His Ethnicity

Is Tony Ferguson of Mexican ethnicity?

Trending

“He Cannot Push Me” – Islam Makhachev Exposed 6-Time Wrestling Champ Jordan Burroughs in Front of Daniel Cormier Last Year

Violently Threatening Conor McGregor Takes a Bad Turn for 50 Cent as UFC World Condemns Rapper After Beef Resurfaces

“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flares Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator

Is Ian Garry vs. Colby Covington Confirmed at Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 Card? Fans React After Leaked Rumors

UFC 304 Manchester Card’s Disappointing News Leaves Pros & Fans Upset Over Rumored Tom Aspinall, Leon Edwards’ Event