Tony Ferguson is undoubtedly one of the most versatile fighters to have graced the octagon. ‘El Cucuy’ has a complete set of skills with good stand-up and decorated wrestling background. In fact, he is also a black belt in jiu-jitsu.

He received the honor from famous trainer Eddie Bravo. After his submission win over Kevin Lee at UFC 216, Ferguson received his black belt from Bravo.

Bravo earned the belt from Jean Jacques Machado after he submitted Royler Gracie back in 2003. Now, he has given his own belt to Ferguson. El Cucuy trains under Bravo at the 10th Planet jiu-jitsu gym.

‘El Cucuy’ has always implied that he had been more keen on earning the honor of being a black belt than being a UFC champion. In fact, in a 2016 interview with Yahoo Sports, Ferguson said that the UFC belt was tarnished compared to the purity of a black belt.

Tony Ferguson had always been obsessed with earning the black belt

“I’m more interested in receiving my black belt from Eddie Bravo’s 10 Planet jiu-jitsu system than the UFC belt right now. The [UFC] belt is tarnished, man.

“I feel like the belt has been in so many different hands, it’s so polluted. It needs to be recycled by the time I get there,” said Ferguson in 2016.

“I think everybody wants me to get the title, but for me, I don’t do what everybody else wants me to do. I’m a leader, not a follower, man. I’m a super fighter. I create super fights.

“The people who actually give me the righteous fights are the ones who are going to be the best for me, give or take whether it’s a title fight. I really don’t give a [expletive]. I really don’t,” he further added.

‘El Cucuy‘ believes he is an academic fighter and doesn’t chase after fame or glory. Instead, he always looks to perfect his craft and give the fans what they want to see, that’s pure entertainment and violence. Fans can only hope the lightweight legend returns to winning ways this weekend at UFC 262.

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