“I went back to sparring… I went back to sparring, I haven’t sparred in seven years, where I’ve had good training partners, I put in about 120 rounds,” said Tony Ferguson when asked about his opinion on his upcoming clash against Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi. The former interim lightweight champion’s career has been on a downturn since he lost to Justin Gaethje way back in UFC 249. ‘El Cuccy’ has one chance to end his career on a high tone and this time things might work for him in the welterweight division.

His oppone͏nt, Michael ͏Chiesa, is also on a three-fight losing streak and is looking to turn his fort͏unes around against͏ Ferguson. Rega͏rdles͏s͏, their ͏fi͏ght͏ mig͏ht decide the fa͏te of both fighters. Ahead of their clash, let’s take a look at the detailed p͏a͏yo͏uts of the figh͏ters.

How much will Tony Ferguson and Michael Chiesa make from their fight?

Tony Ferguson has salary under the promotion stands from $250,000-$500,000. ‘El Cuccy’ has been handsomely earning around $200000 from all of his fights despite his loss. In his last fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296, Ferguson earned a massive $250000 despite his loss. So if we go by that logic then, it is logical to state that the fighter will be earning around $200000- $300000 in his fight against Chiesa in Abu Dhabi.

On the other hand, Michael Chiesa is not that favored by the promotion when it comes to UFC payouts. ‘The Maverick’ has been earning a meager $80000-$100000 from his fights. His payout against Vincente Luque was $96000. The fighter has yet to breach the $100000 payout range from UFC, however, it might change in his bout against Tony Ferguson.

‘El Cuccy’ is arguably the biggest star to fight on the UFC Abu Dhabi card this weekend. Despite being one of the biggest stars, he is not the favorite to win the clash and the reason? His seven-fight losing streak. His opponent Michael Chiesa is currently favored at stake with odds of -620, while Ferguson’s odds stand at +430. Chiesa, himself is riding a three-fight losing streak.

This might be Tony Ferguson’s last fight under the promotion, and he will be fighting with that mindset as well. In his last conversation with the media, ‘El Cuccy’ embraced optimism before his clash.

‘El Cuccy’ is optimistic about his performance

The former interim lightweight champion included David Goggins in his last UFC fight against Paddy Pimblett but his tactics failed as the fighter lost the bout by way of a unanimous decision. Having said that, the fighter has made a comeback to the sparring arena this time in his training camp. “I think it’s pretty cool that I’m able to do this (fight in Abu Dhabi),” said Ferguson.

He further added, “I obviously want to continue to do this so I have to perform and I will perform, that’s why this camp was a little more interesting for me.” The former interim champ explains that he has sparred 120 rounds in his training camp already and there’s more to come. “I put in a lot of wrestling, good training partners, good vibes, a good team,” he continued.

This clash might prove to be a do-or-die situation for Tony Ferguson as well as Michael Chiesa. Regardless, what’s your take on their clash? State your thoughts in the comments below.