Tony Ferguson saw another disappointing night at UFC 262. Ferguson lost to Beneil Dariush in a one-sided, three-round co-main event contest on May 15 at Houston, Texas.
With a lot of hype and importance surrounding the fight, fans of ‘El Cucuy’ were very optimistic. However, Dariush thoroughly dominated Tony in a three-round grapple fest. Eventually, Tony lost the fight after three rounds via a unanimous decision.
Surprisingly, Dariush was very respectful after his victory and also had a message for Tony’s fans. “If you’re going to be a Tony fan, be a Tony fan for life. I see so many negative comments online, it makes you want to stay away from it”. Dariush emphasizes that true fans of ‘El Cucuy should refrain from overly criticizing the fighter for his loss.
“They better not be fickle,” he adds. “The same fans that just cheered Tony on like that, they better cheer for him every single fight. I better not see those comments like, ‘Oh, he’s done. He’s this, he’s that.’ If you’re going to support him, support him throughout his entire career. This was a very wholesome and commendable gesture on Beneil’s part.
Additionally, Beneil commended Tony’s resilience during the fight. “How do you not tap to that heel hook? His knee popped, and it popped loud,” he says. “I saw his face change for a second, and then he went back to normal, and he started kicking me in the body. That upkick he hit me with? That was pretty good.”
Read More: Beneil Dariush surprised after Tony Fergusons Press Conference Trash Talk
What Does the Future Hold for Tony Ferguson?
Now 37, it is safe to say that Tony Ferguson is well past his prime. Although he hates to admit it, Tony is in the latter part of his MMA career and potentially one fight away from retirement. Following his now 3 consecutive loss streak, it seems that the former interim lightweight champion’s time is rapidly approaching its end.
Tony Ferguson punches Beneil Dariush in their lightweight bout during the UFC 262 event at Toyota Center on May 15, 2021, in Houston, Texas. ( Credits: Getty Images)
Even in the fight against Dariush, Tony displayed similar weaknesses from his fights against Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. He lacked in the grappling department and was largely second best for the duration of the fight. Moreover, he was able to break through a scary heel hook by Dariush, but at the cost of serious potential injury.
As such fans and even Dana White feel that age is catching up with the ‘Boogeyman’. Throughout his career, Tony has taken substantial damage and eventually is starting to show through in his fighting. Whilst there is no confirmed news about his retirement, Tony’s next fight will likely be his last in the UFC.
Read More: Tony Ferguson Satisfied Without Khabib Nurmagomedov Fight on His UFC Resume
