Tony Ferguson had a torrid time at UFC 262 on Saturday. Moreover, Tony did not win a single round in the three-round contest which he ultimately lost via unanimous decision.
Ferguson faced off against Beneil Dariush of Assyria in the co-main event for UFC 262. Throughout the duration of the fight, Dariush was able to impose his will and outwrestle Tony. However, there was a moment of brilliance where ‘El Cucuy’ broke out of an excruciating heel hook by Dariush.
Following his loss to Dariush, Tony is now out of the top ten rankings and in a three-fight winless streak. Although many fans feel that Tony should consider retirement, the Mexican has other plans. Instead, Tony took to his social media to indicate that he is not retiring anytime soon and also sends gratitude to his new team.
“Art Of 🥋Fighting” New Crew, New Time, Zero📝Excuses. Moar🔱Effort Kid 👣 UFC🥇262 -Team El Cucuy- Thank🙏You Crew🍃 ⚔️🕶 -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # Gamechanger 💯 # F—K!!! 🎶 pic.twitter.com/RyLR75Xaai
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) May 18, 2021
Previously, Tony enlisted the help of the legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach and WildCard Boxing. After his second consecutive loss to Charles Oliveira, Ferguson felt that there was a need to change his surroundings. Although their first fight did not produce the best of results, ‘El Cucuy’ remains optimistic and eager to work with Freddie and Co.
Even though Tony has announced that he will not be retiring, the MMA community as a whole agrees that Tony’s next fight will likely be his last. With him falling out of the Top 10 in rankings, his next fight will be an interesting one.
What’s Next For Tony Ferguson?
Now 37, it is safe to say that Tony Ferguson is well past his prime. Although he won’t 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.
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. Next, the fans want to see a retirement bout with Donald Cerrone as it would be the perfect send-off for both veterans.
Read More: Tony Ferguson Satisfied Without Khabib Nurmagomedov Fight on His UFC Resume
