Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title holder Rafael dos Anjos (25-9) headlined UFC Fight Night 98 in Mexico City. His opponent was Tony Ferguson (22-3), who was in search of the biggest win of his career and a potential title shot.
“El Cucuy” found what he was looking for.
Ferguson threw an overhand right, but it was blocked. A leg kick from dos Anjos took Ferguson off balance a bit. The former 155-pound kingpin caught a leg and went for a takedown, but “El Cucuy” stood on his feet. A hard left hand counter connected for dos Anjos. A short elbow landed for Ferguson, but he was pooped with a jab shortly after. Another left hand counter clipped Ferguson. A hard leg kick counter had Ferguson on his back. Towards the end of the round, Ferguson was a bit more aggressive as he most likely lost the opening frame.
“El Cucuy” moved forward and had his opponent on his toes. Blood formed on the nose of dos Anjos. It was a much better start for Ferguson, who was starting to tag his opponent. The former champion said he was poked in the eye and referee Herb Dean didn’t see it. Ferguson grew frustrated, but didn’t jump on his opponent and allowed Herb Dean to call a brief halt to the bout. Replays showed there was indeed an eye poke. The fight resumed and Ferguson continued to pick dos Anjos apart using his range. The former champion kept getting clipped with the jab. A straight left hand wobbled dos Anjos a bit. The round ended and “El Cucuy” taunted his opponent.
The third round began and dos Anjos went for a quick takedown, but Ferguson easily scrambled out. “El Cucuy” went for two spinning elbows. Blood trickled down the right eye of dos Anjos. The former champion went for a high kick and landed a combination. A counter left hand found the mark for dos Anjos. He followed it up with a hard leg kick. Ferguson landed a punch to the body. Ferguson was hit with a right hand. A spinning backfist followed by a right hand landed for dos Anjos as the round ended.
The championship rounds were underway. A kick to the body connected for dos Anjos. A knee from Ferguson back up dos Anjos a bit. “El Cucuy” rolled in a leg lock attempt, but sprung back up before dos Anjos could counter. Ferguson avoided a takedown attempt. He was on the attack with kicks to keep his opponent at bay. A counter left landed for dos Anjos. Ferguson landed a punch to the body. A stiff straight right found the chin of dos Anjos. “El Cucuy” swarmed dos Anjos and had him off balance to end the round.
Ferguson picked up where he left off, backing up his opponent with kicks. A left hand landed for dos Anjos. Ferguson’s offense was relentless this entire fight, and the final round was no exception. The eye of dos Anjos was dripping down. Ferguson’s output was too much for the former champion, who only had short bursts. The final horn sounded and both men showed their respect.
Ferguson was announced as the winner as all three judges saw the fight going his way.
Final Result: Tony Ferguson def. Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
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