UFC Fight Night 98 showcased just how incredibly competitive the lightweight division truly is. You’d be hard pressed to find a UFC lightweight capable of winning five in a row. You’re even less likely to find a lightweight fighter capable of having a nine fight win streak. Yet Tony Ferguson was able to accomplish exactly that, making him one of the greatest lightweights in the division. After his victory over Rafael dos Anjos this past Saturday night, Ferguson secured his name amongst the greatest fighters in lightweight history. So was it really smart of him not to call for a title shot after his victory?
UFC 205 is right around the corner and the lightweight belt is up for grabs. Come next Monday either Eddie Alvarez or Conor McGregor will be the champion at 155 and a bonafide star. If McGregor wins then whoever fights him at lightweight will be sure to be looking at a big money fight and in prize fighting, for some, that’s the whole point. It appears that Tony Ferguson isn’t apart of that camp.
“When I get to that title, it will be my title, and it will by my fight. Not because I talked my way to get there, or because I have a big-ass following. I don’t care. I’m here for a reason. I’m here to win.”
That was Tony Ferguson’s response when asked why he didn’t call anyone out after his victory. Most fighters want to become champion to prove they’re the best in the world. To Tony Ferguson that’s not the case whatsoever. He doesn’t seem like the kind of man who cares about the accolades and the glitz and glamor of being a star. Instead “El Cucuy” is a man that just wants to get into a fist fight and would likely do it for free.
So here’s the real question. Is there anything wrong with that?
Some people want the fame, others just the money. Tony Ferguson wants you to prove that you’re as tough as you claim to be. In a way, Ferguson is looking for honesty in a sport where larger than life characters and faux tough guys are abound. Everyone has their own journey and who’s to say what Tony Ferguson is doing with his own is the wrong or right way. Rather than criticize his actions, we should instead be looking at his decision from a different angle. Rather than showing us the right or the wrong way this past Saturday, Tony Ferguson shows us his way and that’s just what we should desire from these fighters that put everything on the line.
What do you think of Tony Ferguson’s decision?
Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
The post No Call Out? No Problem. Tony Ferguson Is Forging His Own Path. appeared first on Cagepotato.