Tony Ferguson Still Confident In Striking Ability After 8th UFC Loss In A Row: ‘Not A Lot Of People Want To Stand & Bang With Me’

When it comes to his skillset, former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson hasn’t let his losing skid affect his confidence. Ferguson achieved an unwanted record in his return to action at this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night, falling to the longest run of defeats in the promotion’s history. After closing out his 2023 with […]

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When it comes to his skillset, former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson hasn’t let his losing skid affect his confidence.

Ferguson achieved an unwanted record in his return to action at this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night, falling to the longest run of defeats in the promotion’s history. After closing out his 2023 with a decision loss to Paddy Pimblett, his latest setback came against Michael Chiesa up at welterweight.

The bout didn’t reach the first horn, with “El Cucuy” being taken down and submitted by way of rear-naked choke in just under four minutes by Chiesa, who entered the contest on a losing skid of his own.

In the immediate aftermath, it appeared a retirement announcement branded long overdue by many in the community was on the way. But while Ferguson did lay down one glove, it didn’t take long for him to seemingly commit to the continuation of his career.

That’s seemingly down to a belief that he can still compete inside the Octagon, in spite of what his record since 2020 would suggest. And among other things, “El Cucuy” hasn’t lost confidence in his standup game…

Ferguson: Chiesa Didn’t Want Any Of My Striking

During his post-fight press conference on Saturday, Ferguson reflected on his outing in the Middle East and record eighth consecutive defeat inside the Octagon.

While he admitted to feeling “slow and sluggish” in the grappling realm, where his demise ultimately came against Chiesa, Ferguson insisted he remains a major threat on the feet, having returned to sparring and pad work in training.

“There’s a lot of things I need to work on,” Ferguson said. “We did a lot of sparring. You could see that out there; I felt pretty good on my feet. … I felt normal in there for a second. … There’s a lot of things that I can and can’t do. … This whole entire camp, I had just got back into sparring. … We just started throwing pads again.

“When I went out there and I hit Chiesa, he didn’t want to stand and bang. Not a lot of people want to stand and bang with me,” Ferguson added.

It would appear likely that Ferguson plans on further proving that in another fight down the line. While he noted discussions will take place with his family, “El Cucuy” was quick to walk back his initial half-retirement inside the Octagon.

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‘Type Of Guy To Partially Retire’ – Fans React As Tony Ferguson Ponders The End After Record 8th Straight Loss At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi

The losing streak continued for Tony Ferguson at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, and it looks to have marked his farewell. The former interim UFC lightweight champion entered 2020 riding the second-longest winning run in the 155-pound division’s history. At that point, he was touted as a threat to the great Khabib Nurmagomedov. […]

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The losing streak continued for Tony Ferguson at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, and it looks to have marked his farewell.

The former interim UFC lightweight champion entered 2020 riding the second-longest winning run in the 155-pound division’s history. At that point, he was touted as a threat to the great Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Now, Ferguson is on a different kind of streak. An eight-fight losing skid.

Since having his unbeaten period brought to a crashing halt by Justin Gaethje, “El Cucuy” has lost a further seven outings, the most recent of which came on August 3 in the Middle East.

After dismissing calls for him to retire after a decision defeat to Paddy Pimblett last December, Ferguson returned to action up at welterweight to face Michael Chiesa at the Etihad Arena.

The longtime fan favorite didn’t reach the first horn, with “Maverick” locking in a rear-naked choke for the tap in round one.

The result has left Ferguson with an unwanted record, having lost the most consecutive fights in UFC history.

Finally, it would appear that the taste of defeat has the 40-year-old considering calling it quits, as he told Daniel Cormier post-fight that he is pondering retirement. For now, he’s hung up just the one glove, with the other pending discussion with his family.

MMA Fans React To Chiesa Submitting Ferguson At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi

Unsurprisingly, the MMA community quickly flocked to social media with their takes on Ferguson’s latest setback, as well as his half-retirement inside the Octagon in Abu Dhabi.

https://twitter.com/dillondanis/status/1819834243260072127

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Michael Chiesa submits Tony Ferguson in opening round with RNC – UFC Abu Dhabi Highlights

Tony FergusonDetermined to snap a staggering seven-fight losing streak, former interim lightweight titleholder Tony Ferguson returned to the Octagon on…

Tony Ferguson

Determined to snap a staggering seven-fight losing streak, former interim lightweight titleholder Tony Ferguson returned to the Octagon on Saturday night for a scrap with TUF alumnus Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be for ‘El Cucuy‘ who found himself on the wrong side of history, dropping his eighth straight following a first-round submission loss to ‘Maverick.

Ferguson came out and put pressure on Chiesa early, but neither fighter threw a strike until we were already more than a minute into the contest. As things began to open up, it was clear that Chiesa had the striking advantage, peppering Ferguson with some stiff right hands.

Tony Ferguson

Just past the three-minute mark, Chiesa moved in and landed an all-too-easy takedown before securing Ferguson’s back. Once there, it was just a matter of time.

Moments later, Chiesa cinched his arm under Ferguson’s chin, forcing ‘El Cucuy’ to tap out.

Tony Ferguson

Official ResultMichael Chiesa def. Tony Ferguson via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:44 of Round 1.

Immediately following the fight, Ferguson laid down one glove, acknowledging that while his UFC career may be over, he can’t guarantee you won’t see him pop up somewhere else.  

Tony Ferguson

Check Out Highlights From Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi:

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights (12 PM ET)

The MMA leader stages its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action. After taking the Octagon back to Manchester in England for a pay-per-view card last weekend, the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates sees the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi play host to a […]

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights (12 PM ET) at MMA News.

The MMA leader stages its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

After taking the Octagon back to Manchester in England for a pay-per-view card last weekend, the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates sees the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi play host to a 13-fight lineup.

In the main attraction, undefeated bantamweight up-and-comer Umar Nurmagomedov will look to extend his perfect record en route to a first shot at UFC gold. Tasked with stalling his rise is Cory Sandhagen, who has worked his way back toward the undisputed belt after falling short of the interim title against Petr Yan back in 2021.

All eyes are also on the co-headliner, which sees another unbeaten Russian in Sharabutdin Magomedov in action as he faces Micha? Oleksiejczuk on short notice, as well as a second crucial contest at 135 pounds between recent title challenger Marlon Vera and former flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Before those matchups, the likes of ex-lightweight interim title contender Tony Ferguson, strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern, and light heavyweight powerhouse Alonzo Menifield will all have their next assignments inside the Octagon.

Ahead of the event, see below for the full card and broadcast information, and be sure to check back later for the live results and highlights!

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights

Main Card (3 PM ET, ABC/ESPN+):

  • Bantamweight Main Event: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
  • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Micha? Oleksiejczuk
  • Bantamweight: Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
  • Welterweight: Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa
  • Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Lightweight: Joel Álvarez vs. Elves Brener

Preliminary Card (12 PM ET, ESPN2/ESPN+):

  • Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Alonzo Menifield
  • Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya vs. Kaue Fernandes
  • Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev vs. Don’Tale Mayes
  • Lightweight: Guram Kutateladze vs. Jordan Vucenic
  • Women’s Strawweight: Victoria Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes
  • Lightweight: Jai Herbert vs. Rolando Berdoya
  • Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights (12 PM ET) at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Umar Nurmagomedov Outlasts Cory Sandhagen

The MMA leader staged its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action. After taking the Octagon back to Manchester in England for a pay-per-view card last weekend, the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates saw the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi play host to a […]

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Umar Nurmagomedov Outlasts Cory Sandhagen at MMA News.

The MMA leader staged its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

After taking the Octagon back to Manchester in England for a pay-per-view card last weekend, the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates saw the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi play host to a 13-fight lineup.

In the main attraction, undefeated bantamweight up-and-comer Umar Nurmagomedov extended his perfect record en route to a potential first shot at UFC gold. Unsuccessful in his attempt to stall the Russian’s rise was Cory Sandhagen, who fell on the wrong side of three lopsided scorecards.

All eyes were also on the co-headliner, which saw another unbeaten Russian in Sharabutdin Magomedov in action as he faced Micha? Oleksiejczuk on short notice, as well as a second crucial contest at 135 pounds between recent title challenger Marlon Vera and former flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Before those matchups, the likes of ex-lightweight interim title contender Tony Ferguson, strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern, and light heavyweight powerhouse Alonzo Menifield all had their next assignments inside the Octagon.

With the event concluded, see below for the full results, followed by all the highlights!

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights

Main Card:

  • Bantamweight Main Event: Umar Nurmagomedov def. Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
  • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sharabutdin Magomedov def. Micha? Oleksiejczuk via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Bantamweight: Deiveson Figueiredo def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Welterweight: Michael Chiesa def. Tony Ferguson via submission (rear-naked choke): R1, 3:44
  • Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern def. Loopy Godinez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Lightweight: Joel Álvarez def. Elves Brener via TKO (knees): R3, 3:36

Preliminary Card:

  • Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov def. Alonzo Menifield via KO (punches): R2, 3:18
  • Lightweight: Kaue Fernandes def. Mohammad Yahya via TKO (punches): R1, 4:45
  • Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev def. Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Lightweight: Guram Kutateladze def. Jordan Vucenic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Sam Hughes def. Victoria Dudakova via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
  • Lightweight: Jai Herbert def. Rolando Berdoya via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas def. Denis Tiuliulin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Sedriques Dumas Def. Denis Tiuliulin

Jai Herbert Def. Rolando Berdoya

Sam Hughes Def. Victoria Dudakova

Guram Kutateladze Def. Jordan Vucenic

Shamil Gaziev Def. Don’Tale Mayes

Kaue Fernandes Def. Mohammad Yahya

Azamat Murzakanov Def. Alonzo Menifield

Joel Álvarez Def. Elves Brener

Mackenzie Dern Def. Loopy Godinez

Michael Chiesa Def. Tony Ferguson

Deiveson Figueiredo Def. Marlon Vera

Sharabutdin Magomedov Def. Micha? Oleksiejczuk

Umar Nurmagomedov Def. Cory Sandhagen

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Umar Nurmagomedov Outlasts Cory Sandhagen at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins! After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena […]

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Before returning to the venue for its annual numbered event this October, the UFC will put on a Fight Night event topped by elite bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. The former interim title challenger and his undefeated Russian opponent will be looking to stake their claims for a shot at the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

Saturday’s co-headliner, meanwhile, will see another unbeaten name back in action as Sharabutdin Magomedov looks to make it three from three in the UFC at the expense of Micha? Oleksiejczuk.

Before that, a second crucial contest at 135 pounds will go down. Making the walk for the first time since his defeat to O’Malley in their UFC 299 title fight, Marlon Vera will look to revive his championship ambitions before stalling the two-weight goals of ex-flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Elsewhere on the lineup, the likes of former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern are among those set to be in action.

Ahead of the event, all 26 fighters successfully made weight. With that, all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi ceremonial weigh-ins!

Check out a stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 10 AM ET.

UFC Fight Night Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

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