Tag: Tony Ferguson

Chandler Chooses Between Hooker/Ferguson For Favorite UFC KO

Michael Chandler still likes his knockout of Dan Hooker more than his knockout over Tony Ferguson this past weekend. Chandler met Ferguson on the main card of the UFC 274 pay-per-view (PPV) from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. After a back-and-forth first round, the second round opened up with a hellacious front kick from…

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Michael Chandler still likes his knockout of Dan Hooker more than his knockout over Tony Ferguson this past weekend.

Chandler met Ferguson on the main card of the UFC 274 pay-per-view (PPV) from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. After a back-and-forth first round, the second round opened up with a hellacious front kick from Chandler that rendered Ferguson unconscious.

It was the first time anyone had ever knocked out Tony Ferguson cold. Chandler likely has Knockout Of The Year locked up for 2022, and the finish was so spectacular it will likely be shown in highlight reels for years to come. However, it’s still not Chandler’s favorite knockout in the UFC.

Speaking at the UFC 274 post-fight press conference, Chandler admitted that his UFC debut knockout over Dan Hooker is still his favorite.

“Gosh, they’re both really really great because obviously, one was the debut, and this one was kind of getting back on track after two losses,” Chandler said. “I’d still have to go with the debut knockout of Dan Hooker.

Michael Chandler Punches Dan Hooker
Credit: Jeff Bottari, Zuffa LLC

“I was the underdog there, as I should’ve been, cause I was coming from outside the UFC. That was a special special moment. There was a lot of pressure, left the relative security of a previous organization in Bellator, came over, and that was a lot of pressure going on there.”

Chandler finished Hooker in the first round of their 2021 bout in January. It was Chandler’s first fight under the UFC banner since coming from Bellator. Since, Chandler found himself on a two-fight losing streak; however, both bouts were very competitive.

Now, Chander is back on the winning track with his victory over Ferguson. “Iron” is hoping to string together a few more big wins in hopes of getting another crack at the UFC lightweight title.

Enjoyed reading this article? Share it on social media along with your thoughts on which of Michael Chandler’s KOs you think was more impressive!

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Tony Ferguson Roasts Khabib Nurmagomedov In New Teaser For TUF: “Fat, You Smell Funny, & Ur Momma Dresses Ya’ Weird”

Tony Ferguson, Khabib NurmagomedovTony Ferguson fired shots at Khabib Nurmagomedov in an unofficial promo video for The Ultimate Fighter. Coming off the first knockout loss of his career, Tony Ferguson has stayed active in the media and continued to share updates with his fans. His recent loss to Michael Chandler marked the fourth fight he dropped in a […]

Tony Ferguson, Khabib Nurmagomedov

Tony Ferguson fired shots at Khabib Nurmagomedov in an unofficial promo video for The Ultimate Fighter.

Coming off the first knockout loss of his career, Tony Ferguson has stayed active in the media and continued to share updates with his fans. His recent loss to Michael Chandler marked the fourth fight he dropped in a row, leaving many to speculate what would be next for the former interim UFC lightweight titleholder.

While Ferguson has not shied away from taking a few jabs at the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov every now and then, he went a step ahead with his new promo video teasing a season of The Ultimate Fighter. ‘El Cucuy‘ has been calling to compete against ‘The Eagle’ in any sporting format and had suggested the idea of the two opposite each other as coaches.

““Next TUF Season” Or… We Make Something Happen On A Different Platform Eyy Fathead, Eure Fat, You Smell Funny, & Ur Momma Dresses Ya’ Weird *mack* For My Crew – Champ -CSO- # CertainFightsInterestMeToTrain 100% SomeoneShowOl’Boy For Me- “

Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov – a match cursed by the MMA gods

Having been put together and canceled four times in the past, Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov is a matchup that seems to be cursed by the MMA gods. At the time when the Dagestani was on the rise in the UFC with six wins, he was set to take on Ferguson in the finale for The Ultimate Fighter Season 22.

Although the bout never took place, Ferguson’s idea of the pair competing against each other as coaches on TUF could make for entertaining viewing. Khabib has stayed firm on his decision of retirement and is unlikely to ever be seen inside the octagon again.

An opportunity to return to the UFC might be lucrative but Khabib also has his own promotion, Eagle FC, to focus on. The Dagestani native has been doing a run of media tours in order to promote his brand’s upcoming fights and may stick to doing so in the near future.

Would you like to see Ferguson vs. Khabib on TUF?

USADA Refutes Tony Ferguson’s UFC 274 Testing Claim

The U.S Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has refuted the claims made by Tony Ferguson following UFC 274. The USADA has a responsibility to test all UFC athletes they see fit, whenever and wherever they see fit. Since the organization linked up with the UFC back in 2015 to handle the drug testing, there have been many…

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The U.S Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has refuted the claims made by Tony Ferguson following UFC 274.

The USADA has a responsibility to test all UFC athletes they see fit, whenever and wherever they see fit. Since the organization linked up with the UFC back in 2015 to handle the drug testing, there have been many athletes who have publicly voiced their unhappiness with the process. On some occasions, the testing people can show up at houses very early, or basically any other place that a fighter is at random times.

This past week Tony Ferguson commented on a USADA story expressed by Chael Sonnen, with a story of his own. Ferguson announced on his Twitter account that he had a strange run-in with USADA before his last fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 274.

“Usually @usantidoping tests as soon as I get into the arena, almost every time. This time I wasn’t tested day before or day of,” Ferguson wrote. “They tried to have me sign a beneficiary agreement before I wrapped my hands, which never happened in any of my fights UFC 274.”

This statement by Ferguson was unusual for him since he does not typically post things like this or write in this straightforward type of way. His posts are generally statements broken up by emojis. No further information was given on this topic by himself or anyone associated with him.

This odd claim by Ferguson was met with a response from the USADA, although they could not give any personal information on testing times.

“It is not part of USADA procedure to have an athlete sign a beneficiary agreement, and we did not approach Mr. Ferguson with such a request,” a spokesperson from USADA told Bloody Elbow.

What do you make of Tony Ferguson’s strange USADA claim?

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Tsarukyan Hopes To Outdo Michael Chandler In Mateusz Gamrot Fight

UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan is hoping to produce a memorable knockout when he shares the Octagon with fellow contender Mateusz Gamrot next month. After perhaps a longer wait than he’d desired, Tsarukyan is set to make the walk once again. In what he expects to be his main event debut, the Russian-Armenian will go toe-to-toe…

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UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan is hoping to produce a memorable knockout when he shares the Octagon with fellow contender Mateusz Gamrot next month.

After perhaps a longer wait than he’d desired, Tsarukyan is set to make the walk once again. In what he expects to be his main event debut, the Russian-Armenian will go toe-to-toe with Gamrot at the UFC Fight Night event scheduled for June 25.

Having won five consecutive fights, including a brutal TKO victory over Joel Álvarez earlier this year, and risen to #11 on the 155-pound ladder, Tsarukyan is looking to enter the division’s top 10 with a splash next time out, as he told MMA News’ own James Lynch in a recent interview.

Despite initially targeting those above him, including the formerly-ranked Gregor Gillespie, Tsarukyan chose to accept a bout with Gamrot, who is ranked one place below him. Nevertheless, the Polish lightweight’s victories over Jeremy Stephens and Carlos Diego Ferreira certainly showed his talents and potential.

But while he respects Gamrot’s approach, Tsarukyan doesn’t see him as a threat. After suggesting that “Gamer” knows the matchup is unfavorable for him, the 25-year-old also downplayed Gamrot’s three-fight win streak, describing his past opponents as “easy.”

“He’s a very good fight for me. He’s a ranked guy. He is confident, he doesn’t scare. He is like me, he is man, he wants to fight with everybody,” acknowledged Tsarukyan. “But he knows I am a very bad matchup for him. I have a lot more experience than him in the UFC… (His last) three fights, he beat easy (opponents).”

With that confidence in mind, Tsarukyan is looking to put an exclamation point on a victory, perhaps even in the form of a Knockout of the Year contender…

Tsarukyan Hopes To Stake His Claim For KO Of The Year

When asked how he sees the fight playing out on June 25, Tsarukyan told MMA News that while he’s hoping to get some experience fighting beyond the third round, should the bout be confirmed as a five-rounder, he’s targeting a stoppage in the fourth frame.

And that’s not just any stoppage, Tsarukyan has something special up his sleeve.

After revealing that he’s been working on a special kick for a number of years, which he plans on debuting to finish Gamrot next month, Tsarukyan suggested that it will even outdo Michael Chandler’s recent KO of Tony Ferguson.

“I would like to fight more than three rounds, honestly. Because I haven’t had experience more than three rounds. I want to beat him in maybe fourth round, to stop him, like KO. I know it’s gonna be good KO,” claimed Tsarukyan. “I have been doing this kick since two years or three years, but I never throw during a fight. This is gonna be the first time when I throw that kick. It’s gonna be surprising… More better (than Chandler’s KO of Ferguson).”

At UFC 274, Chandler stole the spotlight away from the two title fights at the top of the slate by becoming the first man to render Ferguson unconscious. He did so with a brutal front kick, which sent “El Cucuy” sleeping to the canvas.

While the former Bellator champion perhaps thinks he’s wrapped up 2022’s KO of the Year, Tsarukyan is ready to throw a spanner in the works on June 25.

Do you think that Arman Tsarukyan can knock Mateusz Gamrot out when they share the cage on June 25?

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Dariush Believes His Team Would Be A Convenient Fit For Tony Ferguson

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush thinks his former foe Tony Ferguson may want to consider training with him at Kings MMA. Ferguson is looking for a fresh start following a fourth-straight loss in the UFC. Despite a strong first round against Michael Chandler at UFC 274, he suffered a brutal knockout by getting hit by…

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UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush thinks his former foe Tony Ferguson may want to consider training with him at Kings MMA.

Ferguson is looking for a fresh start following a fourth-straight loss in the UFC. Despite a strong first round against Michael Chandler at UFC 274, he suffered a brutal knockout by getting hit by a front kick to the face in Round 2.

Ferguson is searching for answers following the latest chapter of his ongoing losing skid. He’s recently shared that he’s looking for a new coaching staff and team as he looks to right the ship in his UFC career.

Dariush and Ferguson competed at UFC 262, with Dariush earning a unanimous decision victory.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Dariush was asked what advice he would give Ferguson going forward.

“I actually think Tony has the right idea right now,” Dariush said. “He’s talking about working with a team, people that can push him. Having a head coach where he isn’t the head coach. Where he doesn’t wake up and be like ‘I feel like doing this’. Man, just because you feel something, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

UFC 262: Tony Ferguson's UFC future in major doubt following third consecutive loss to Beneil Dariush

“Sometimes your coaches know better. Honestly, 90% of the time when I wake up in the morning, I feel like not training. Because I’m beat up and I’m old. But that’s not how it works. So it’s important to have coaches who expect things from you and you don’t want to feel that expectation. So that being said, I think it would be a great idea for him to join a team.”

Dariush went on to address that because of Ferguson’s familiarity with training in California, Kings MMA may be a convenient fit as opposed to moving across the country for a new start.

“Obviously we’re right by him, and I would never deny a guy. Even though we’re in the same division, even though we have history, I would never deny him if he wants to train here. Obviously, it’s not even about me. It’s about him coming in, putting forth a good presence with the team, with the coach. Most importantly with the coach. If he can make a connection with the coach then everything’s good. It’s not my place to speak. So, that would be my advice for Tony. I think he’s on the right path I just think he needs to find that right team and coach.”

At the moment, Dariush and Ferguson seem to be on two different career trajectories. Dariush is one win away from a potential lightweight title shot and is expected to return later this year.

While Ferguson may consider Dariush’s proposal, he already rejected an offer from Charles Oliveira to train together ahead of their next fights. Another lightweight colleague of his, Arman Tsarukyan, recently told MMA News that Ferguson should consider retirement.

Dariush is planning a return to the cage for later this year and Ferguson could potentially be a training partner of his if he chooses to join Kings MMA.

Do you think Tony Ferguson should consider training with Beneil Dariush at Kings MMA?

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Beneil Dariush Invites Tony Ferguson to Train; ‘I Would Never Deny Him’

Beneil DariushThe No. 6 ranked UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush appeared on ‘The Schmo’ to discuss everything from the current UFC rankings to his next appearance inside the Octagon. During the conversation, the attention turned to fellow lightweight Tony Ferguson who just experienced his fourth straight loss at the hands of Michael Chandler at UFC 274.  When […]

Beneil Dariush

The No. 6 ranked UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush appeared on ‘The Schmo’ to discuss everything from the current UFC rankings to his next appearance inside the Octagon.

During the conversation, the attention turned to fellow lightweight Tony Ferguson who just experienced his fourth straight loss at the hands of Michael Chandler at UFC 274. 

When ‘The Schmo’ asked Dariush what advice he would have for his former foe, Beneil Dariush expressed an interest in having Ferguson join him in training despite competing in the same division.

“I actually think Tony has the right idea right now,” said Dariush. He’s talking about working with the team, having people that can push him. Having a head coach, where he’s not the head coach. Where he doesn’t wake up and be like, I feel like doing this. Man, just because you feel something [it] isn’t always the right thing to do. Sometimes your coaches know better.”

Beneil Dariush’s Last Win Inside the Octagon Was Against Tony Ferguson

Dariush and Ferguson squared off at UFC 262 in May 2021, Dariush earned the victory in a lopsided unanimous decision. Dariush was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev in a title eliminator, but an injury forced him out of the contest at the last minute.

“Honestly 90 percent of the time when I wake up in the morning I feel like not training because I’m beat up and I’m old, but that’s not how it works,” Dariush continued. It’s important to have coaches who expect things from you and you don’t want to fail that expectation. 

“That being said, I think it’d be a great idea for him to join a team. Obviously, we’re right by him and I would never deny a guy. Even though we’re in the same division, even though we have history, I would never deny him if he wants to train here.”

Tony Ferguson was left looking for answers after his latest loss inside the cage. At one point, Ferguson was on a 12-fight win streak and was scheduled to face former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov no less than five times, but the bout never moved forward for a multitude of reasons. 

“He’s on the right path, I think he just needs to find that team and coach,” Dariush concluded