Just because Khabib Nurmagomedov is retired, doesn’t mean Tony Ferguson has forgotten about their lost potential fights. During the height of both Nurmagomedov and Ferguson’s careers, the pair were scheduled to fight several times, each fight falling out due to an injury or other unforeseen circumstances. Now, Nurmagomedov has since retired, and Ferguson, despite fighting…
Just because Khabib Nurmagomedov is retired, doesn’t mean Tony Ferguson has forgotten about their lost potential fights.
During the height of both Nurmagomedov and Ferguson’s careers, the pair were scheduled to fight several times, each fight falling out due to an injury or other unforeseen circumstances.
Now, Nurmagomedov has since retired, and Ferguson, despite fighting on, is in the midst of a three-fight losing skid. This weekend, “El Cucuy” will return to take on Michael Chandler at the UFC 274 pay-per-view (PPV).
During a pre-fight press conference, Ferguson actually brought up his past fights with Nurmagomedov that fell through, claiming “The Eagle” is still scared to fight him.
“I had to stop thinking all about the bad shit, just kinda focus on what’s really important, which is just having fun. If I’m not having fun, I’m not gonna go out there and have a good time, which is — obviously, you guys saw that.
“And I’ve been in enough positions, bad positions, where I thought that Khabib would actually take a fight (against me). And the pussy’s still scared.”
Now, Ferguson will need to shift his attention to Chandler, already a former UFC lightweight title challenger and an ex-champion from Bellator. Chandler has lost back-to-back bouts since a successful UFC debut in January of 2021, knocking out Dan Hooker.
Despite the losses, however, Chandler has proven he comes into the cage to put on an absolute show, making his pairing with Ferguson all the more exciting. And according to Ferguson, he’s just as excited himself.
“With Chandler, I wanted this opportunity for a long time. I feel like he cut in line. It’s not his fault. That’s always on Dana.
“But there’s only so many times where you can fight for the interim belt as well. But I had to put all that beside me and be able to get back to my roots, which is having fun, smiling, and being able to enjoy this kinda stuff again.”
What do you make of Tony Ferguson and his comments about Khabib? And who are you picking in Chandler vs. Ferguson? Let us know in the comments!
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has used comments recently made by UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson as further evidence that the fighter pay structure in MMA’s premier promotion needs to change. Nowadays, when the fighter pay debate comes up, the one man who is synonymous with the discussion is Paul. Whether that’s down to a genuine desire to…
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has used comments recently made by UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson as further evidence that the fighter pay structure in MMA’s premier promotion needs to change.
Nowadays, when the fighter pay debate comes up, the one man who is synonymous with the discussion is Paul. Whether that’s down to a genuine desire to improve contractual conditions for mixed martial artists or for his own gain and profit is disputed.
But with another prominent athlete on the UFC roster speaking up, “The Problem Child” has encouraged his detractors to listen to the fighters if they won’t acknowledge his message.
During UFC 274 media day on Wednesday, Ferguson, who is set to share the Octagon with Michael Chandler on the pay-per-view main card, claimed that he and his peers are “underpaid.” He also called out UFC President Dana White for denying him the opportunity to ply his athletic trade in other sports.
“I think we’re underpaid, personally. I’m gonna be real, I’m not gonna say too much. Dana said something the other day… talkin’ about how boxers are overpaid,” recalled Ferguson. “I asked Dana to box, he said, ‘F*ck no.’ I’m like, ‘Why?’ I want to go play baseball, I want to go do other pro sports. I’m an athlete… I want go do these other things but I have this guy right here acting like a f*cking drug dealer telling me I can’t go and do this sh*t. I wanna go make more money for my family.”
As expected, Paul was quick to capitalize on the remarks. On Twitter, the 25-year-old online sensation shared a clip of Ferguson’s comments, inviting those who fall on the opposite side of the fighter pay debate to “listen to a UFC fighter” on the matter.
Don’t listen to me, listen to a UFC fighter, @tonyfergusonXT, who has the courage to speak up. Dana White is a billionaire while fighters are itching and clawing to make ends meet. “Dana White the drug dealer.” pic.twitter.com/fyYb4COwQZ
“Don’t listen to me, listen to a UFC fighter, @tonyfergusonXT, who has the courage to speak up. Dana White is a billionaire while fighters are itching and clawing to make ends meet. ‘Dana White the drug dealer.’”
While the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Paddy Pimblett have publicly questioned Paul’s true intentions, there’s little debate that the discussion surrounding remuneration in MMA has become more prominent since the Ohio native’s quest for change began.
Does Tony Ferguson’s comments change your view on Jake Paul’s public pursuit for better fighter pay?
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler is aware of the dangers he’ll face when he shares the Octagon with Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. At this weekend’s pay-per-view, set to go down from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Chandler will make his fourth UFC walk. Despite holding a negative 1-2 record on MMA’s biggest stage,…
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler is aware of the dangers he’ll face when he shares the Octagon with Tony Ferguson at UFC 274.
At this weekend’s pay-per-view, set to go down from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Chandler will make his fourth UFC walk. Despite holding a negative 1-2 record on MMA’s biggest stage, not many fighters have faced the level of competition and thrilled audiences like he has in just three appearances.
Having narrowly fallen short of title glory against Charles Oliveira last May and suffered defeat in a Fight of the Year war with Justin Gaethje six months later, the former Bellator champion is looking to keep in touch with the elite contenders at 155 pounds in his fourth straight PPV outing.
To do so, he’ll have to have his hand raised this Saturday at the expense of fan favorite Ferguson. Pre-fight, Chandler has given an honest assessment of what it’s like preparing to face “El Cucuy.”
To put it simply, it’s a “scary” prospect.
Chandler: Nobody Can Emulate Ferguson
During UFC 274 media day on Wednesday, Chandler was asked whether any name on his impressive and lengthy MMA résumé boasts similar attributes or styles as the current #7-ranked lightweight contender.
Given Ferguson’s unique offense, it’s perhaps no surprise that the answer was “no.”
Pointing to Ferguson’s unrelenting conditioning and durability, Chandler branded a date with “El Cucuy” as one to fear. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old is certainly not one to back down from a fight.
“No, I really don’t (have anyone on my record like Ferguson),” admitted Chandler. “Obviously, everybody’s got two arms and two legs, and we’re talking about boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and grappling, and so, of course, there’s similarities here and there. But I think, when you add in the wrinkle that Tony Ferguson doesn’t get tired, he doesn’t get finished, he keeps on coming — that’s a scary fight.
“He’s got elbows that’ll cut you up, he throws them from everywhere. He keeps fighting off of his back when he does get taken down. I can’t think of anyone that can emulate Tony Ferguson, because nobody can,” added Chandler. “He’s a puzzle to solve, and we’re gonna try and solve it Saturday night.”
One entertaining veteran of the sport will be leaving the arena on a three-fight losing skid and a sizeable distance away from contention. But whatever the result, fans will certainly be expecting an entertaining affair when “Iron” and “El Cucuy” throw down Saturday night.
UFC 274 goes down this Saturday in Phoenix, Arizona. That means it’s time for the B/R combat sports squad to risk their reputations with another round of pre-fight predictions…
UFC 274 goes down this Saturday in Phoenix, Arizona. That means it’s time for the B/R combat sports squad to risk their reputations with another round of pre-fight predictions…
UFC 274 is quickly approaching, and we’ve got our staff predictions ready for you ahead of this weekend’s big card! UFC 274 will be available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The main card begins at 10:00 PM ET, and the ESPN preliminary card kicks off at 8:00 PM. The early preliminary…
UFC 274 is quickly approaching, and we’ve got our staff predictions ready for you ahead of this weekend’s big card!
UFC 274 will be available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The main card begins at 10:00 PM ET, and the ESPN preliminary card kicks off at 8:00 PM. The early preliminary card starts at 5:30 PM. The event will take place from The Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
In the main event, reigning champion Charles Oliveira will defend the lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in what will be Gaethje’s second attempt at UFC gold after falling to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020. The co-main event will see another title fight in a rematch between strawweight champion Rose Namajunas and her opponent, Carla Esparza.
Prior to the title fights, fan-favorites Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson will lock horns in a bout that could very easily steal the show.
Also on the main card, we could very well be seeing the final Octagon appearance for the loser of Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon, or perhaps even both veterans. You won’t want to miss this monumental battle between two of the UFC’s most familiar faces.
Additionally, there will be a light heavyweight rematch between two other UFC veterans when Ovince Saint Preux takes on Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
UFC 274 Staff Predictions
MMA News is the place to be for all the latest UFC 274 updates. I, Harvey Leonard, and Andrew Starc have provided our picks for you below.
Here is the full main card for UFC 274:
UFC Lightweight Championship Bout: Charles Oliveira (c) vs. Justin Gaethje
UFC Strawweight Championship Bout: Rose Namajunas (c) vs. Carla Esparza
Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Ovince Saint Preux
Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon
Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon
Donald Cerrone, Joe Lauzon
Clyde Aidoo: Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon are both long-toothed veterans of the UFC. With the two combatants being 39 and 37 years old respectively and both losing more than winning in recent years, many fighters could adopt the belief that this is anyone’s fight. I don’t quite think that’s the case.
The one difference that stands out to me between these two men’s records is the level of competition. Cerrone has continued to face ranked fighters and former champions while Lauzon has primarily tangled with fellow unranked veterans, such as his UFC 274 opponent Cerrone.
That said, I’m not looking at this fight from a “Who’s form is currently worse as of late?” perspective. I’m judging this fight the same way I would if these two were paired together at any point in their careers: which is that Lauzon is unlikely to join the list of names like Conor McGregor, Darren Till, and Justin Gaethje in putting away Cerrone early.
If that’s the case, Cerrone will warm up. And once Cerrone warms up, I believe him to be better than Lauzon just about everywhere. (Prediction: Donald Cerrone)
Harvey Leonard: Hopefully this is an entertaining fight for both men to bow out with. While “Cowboy” is inherently the better fighter, he certainly can’t take shots like he used to, and it’s clear that pressure has become his enemy. Although I’d expect a long fight to benefit Cerrone, it seems clear that Lauzon knows that and is targeting a quick start. With that in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised if an aggressive Lauzon hurts and finishes “Cowboy” relatively early. (Prediction: Joe Lauzon)
Andrew Starc: A victory for Donald Cerrone here will be his 24th in the UFC, making him the winningest fighter in the promotion’s history. But it would also be his first in seven fights. Can the 39-year-old Cerrone get back in the win column? I don’t think so.
The wear and tear “Cowboy” has sustained over his career has well and truly caught up to him. While Joe Lauzon hasn’t fought since 2019, and his résumé isn’t nearly as impressive as Cerrone’s, I think he gets it done. (Prediction: Joe Lauzon)
Consensus: 2-1 Lauzon
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Ovince Saint Preux
Getty Images
Clyde Aidoo: With Rua only losing one fight out of his last four Octagon appearances while Saint Preux has dropped three of his last four, Rua has looked better in recent years. However, we haven’t seen Rua compete since 2020 and he’s now hit 40, so it’s difficult to project how he’ll look in his return this weekend.
For me, this fight is a toss-up. And when that’s the case, I’ll go with the fighter who’s already proven he could beat the opponent at hand, in this case, that would be Saint Preux. (Prediction: Ovince Saint Preux)
Harvey Leonard: I think this one will be an uphill battle for Rua from the start. While “OSP” is on a poor run of form, losing consecutive fights via KO, a finish on the feet is unlikely to be a worry for him this time around. It’s always tough to predict when two veterans collide, but it seems Saint Preux just has more left in him. If he can avoid being bogged down by Rua’s wrestling, I’d expect a TKO or KO to come à la “OSP” vs. “Shogun” 1, or a submission when a hurt Rua changes levels. (Prediction: Ovince Saint Preux)
Andrew Starc: When these two met in 2014, Ovince St. Preux got the KO in just 34 seconds. There’s been a lot of water under the bridge for the duo since then, however. Saint Preux has lost three of his last four, with his last victory coming against Alonzo Menifield in 2020.
Maurício Rua, meanwhile, has been inactive since November 2020, when he lost via submission to Paul Craig. St. Preux is the betting favorite, but I’m predicting the 40-year-old Rua will wind back the clock and get the win. (Prediction: Maurício Rua)
Consensus: 2-1 Saint Preux
Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler
Clyde Aidoo: If this fight took place three years ago, I’d side with El Cucuy with a decent level of confidence. But it’s difficult to do so in 2022.
I can see Chandler winning one of two ways. He could use his speed advantage and explosiveness to potentially run through Ferguson, whose chin and durability may never be the same again after being brutally pummeled by Gaethje two years ago. Or, Chandler could put his wrestling background to good use against Ferguson, as Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush did before him.
Ferguson claims to have gone back to his wrestling roots in preparation for this fight. If his takedown defense holds up and he can weather the first-round storm of Chandler, then this fight could very well be Ferguson’s to win. But those are two big ifs that are hard to bank on in 2022. (Prediction: Michael Chandler)
Harvey Leonard: As much as this is a fan-friendly bout that should deliver entertainment, it’s also a crucial one. So far in the UFC, Chandler’s stock hasn’t dropped in defeat. Against Oliveira, he was moments away from the title, and his part in a FOTY with Gaethje certainly maintained his reputation.
This time, defeat would be damaging for “Iron.” Given the manner of Ferguson’s recent performances and the names he’s lost to, a setback to “El Cucuy” would create a sizable gap between Chandler and the top contenders. With that said, I expect him to prioritize the win over entertainment this time. If that is the case, he’ll have the tools to grind out the victory, something he’ll know having seen Ferguson’s last two losses. (Prediction: Michael Chandler)
Andrew Starc: Tony Ferguson’s recent slump in form isn’t news to anyone, and at 38 years old, many believe he’s lost a step. But I don’t think he’s seen his last victory in the UFC. “El Cucuy’s” unorthodox style, phenomenal work rate, and legendary gas tank could pose problems for Michael Chandler, who’s coming off back-to-back losses.
Yes, Chandler could very well put a Justin Gaethje-style beat-down on Ferguson, but I’m picking Tony for the upset win. (Prediction: Tony Ferguson)
Consensus: 2-1 Chandler
Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza
Rose Namajunas, Carla Esparza
Clyde Aidoo: Earlier, I mentioned that if a fight is a pick-em, I’m going to side with the fighter who has proven they can defeat the opponent. However, I’m not siding with Esparza here. The reason? This fight isn’t a pick-em, and it is no longer 2014.
Nope, Namajunas is now a much more patient, versatile, and lethal foe for Esparza. I can imagine her staying at a distance where she could pick Esparza apart or knock her out. Mind you, Namajunas has managed to finish two of the toughest women in the entire company: Joanna J?drzejczyk and Zhang Weili. So finishing Esparza is certainly a plausible outcome for the UFC 274 co-main event.
Esparza has made her improvements but far more subtly and incrementally than Namajunas has. Ultimately, her path to victory is still to outwrestle Namajunas as she did eight years ago. Only now, Namajunas poses an even bigger threat on the mat and is much more likely to employ tactics to stop the fight from even making it there. (Prediction: Rose Namajunas)
Harvey Leonard: Esparza’s form since 2018 has been something to behold, and her pressure wrestling and ground and pound are dangerous for anyone. And given the fact Zhang managed seven takedowns at UFC 268, I think it’s safe to say that Esparza will manage the feat at some point.
However, “Thug Rose” has great scrambles and I can’t see her being kept down long enough for “Cookie Monster” to unload with strikes or work to a finish. When the fight is on the feet, Namajunas should have a clear edge, even if it is just by landing more impactful strikes in low-volume frames. (Prediction: Rose Namajunas)
Andrew Starc: Rose Namajunas is of course a completely different fighter from the one who lost via submission to Carla Esparza in 2014. After avenging her loss to Jéssica Andrade, then regaining and defending her strawweight title against Weili Zhang, the 29-year-old looks virtually unbeatable.
Esparza, meanwhile, is on a five-fight win streak and possesses the wrestling to pose problems for Namajunas. I’m picking Esparza to get the upset victory and regain the title she lost in 2015. (Prediction: Carla Esparza)
Consensus: 2-1 Namajunas
Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje
Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje
Clyde Aidoo: This is a tough one. My mind says Gaethje wears out Oliveira on the feet after using his wrestling background and takedown defense to keep the fight standing. Oliveira may be a submission guru but he’s no Khabib when it comes to taking the fight to the mat.
My gut tells me that Oliveira has arguably more ways to win a fight than anyone on the entire UFC roster right now and that his confidence and sly knack for creating a path to victory is second to none and will be on display yet again on Saturday.
So which will I side with? I’m sorry, but 10 straight victories bleed straight from my gut, into my brain, and finally onto my pick. It’s pretty hard to bet against that track record.
“Do Bronx” is every bit as slick as he is talented, so I’m going to side with his veteran intangibles and prime form to get it done someway, maybe when we least expect it and successfully defending his title for the second time. (Prediction: Charles Oliveira)
Harvey Leonard: At UFC 269, I predicted that should Poirier hurt Oliveira as Chandler did, he’d have the power and finishing instinct to put “Do Bronx” away. Having been proven wrong by the Brazilian, I’m not sure there’s any basis to doubt the toughness and grit of the current iteration of Oliveira. With that in mind, and should he survive any hairy moments, I think the champ’s well-rounded game will take him to a second successful title defense, probably via submission.
Gaethje’s threat on the feet can never be counted out and a knockout could always happen, but with Oliveira’s development in the standup realm, coupled with his BJJ talents, I expect it’ll take a grappling specialist like Dariush or Makhachev to dethrone him, not the striking-heavy game of “The Highlight.” (Prediction: Charles Oliveira)
Andrew Starc: Written off many a time, Charles Oliveira continues to prove why he’s the best in the lightweight division. He’s now won his last 10 fights, and only one of those victories came by decision. But can he deal with the KO power of Gaethje?
While Oliveira was almost put away by the similarly heavy-handed Michael Chandler, I think he can weather the storm from Gaethje and get the fight to the ground. Despite Gaethje’s impressive wrestling, I’m picking the Brazilian to extend his UFC submission record to 16. (Prediction: Charles Oliveira)
Consensus: 3-0 Oliveira
That’ll do it for our UFC 274 staff picks! What do you think? Do your picks look similar? Let us know in the comments section! Also, you can check out the UFC 274 undercard below.
UFC 274 Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+ 8:00 PM ET)
Randy Brown vs. Khaos Williams
Macy Chiasson vs. Norma Dumont
Brandon Royval vs. Matt Schnell
Blagoy Ivanov vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
Early Preliminary Card (ESPN+ 5:30 PM)
Danny Roberts vs. Francisco Trinaldo
Tracy Cortez vs. Melissa Gatto
Kleydison Rodrigues vs. CJ Vergara
Ariane Carnelossi vs. Loopy Godinez
Fernie Garcia vs. Journey Newson
Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com Saturday for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 274!
Former UFC lightweight title challenger Tony Ferguson is very unhappy with Dana White and how he runs the UFC. Ferguson is set to go to war this Saturday at UFC 274 when he takes on Michael Chandler. The fight has MMA fans chomping at the bit to watch, as it may be the most exciting […]
Former UFC lightweight title challenger Tony Ferguson is very unhappy with Dana White and how he runs the UFC.
Ferguson is set to go to war this Saturday at UFC 274 when he takes on Michael Chandler. The fight has MMA fans chomping at the bit to watch, as it may be the most exciting fight on the card. Chandler brings fireworks to every fight he has and Ferguson is also a crowd pleaser. his fight has all the makings to be the ‘Fight of the Night’.
Ferguson has been fed up with certain things like people getting “Dana White privilege” and voiced his displeasure that he can’t play another sport or bring his talents to the boxing ring. He had said that he was interested in possibly boxing, but White quickly squashed that opportunity.
Tony Ferguson was in his pre-fight press conferences when he sounded off on White and how he currently runs the UFC
“I think we’re underpaid, personally, to be real,” Ferguson said. “… I asked Dana to box. He said, ‘F*ck no.’ I’m like, ‘Why? I want to go play baseball. I want to go do other pro sports. I’m an athlete. I grew up playing different sports at a high level. … I want to go do all these couple things but then I have this guy right here acting like a f*cking drug dealer telling me I can’t go and do this sh*t. I want to go make more money for my family.” (Transcribed by MMAJunkie)
‘El Cucuy‘ also said that he shouldn’t have been stripped off his title when he tripped and fell before taking on Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223. When Ferguson fell, he tore his ACL and was stripped of the title so Nurmagomedov could challenge for it. It was a freak accident, but Ferguson believes he should of sued the UFC for the striping of his title.
“I mean, when it comes down to that and I get stripped of my title because I took a fall and had a bad accident, I should’ve sued,” Ferguson said. “But what I did was I felt good for my company. I wanted to be the man. I wanted to make sure everybody knew that I can f*cking do this stuff without anybody else’s help. That’s a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, to kind of keep coming here and smiling and being used to be on a poster, so I have that high value.”
It’s safe to say Ferguson isn’t a big fan of White at the moment. Ferguson is looking to get back on track Saturday after losing his last three fights.
Former UFC lightweight title challenger Tony Ferguson is very unhappy with Dana White and how he runs the UFC. Ferguson is set to go to war this Saturday at UFC 274 when he takes on Michael Chandler. The fight has MMA fans chomping at the bit to watch, as it may be the most exciting […]