At the recent UFC event in Abu Dhabi, Tony Ferguson lost to Michael Chiesa via first-round submission in the welterweight division. Ferguson continued his losing streak and declared a semi-retirement by dropping his gloves inside the UFC Octagon. But fans were not the only ones who showed respect; former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira also paid homage to ‘El Cucuy.’
Ferguson lost to Chiesa in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, marking his eighth consecutive loss in the UFC. This losing streak led him to declare his semi-retirement. However, regarding his unconfirmed retirement, Oliveira shared his thoughts on El Cucuy’s decision. On X, Oliveira wrote,
“Thank you @TonyFergusonXT ! We love you, all respect… The decision is up to you. An honor to share the Octagon with you back in 2020 #UFCAbuDhabi”
Ferguson, a former interim champion and the first fighter in the lightweight division to achieve a 12-fight win streak, is widely considered one of the all-time great fighters. Fans who remember him in his prime are disheartened to see him on a losing streak. However, Oliveira’s gesture of respect towards Ferguson was a noteworthy act from the former champion.
How Charles Oliveira Defeated Tony Ferguson?
In 2020, Charles Oliveira achieved the biggest win of his career with a unanimous decision over Tony Ferguson in the co-main event of UFC 256 at the Apex Facility in Las Vegas. This was Ferguson’s second consecutive loss in the Octagon.
Ferguson then fought Justin Gaethje for the interim title and lost by TKO in the fifth round. He went on to suffer lopsided defeats against other top lightweights, including Bobby Green, Beneil Dariush, and Michael Chandler. Ultimately, El Cucuy placed one glove on the ground, took the other with him, and walked away from his recent loss. There are very few chances of him returning to the Octagon.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Also Read: “He Is Just A Pain”- PFL Rejects Mohammad Mokaev After UFC Cut Him Off
