Legends can fall hard and fast in the unforgiving sport of MMA. Tony Ferguson, once the boogeyman of the lightweight division, has hit a new low. After his eighth consecutive loss, “El Cucuy” is finally contemplating hanging up his gloves. But in true Ferguson fashion, he’s not going down without a fight, even if that fight is with retirement itself.
Ferguson had climbed to welterweight after a series of losses at lightweight, but it yielded the same result. His latest defeat came at the hands of Michael Chiesa in Abu Dhabi. The submission loss in the first round was a bitter pill to swallow. It also etched Ferguson’s name in the record books, but not in the way he’d hoped.
With this loss, Ferguson surpassed BJ Penn’s previous record of seven straight defeats. It’s a dubious honor that no fighter wants. The once-feared lightweight now stands alone atop this unfortunate mountain.
In a moment that had fans holding their breath, Ferguson removed his gloves. This gesture typically signals a fighter’s retirement. But Ferguson, ever the enigma, couldn’t fully commit. He paused as the Abu Dhabi crowd cheered him on as they witnessed a historic moment. But in true Tony Ferguson fashion, he just threw down one glove, keeping his path open for a return.
Ferguson’s fall from grace has been as spectacular as it is heartbreaking. A few years ago, he was set to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the title. But fate had other plans in the form of a global pandemic. The fight fell through, and Ferguson faced Justin Gaethje in a fight that started his downfall.
Fans And Pros React To Tony Ferguson’s Half-Hearted Retirement
Tony Ferguson’s recent loss at UFC Abu Dhabi sent shockwaves through the community. As “El Cucuy” suffered his eighth consecutive defeat, fans and fellow fighters alike were left stunned. The aftermath saw an outpouring of emotions on social media from the fans and fighters alike.
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Some Pros and fans reacted with a mix of worry and sadness for the 40-year-old fighter. Others felt he had an illustrious career and now needed to let go. A subset of fans and pros stood behind Ferguson and supported his decisions about his future.
Here are some of the reactions from Pros and fight fans:
Fans are left to wonder what’s next for “El Cucuy.” Will he heed the advice of his peers? Or will that competitive fire keep burning? But one thing’s for sure: Tony Ferguson’s impact on MMA is undeniable. Whether he fights again or not, his legacy is secure. He’ll always be remembered as the boogeyman who struck fear into the lightweight division.
