‘I Don’t Know Anything Else To Do’

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Tony Ferguson’s quest back to the win column, unfortunately, continues.

UFC Abu Dhabi didn’t treat “El Cucuy” well when tasked with his fellow past winner of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), Michael Chiesa. In just one round, the “Maverick” took Ferguson down and submitted him with a rear-naked choke (watch highlights). The loss was Ferguson’s third by submission in his last four outings and his record-eighth consecutive loss in UFC.

Ferguson, 40, has been implored to retire by the community and UFC CEO, Dana White, several fights before his latest. However, the one-time interim Lightweight titleholder isn’t quite sure what retirement would even look like in his world.

“I’m very honored to represent the UFC to the top of my abilities,” Ferguson told FULL SEND MMA. “I say I’m not ready, I’m not done yet, man, but I don’t know what to say. Should have went out there, should have got that W, obviously. I’m an athlete, I don’t know anything else to do besides go out there and f*cking play.”

The last win for Ferguson came in a thrilling Fight of the Night effort when he defeated future UFC Hall of Famer, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, via second round technical knockout in June 2019. After losing out on his unification bout as an interim champion from an injury the year prior, Ferguson (26-11) was led back to a shot at history to become a two-time interim titlist when he fought Justin Gaethje one year later.

Although it literally was and despite a big moment or two in the fight, many consider it the start of Ferguson’s downfall because of how it unfolded. After the first two rounds, he started to get beaten from pillar to post en route to an arguably late fifth round technical knockout.

For complete UFC Abu Dhabi results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.