Tony Ferguson isn’t hanging up the gloves simply but.
A former UFC interim light-weight champion, the previous few years have been particularly unkind to Ferguson. “El Cucuy” is at present on an eight-fight shedding streak and has not received a bout since 2020. Most not too long ago, Ferguson was submitted by Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi again in August, after which he laid one glove down within the cage and teased a doable retirement. However that’s now not the case.
“I solely put half the f*cking glove in there, and I obtained it again, in order that simply tells me I’ve obtained each pairs of gloves,” Ferguson stated on Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel. “So yep. We’re going to in all probability take the remainder of this season, determine issues out laborious, and we’re coming again both January or February. Stayed tuned.”
One of many extra widespread fighters within the sport, Ferguson’s calamitous run in recent times has led to growing requires his retirement from followers and fellow fighters. However regardless of his unhealthy run, Ferguson is just not able to stroll away from the game he loves and has a plan to alter issues up transferring ahead.
“F*ck no I’m not retiring,” Ferguson stated. “I’m too previous to retire. I’m 40 years previous. I’m midway to 80, I’ve been competing since I used to be 5 years previous in a number of sports activities. I wrestled in school, I’ve performed all the opposite stuff, and you already know what? It’s not like I don’t know anything. I do. I’m nonetheless capable of compete. When any person is ready to run or dash sooner than me then possibly I’ll begin to contemplate it. However what I actually need is to seek out that teaching, that self-discipline round different folks, being uncomfortable in apply in order that means you’re not depressing within the struggle… That’s the place we’re at proper now.”
As for when he’ll return and who it could be once more, Ferguson doesn’t have any particular plans in the meanwhile. As a substitute, he plans to referred to as up UFC CEO Dana White someday subsequent 12 months and let him determine it out.
“I’m not in any rush for something,” Ferguson stated. “Often I’ve little illnesses or booboos, damage, damaged. I’m absolutely recovered from my surgical procedures. I had two surgical procedures in January and I fought — not saying I rushed it… The best way I’m transferring is fairly good. So as an alternative of getting excited and leaping at something I need, I make the telephone name to Dana and inform him, ‘Look, I’m on the lookout for a struggle,’ after which they offer me one.”
Roundtable. Is that this an important occasion in PFL historical past? The MMA Combating crew discusses.
New belts. PFL reveals some new particular belts for its upcoming superfights this weekend.
Retirement. Charles Oliveira has some completely different concepts about retirement for Tony Ferguson.
Signing. ONE double champ Reinier de Ridder says signing with the UFC was a much bigger deal than his world titles.
Not impressed? Jamahal Hill defends mock-yawning at Alex Pereira’s UFC 307 efficiency.
Reinier de Ridder interview.
Rampage backing Mike Tyson over Jake Paul.
Among the finest fights you’ll ever see is now free to observe. Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje. Do it.
It is a actually cool interview with Francis Ngannou.
Countdown.
Preparation.
We’re all Megan Anderson.
Winner.
Coaching.
Kings.
Bryan Battle (11-2) vs. Randy Brown (19-5), UFC 310, Dec. 7.
Since AK, didn’t say it yesterday: hope everybody who obtained the break day for Indigenous Individuals’s Day had one. Now it’s full tilt ahead in the direction of PFL Superfights: Ngannou vs. Ferreira. Needs to be enjoyable.
Ballot
Ought to Tony Ferguson retire?
In case you discover one thing you’d wish to see within the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and tell us about it. Additionally, observe MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Fb.