UFC CEO Dana White expressed his desire for Tony Ferguson’s upcoming fight at UFC on ABC 7 to be the last of his storied career, regardless of the outcome. Despite Ferguson’s past accomplishments, his recent struggles have led White to hope for closure on his journey in the octagon.
Ferguson (25-10 MMA, 15-8 UFC) has faced a challenging stretch, with seven consecutive losses against high-profile opponents. His once-dominant form, which included a 13-fight UFC winning streak, seems to have faded.
Dana White on Tony Ferguson: 'I'd love to see him retire' pic.twitter.com/xoWeiDov9X
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Dana White Opens up on Tony Ferguson
Now, he is set to face Michael Chiesa (18-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) in a welterweight bout at UFC on ABC 7, scheduled for August 3 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
“Yeah, I hope so,” Dana White told MMA Junkie and other reporters at the UFC 302 post-fight news conference earlier this month in Newark, N.J. “Yeah. I would like to see him retire.”
Dana White’s hope for Ferguson’s retirement stems from both compassion and practicality. The former interim UFC lightweight champion’s seven-fight losing streak ties him with B.J. Penn for the longest in UFC history.
Another defeat would give him sole possession of an unwanted record. For Ferguson, this fight represents an opportunity to turn things around and secure a victory for the first time since June 2019.
As the MMA community awaits this pivotal matchup, the question remains: Will Tony Ferguson hang up his gloves after UFC on ABC 7? Only time will tell, but White’s sentiments reflect the respect and concern for a fighter who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
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