Despite his seventh consecutive defeat in the Octagon, Tony Ferguson is yet to contemplate any thoughts about retirement from mixed martial arts.
Once known as the “boogeyman” of the lightweight division, Ferguson is the same fighter who recorded an immaculate 12-0 win streak, which includes him becoming the interim 135-pound champion, establishing himself as one of the elites in the division, as well as a favourite among the MMA fandom.
As stellar and spectacular was his rise into fame, there came a match where “El Cucuy” finally suffered a break to his lengthy win streak- the UFC 249 face off against Justin Gaethje.
Unfortunately, from that point onwards, it has been quite a steep decline for the lightweight star, going 0-7 in his last seven outings in the cage and the latest setback against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 last weekend. In the process, he equaled former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion BJ Penn’s record for most consecutive losses in the promotion.
The Baddy was swinging BIG in the first 😳 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/tD1cgFzSzi
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
Fans have been calling for Tony’s retirement for quite some time and especially after the loss against Pimblett, many thought that this would be the time when the announcement comes, including UFC president Dana White who spoke against Ferguson continuing to fight.
However, Ferguson has shown a polar opposite modus operandi. In the aftermath of UFC 296, Ferguson took to Instagram to reveal that while he had no intention to retire and also vowed to continue his career.
“Love My Fans & Supporters, You All Are Fu****’ Fire 🔥 Met Lots Of You Saturday/ This Weekend / This Week 🤝Keep The Faith🙏MF’s. One Foot In Front Of The👣Other Bi****s. Remember What I Said Crew✍️💨🍃” – Champ 🪽-CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # ThereIsNoSuccessWithoutStruggle # Not 🦹♂️RetiringCasuals # EatAFat*😎OneYa’BunchOfEunics ✂️🥜” Ferguson wrote on Instagram.
Tony Ferguson isn't retiring anytime soon pic.twitter.com/6sWIlhlZLB
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 20, 2023
Fan reactions to Tony Ferguson deciding to not retire
Countless fans have been in disbelief seeing Tony Ferguson still deciding to continue despite such a lengthy losing streak. Below here are some of the responses from the MMA fans-
“He just doesn’t have the same athleticism anymore,” wrote @zakisensei99.
He just doesn’t have the same athleticism anymore
— Zaki (@Zakisensei99) December 20, 2023
@Innacry4help reacted, “Give him a absolute can at UFC 300 and call it a day”
Give him a absolute can at UFC 300 and call it a day
— Zachary (@Innacry4help) December 20, 2023
“Tony vs Clay Guida is the only thing that makes sense if he’s not gonna retire,” added @Vlone302.
Tony vs Clay Guida is the only thing that makes sense if he's not gonna retire
— Eagles 🦅 2023 superbowl champs 🏆🏆 (@Vlone302) December 20, 2023
We went from 'It's Tony Time' to 'It's time Tony'.
Please retire Tony😭
— Fatty Batty (@PlusSizedBatman) December 20, 2023
“Ufc should give him commentary role to take his mind out of fighting,” wrote @SandwichBurger1.
Ufc should give him commentary role to take his mind out of fighting.
— Sandwich (@SandwichBurger1) December 20, 2023
@JasonMendeloff wrote, “He just needs to be done, that Justin fight changed him permanently, he’s not even competitive at this point. Sad to say”
He just needs to be done, that Justin fight changed him permanently, he’s not even competitive at this point. Sad to say
— Jason Mendeloff (@JasonMendeloff) December 20, 2023
@_NotAmericanDad asked, “How many more does he lose before he does retire?”
How many more does he lose before he does retire?
— American Dad (@_NotAmericanDad) December 20, 2023
“Love tony as a huge khabib fan but his time is up,” wrote @FightDoctor_. “It’s over now Like Khabib said.. you only have one prime”
Love tony as a huge khabib fan but his time is up. It’s over now
Like Khabib said.. you only have one prime
— Doctor MMA 🇵🇸 (@FightDoctor_) December 20, 2023
I heard what Chael said in the post-fight. He listens to no one and hasn't sparred in training for at least five years.
The Goggins thing I didn't have a problem with. His cardio was PEAK. He clearly needs specific guidance, though. It probably is too late at this point.
— American Werewolf (@AAWerewolfinNJ) December 20, 2023
“At this stage, he needs saved from himself. The @ufc is about the elite of the elite. Can’t have a guy now 0-7 competing on PPV unless it’s the first prelim on a fight night. Guys a legend but it’s over @danawhite,” wrote @MRRFKTM.
At this stage, he needs saved from himself. The @ufc is about the elite of the elite. Can’t have a guy now 0-7 competing on PPV unless it’s the first prelim on a fight night. Guys a legend but it’s over @danawhite
— MRRFK™️®️ (@MRRFKTM) December 20, 2023
ALSO READ: WATCH: Shavkat Rakhmonov Receives Hero’s Welcome In Kazakhstan Following UFC 296 Victory
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