Tony Ferguson

Last updated

Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson Mexico City.jpg
Tony Ferguson in 2016
BornAnthony Armand Ferguson Padilla
(1984-02-12) February 12, 1984 (age 40)
Oxnard, California, U.S.
NicknameEl Cucuy
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11 st 1 lb)
Division Lightweight (2011–present)
Welterweight (2008–2011, 2022)
Reach76+1⁄2 in (194 cm) [1] [2]
Fighting out of Orange County, California, U.S. Oxnard, California, U.S.
TrainerStrength and Conditioning: David Goggins
Boxing: Rashad Holloway, Joseph Janik (Former)
Muay Thai: Billy Fonua
Jiu-Jitsu: Eddie Bravo, Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller (Former) [3]
RankBlack belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu under Eddie Bravo [4]
Wrestling NCWA Wrestling [5]
Years active2008–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total35
Wins25
By knockout12
By submission8
By decision5
Losses10
By knockout2
By submission3
By decision5
University Central Michigan University Grand Valley State College
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Collegiate wrestling
Representing the Grand Valley State Lakers
NCWA National Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2006 Grand Rapids165 lb

Anthony Armand Ferguson Padilla [6] (born February 12, 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion. [7] [8] Ferguson debuted in 2008, and has been with the UFC since he won The Ultimate Fighter 13 in 2011. He is trained in freestyle wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu, [3] Muay Thai, [9] and Wing Chun. [10]

Contents

Early life and education

Ferguson was born in Oxnard, California, on February 12, 1984, but grew up mainly in Muskegon, Michigan. He is of Mexican heritage. His surname of Ferguson comes from his Scottish American stepfather. [11] [12]

Ferguson was a three-sport athlete at Muskegon Catholic Central High School in American football, baseball, and wrestling. He was the starting defensive back for the 2000 Division 8 state football champions and was a three-time All-State selection in wrestling, winning the 152-lb division in 2002.

After high school, Ferguson enrolled at Central Michigan University before transferring to Grand Valley State University. He also did a stint at Muskegon Community College. He did not complete his degree, but had a successful collegiate wrestling career, winning the 2006 National Collegiate Wrestling Association national wrestling championship in the 165-lb division. [5]

Following college, Ferguson moved back to California to be closer to his extended family, working in marketing and sales during the day and picking up shifts as a bartender at night. One night, while working a bar shift, a patron noticed Ferguson's cauliflower ear and struck up a conversation about his wrestling background. The patron was a trainer at a local MMA gym and invited him to work with some young mixed martial artists on their wrestling. Shortly after this, he decided to pursue a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Ferguson began his professional MMA career fighting in small organizations around California in 2007. Notable matches in his early career include a win over kickboxing champion Joe Schilling and a loss to future World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) fighter Karen Darabedyan. [13]

The Ultimate Fighter

Ferguson applied to compete in the UFC's reality series The Ultimate Fighter multiple times. In 2010, he was finally accepted to compete in season 13 of the series after amassing a 10–2 professional record and winning the welterweight championship in PureCombat. He competed as a welterweight on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos .

Ferguson was selected as the third pick for Team Lesnar. In his first fight, Ferguson defeated Justin Edwards by knockout in the first round. He next faced Ryan McGillivray in the quarterfinals and won by a TKO in the first round. He then faced Chuck O'Neil in the semifinals and won by TKO in the third round to advance to the final. [14]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ferguson officially made his UFC debut at the Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale against Ramsey Nijem to determine the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 13. Ferguson defeated Nijem by knockout in the first round to win a UFC contract. He also received the Knockout of the Night bonus. [15]

Following his debut, Ferguson returned to lightweight and faced Aaron Riley on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135. The fight was stopped after the first round after Riley said he had a broken jaw, resulting in a TKO victory for Ferguson. [16]

Ferguson then faced MMA veteran Yves Edwards at the Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. [17] Ferguson won via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28). [18]

Ferguson was expected to face Dennis Hallman on May 5, 2012, at UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller. [19] Hallman pulled out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Thiago Tavares. [20] Then, Tavares was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Michael Johnson. [21] Ferguson lost the fight by unanimous decision. [22]

Win streak

After over a year away from competition while healing an arm injury incurred in his last fight, Ferguson returned to face Mike Rio on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166 which was the beginning of his twelve fight win streak. [23] He won by D'Arce choke submission in the first round. The win also earned him his first Submission of the Night award. [24]

Ferguson faced Katsunori Kikuno on May 24, 2014, at UFC 173. [25] He won the fight by knockout in the first round. [26]

Ferguson was expected to face Danny Castillo on August 2, 2014, at UFC 176. [27] After UFC 176 was cancelled, Castillo/Ferguson was rescheduled and took place on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177. [28] Ferguson won the fight via split decision. [29]

Ferguson faced Abel Trujillo on December 6, 2014, at UFC 181. [30] Ferguson won the bout in the second round by submission. [31]

Ferguson was expected to face Yancy Medeiros on February 28, 2015, at UFC 184. [32] Medeiros pulled out of the bout, citing injury, and was replaced by Gleison Tibau. [33] Ferguson won the fight by submission in the first round which also earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. [34]

Ferguson faced Josh Thomson on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71. [35] He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–26) and earned his second straight Performance of the Night bonus. [36] [37]

Ferguson was expected to face Khabib Nurmagomedov on December 11, 2015, at the Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale. [38] Nurmagomedov pulled out of the fight in late October, citing injury, and was replaced by Edson Barboza. [39] After a back-and-forth first round that had Ferguson docked one point due to an illegal upkick, Ferguson finished Barboza with a D'Arce choke submission in the second round. [40] He earned his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus as well as a Fight of the Night bonus. [41]

A rematch with Michael Johnson was briefly scheduled for March 5, 2016, at UFC 196. [42] On January 27, it was announced that Johnson withdrew from the bout due to injury. In turn, the bout with Nurmagomedov was rescheduled and expected take place on April 16, 2016, at UFC on Fox 19. [43] On April 5, Ferguson pulled out of the bout due to a lung issue. [44] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Darrell Horcher. [45]

Ferguson was expected to face Michael Chiesa on July 13, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 91. [46] Chiesa pulled out of the fight on June 27, citing injury, and was replaced by promotional newcomer Lando Vannata. [47] [48] Ferguson won his second straight fight via D'Arce choke and was awarded another Fight of the Night bonus. [49] [50]

Ferguson fought former champion Rafael dos Anjos on November 5, 2016, at the Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. [51] He won the fight by unanimous decision. Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night, which gave Ferguson his sixth post-fight bonus in his past five fights. [52] [53]

The pairing with Nurmagomedov was scheduled for a third time at UFC 209, this time for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. [54] Prior to the weigh-ins for the event, Nurmagomedov was hospitalized due to the ill effects of his weight cut, and the bout was cancelled yet again. [55]

Ferguson faced Kevin Lee on October 7, 2017, at UFC 216 for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. He won the bout by triangle choke submission in the third round. [56] [57]

A bout with Nurmagomedov had been scheduled for the fourth time on April 7, 2018, at UFC 223. [58] On April 1, 2018, Ferguson reportedly tore his fibular collateral ligament while walking on the set for a pre-fight media obligation and was forced to withdraw from the event. [59] [60]

Ferguson faced Anthony Pettis on October 6, 2018, at UFC 229. [61] He won the bout via corner stoppage after two rounds. Pettis' longtime cornerman and coach, Duke Roufus, informed the referee that he would not continue after suffering a broken hand. [62] Their performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors. [63]

Ferguson next faced Donald Cerrone on June 8, 2019, at UFC 238. [64] He won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage after Cerrone blew his nose between rounds 2 & 3 which caused his swollen right eye to completely close, rendering him unable to continue. [65] This fight earned both participants Fight of the Night honors. [66]

Losing streak

Ferguson was scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC Lightweight Championship on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249, but after Nurmagomedov was unable to leave Russia due to restricted air travel as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, [67] Ferguson then agreed to compete for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship against a late replacement in Justin Gaethje at the event. [68] On April 9, UFC president Dana White announced that this event was postponed [69] and the bout eventually took place on May 9, 2020. [70] He was outstruck by Gaethje for all five rounds, eventually losing the fight via TKO in the fifth round. [71] This fight earned both participants Fight of the Night honors. [72]

Ferguson faced Charles Oliveira on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256. [73] He lost the fight via unanimous decision after being dominated and controlled on the ground for most of the fight. [74]

Ferguson faced Beneil Dariush on May 15, 2021, at UFC 262. [75] He lost the fight via unanimous decision being once again controlled on the ground for the majority of the fight. [76]

Ferguson faced former Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler on May 7, 2022 at UFC 274. [77] Despite a strong first round, Ferguson lost the fight via knockout early in the second round. [78]

Ferguson was scheduled to return to the welterweight division to face Li Jingliang on September 10, 2022, in the co-main event of UFC 279. [79] However, Ferguson instead moved up to the main event to face Nate Diaz, after his original opponent Khamzat Chimaev was pulled from their fight due to missing weight. [80] Ferguson lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round. [81]

Ferguson returned to the lightweight division to face Bobby Green at UFC 291 on July 29, 2023. [82] He lost the fight via technical submission due to an arm-triangle choke in the final seconds of the third round. [83]

Ferguson faced Paddy Pimblett on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296. [84] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. With the loss, Ferguson tied B.J. Penn for the longest losing streak in UFC history. [85] [86] [87]

Personal life

Ferguson has two sons with his wife, Cristina Ferguson. [88] In March 2019, Cristina filed a restraining order against Tony, alleging uncharacteristic behavior such as severe paranoia, not sleeping for days, tearing apart their home fireplace, and believing that a tracking chip was inserted into his leg during reconstructive knee surgery. She did not allege physical abuse, and filed the restraining order as a precautionary measure to get him help for his mental state. [89] [90] By April 2019, she had dropped the order, and he began to resume MMA. [91]

In the early hours of May 7, 2023, Ferguson was arrested in Hollywood, California and charged with driving under the influence after allegedly crashing his pickup truck into two other vehicles outside of a nightclub, causing his truck to roll over in the process. He was taken into custody and booked into the LAPD Hollywood police station where his bail was set at $30,000. [92] He was later released from custody on a personal recognizance bond. [93]

Public appearance and cultural influences

Ferguson is known as one of MMA's most eccentric personalities. [94] He constructed his own custom training apparatus at his house in Big Bear Lake, California and regularly posts videos of his unique workouts on his personal Instagram page. These include using a Wing Chun dummy [95] smacking his arms and legs against metal poles to build bone strength, throwing baseballs off a pitcher's mound to build power for right-hand punches, swinging a hammer while balanced on a gym ball, and somersault jumps over tall stacks of gym mats. [96] [97] A lot of people including fellow fighters have regularly commented on these unorthodox routines, and other fighters such as Belal Muhammad have even parodied Ferguson's training videos on their own personal social media pages or exaggerated them. [98] Ferguson has written on his Twitter account that he eschews sparring in training as he "finds it limits my creativity" when fighting. [99]

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur wrestling

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
35 matches25 wins10 losses
By knockout122
By submission83
By decision55
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss25–10 Paddy Pimblett Decision (unanimous) UFC 296 December 16, 202335:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss25–9 Bobby Green Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC 291 July 29, 202334:54 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Loss25–8 Nate Diaz Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 279 September 10, 202242:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesWelterweight bout.
Loss25–7 Michael Chandler KO (front kick) UFC 274 May 7, 202220:17 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss25–6 Beneil Dariush Decision (unanimous) UFC 262 May 15, 202135:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss25–5 Charles Oliveira Decision (unanimous) UFC 256 December 12, 202035:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss25–4 Justin Gaethje TKO (punch) UFC 249 May 9, 202053:39 Jacksonville, Florida, United StatesFor the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win25–3 Donald Cerrone TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 238 June 8, 201925:00 Chicago, Illinois, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win24–3 Anthony Pettis TKO (corner stoppage) UFC 229 October 6, 201825:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win23–3 Kevin Lee Submission (triangle choke) UFC 216 October 7, 201734:02 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesWon the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Later stripped of the title due to injury.
Win22–3 Rafael dos Anjos Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale: dos Anjos vs. Ferguson November 5, 201655:00 Mexico City, MexicoFight of the Night.
Win21–3 Lando Vannata Submission (brabo choke) UFC Fight Night: McDonald vs. Lineker July 13, 201622:22 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win20–3 Edson Barboza Submission (brabo choke) The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale December 11, 201522:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesFerguson was deducted one point in round one due to an illegal upkick. Performance of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Win19–3 Josh Thomson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee July 15, 201535:00 San Diego, California, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win18–3 Gleison Tibau Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 184 February 28, 201512:37 Los Angeles, California, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win17–3 Abel Trujillo Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 181 December 6, 201424:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win16–3 Danny Castillo Decision (split) UFC 177 August 30, 201435:00 Sacramento, California, United States
Win15–3 Katsunori Kikuno KO (punch) UFC 173 May 24, 201414:06 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win14–3 Mike Rio Submission (brabo choke) UFC 166 October 19, 201311:52 Houston, Texas, United StatesSubmission of the Night.
Loss13–3 Michael Johnson Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller May 5, 201235:00 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Win13–2 Yves Edwards Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller Finale December 3, 201135:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win12–2 Aaron Riley TKO (jaw injury) UFC 135 September 24, 201115:00 Denver, Colorado, United StatesReturn to Lightweight.
Win11–2 Ramsey Nijem KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos Finale June 4, 201113:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesWon The Ultimate Fighter 13 Welterweight Tournament. Knockout of the Night.
Win10–2Brock JardineTKO (punches)PureCombat 12: Champions for ChildrenSeptember 25, 201042:35 Clovis, California, United StatesWon the vacant PureCombat Welterweight Championship.
Win9–2David GardnerTKO (punches)CA Fight Syndicate: Battle of the 805March 26, 201020:27 Ventura, California, United StatesCatchweight (158 lb) bout.
Win8–2Chris KennedyTKO (doctor stoppage)National Fight Alliance MMA: ResurrectionDecember 18, 200912:29 Ventura, California, United States
Loss7–2Jamie ToneySubmission (triangle choke)National Fight Alliance MMA: MMA at the Hyatt 3October 16, 200912:15 Westlake Village, California, United States
Win7–1James FanshierDecision (unanimous)Rebel FighterJuly 17, 200935:00 Placerville, California, United States
Win6–1Devin BenjaminTKO (punches and elbows)National Fight Alliance MMA: MMA at the Hyatt IIMay 28, 200910:51 Westlake Village, California, United States
Win5–1Daniel HernandezTKO (punches)National Fight Alliance MMA: Riot at the HyattMarch 5, 200912:22 Westlake Village, California, United StatesReturn to Welterweight.
Loss4–1 Karen Darabedyan Decision (unanimous)All Star Boxing: Caged in the CannonFebruary 6, 200933:00 Montebello, California, United StatesLightweight debut.
Win4–0Frank ParkSubmission (neck crank)Long Beach Fight Night 3January 4, 200912:43 Long Beach, California, United States
Win3–0 Joe Schilling Submission (rear-naked choke)Total Fighting Alliance 12September 13, 200822:12 Long Beach, California, United States
Win2–0Brandon AdamsTKO (punches)Total Fighting Alliance 11: Pounding at the PyramidJuly 12, 200822:18 Long Beach, California, United States
Win1–0Steve AvalosTKO (submission to punches)California Xtreme Fighting: Anarchy at the ArenaApril 12, 200821:25 Upland, California, United States

[102]

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win3–0Chuck O'NeilTKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos June 1, 2011 (airdate)33:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter 13 Semi-Final round.
Win2–0Ryan McGillivrayTKO (punches)May 25, 2011 (airdate)10:46 The Ultimate Fighter 13 Quarter-Final round.
Win1–0 Justin Edwards KO (upkick)May 4, 2011 (airdate)13:56 The Ultimate Fighter 13 Preliminary round.

Pay-per-view bouts

No.EventFightDateVenueCityPPV Buys
1 UFC 216 Ferguson vs. LeeOctober 7, 2017 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S200,000 [103]
2 UFC 249 Ferguson vs. GaethjeMay 9, 2020 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.700,000 [104]
3 UFC 279 Diaz vs. FergusonSeptember 10, 2022 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, U.SNot Disclosed [105]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gilbert Melendez</span> American mixed martial artist

Gilbert Melendez is an American mixed martial artist who formerly competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a two-time Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and a former WEC Lightweight Champion. He also competed in PRIDE FC, Shooto and Rumble on the Rock.

Janigleison Herculano Alves, better known as Gleison Tibau is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division. A professional since 1999, he has competed for the UFC, Professional Fighters League (PFL), DEEP, and Golden Boy Promotions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donald Cerrone</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1983)

Donald Anthony Cerrone, known professionally by his nickname "Cowboy", is an American former professional boxer, mixed martial artist, professional kickboxer and actor. He competed in the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and was known and respected by fans for his willingness to fight any time, having completed 38 fights in his 11 year UFC tenure. Cerrone was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Pettis</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1987)

Anthony Paul Pettis is an American professional mixed martial artist and professional boxer. Pettis formerly fought in the Welterweight, Lightweight, and Featherweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is a former UFC Lightweight Champion. Pettis was also the final WEC Lightweight Champion prior to the promotion being merged into the UFC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Johnson (fighter)</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Michael Johnson is an American professional mixed martial artist. Johnson currently fights in the Lightweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional MMA competitor since 2008, Johnson mostly competed in his regional circuit, before signing onto the Ultimate Fighting Championship to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck, in which he was the runner-up.

Edson Mendes Barboza Júnior is a Brazilian-American professional mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai kickboxer. He currently competes in the Featherweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has formerly competed at Lightweight. As of April 30, 2024, he is #11 in the UFC featherweight rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dustin Poirier</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1989)

Dustin Glenn Poirier is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion. As of April 16, 2024, he is #4 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khabib Nurmagomedov</span> Russian mixed martial artist (born 1988)

Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov is a Russian former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion ever, having held the title from April 2018 to March 2021. With 29 wins and no losses, he retired with an undefeated record. Nurmagomedov is widely considered to be among the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on June 30, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Iaquinta</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1987)

Al Iaquinta is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, having once challenged for the Lightweight championship belt. A professional MMA competitor since 2009, Iaquinta has been signed with the UFC since 2012.

Abel Nazario Trujillo is an American mixed martial artist. He last competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conor McGregor</span> Irish mixed martial artist (born 1988)

Conor Anthony McGregor is an Irish professional mixed martial artist, professional boxer and actor. He is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight and Lightweight Champion, becoming the first UFC fighter to hold UFC championships in two weight classes simultaneously. He is also a former Cage Warriors Featherweight and Lightweight Champion. He is a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Islam Makhachev</span> Russian mixed martial artist (born 1991)

Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor. He currently competes in the Lightweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Lightweight Champion. Makhachev has competed professionally since 2010, along with becoming a combat sambo world champion in 2016 and two-time Russian national champion at 74 kg. As of 7 November 2023, he is #1 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Gaethje</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1988)

Justin Ray Gaethje is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2011, he is a former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion, and former UFC BMF Champion. He is the second fighter in the history of the UFC to be awarded the BMF championship after winning the title at UFC 291. As of April 16, 2024, he is #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans</span> UFC mixed martial arts event in 2016

UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans was a mixed martial arts event held on April 16, 2016, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 196</span> UFC mixed martial arts event in 2016

UFC 196: McGregor vs. Diaz was a mixed martial arts event held on March 5, 2016 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 209</span> UFC mixed martial arts event in 2017

UFC 209: Woodley vs. Thompson 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship held on March 4, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 229</span> UFC mixed martial arts event in 2018

UFC 229: Khabib vs. McGregor was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that was held on October 6, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 223</span> UFC mixed martial arts event in 2018

UFC 223: Khabib vs. Iaquinta was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that was held on April 7, 2018, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Zawada</span> German mixed martial arts fighter

David Zawada is a German mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division. A professional since 2010, he has formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW), and Respect FC where he is the former Welterweight Champion.

Umar Magomednabiyevich Nurmagomedov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has previously competed in the Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC) and Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is the older brother of Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov and a cousin of undefeated former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. As of April 16, 2024, he is #9 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.

References

  1. ↑ "El Cucuy - tapology".
  2. ↑ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Mir vs. Duffee". UFC.com. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  3. 1 2 Gerbasi, Thomas (September 14, 2018). "Brick by Brick - Building Tony Ferguson". UFC (in Spanish). Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Interim UFC champ Tony Ferguson receives jiu-jitsu black belt from Eddie Bravo". MMAjunkie. October 19, 2017. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 "Grand Valley State University Student Life Sports - All Americans". gvsustudentlifesports.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  6. ↑ Earley, Charles (April 13, 2022). "UFC Fighter Tony Ferguson: the Real Story!". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  7. ↑ "Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Tony Ferguson is capable of upset at UFC 249: 'He is the real deal'". CBSSports.com. March 11, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Tony Ferguson is a UFC hotshot, so why is he worth less than other stars?". South China Morning Post. April 14, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  9. ↑ Ordoñez, Milan (May 20, 2020). "Eddie Bravo was 'blind' in Tony Ferguson's corner, admits he 'shouldn't have been there'". Bloody Elbow . Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Five (of the many) things you didn't know about the UFC's Zhang Weili". ESPN.com . ESPN. August 28, 2019. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Anthony Ferguson | Ultimate Fighter | Season 13 : Team Lesnar vs. Team Dos Santos | Spike". Archived from the original on April 5, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  12. ↑ The Ultimate Fighter 13 – episode 9 recap: Quarterfinals Archived 2011-05-30 at the Wayback Machine . Prommanow.com (2011-05-25). Retrieved on 2011-12-04.
  13. ↑ Sherdog.com. "Tony". Sherdog. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  14. ↑ Nason., Josh (June 3, 2011). "TUF 13 Finale: Chuck O'Neil Says Tony Ferguson Behavior Worse Than What Aired". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  15. ↑ Caron, Nick. "The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale Results: Tony Ferguson KO's Ramsey Nijem". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  16. ↑ Stupp, Dann. "UFC 135 preliminary-card results: Ferguson breaks Riley's jaw, Boetsch cruises". MMAJunkie.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Yves Edwards vs. Tony Ferguson added to December's The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale". mmajunkie.com. October 21, 2011. Archived from the original on May 16, 2012.
  18. ↑ Barr, Andrew. "TUF 14 Results: What We Learned from Yves Edwards vs. Tony Ferguson". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  19. ↑ Becker, Dana. "Tony Ferguson-Dennis Hallman Planned For UFC On FOX 3". fightline.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Tavares replaces injured Hallman, faces Ferguson at UFC on Fox 3". mmajunkie.com. March 16, 2012. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Thiago Tavares out, Tony Ferguson now meets Michael Johnson on UFC on FOX 3". mmajunkie.com. March 29, 2012. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  22. ↑ Staff (May 12, 2012). "UFC on FOX 3 results: Michael Johnson outstrikes Tony Ferguson, earns decision win". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Tony Ferguson vs. Mike Rio added to UFC 166". mmajunkie.com. July 12, 2013. Archived from the original on July 25, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  24. ↑ Staff (October 20, 2013). "UFC 166 bonuses: Melendez, Sanchez, Dodson and Ferguson win $60,000". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2013.
  25. ↑ Staff (March 3, 2014). "Tony Ferguson meets Katsunori Kikuno at UFC 173 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  26. ↑ Fowlkes, Ben (May 24, 2014). "UFC 173 results, photos: Tony Ferguson stops Katsunori Kikuno with one punch". MMA Junkie . Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  27. ↑ Staff (June 11, 2014). "Danny Castillo vs. Tony Ferguson booked for UFC 176 in August". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on June 11, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  28. ↑ Heidi Fang (July 8, 2014). "Danny Castillo on being a part of a canceled fight card and Mendes' frustrations". mmafightcorner.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  29. ↑ Lee, Alexander K. (May 3, 2020). "Retro Robbery Review: Tony Ferguson vs. Danny Castillo at UFC 177". mmafighting.com. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  30. ↑ Dana Becker (September 24, 2014). "Tony Ferguson-Abel Trujillo added To UFC 181 lineup". fightline.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  31. ↑ MMAWeekly.com Staff. "Watch Tony Ferguson Put Abel Trujillo's KO Power to Sleep (UFC 216 Free Fight)". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  32. ↑ Staff (January 13, 2015). "Lightweights Tony Ferguson vs. Yancy Medeiros added to UFC 184". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on January 14, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  33. ↑ C.J. Tuttle (February 3, 2015). "Gleison Tibau replaces Yancy Medeiros, faces Tony Ferguson at UFC 184". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
  34. ↑ Matt Erickson (March 1, 2015). "UFC 184 bonuses: Of course Ronda Rousey won $50,000. But who joined her?". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
  35. ↑ Staff (April 2, 2015). "Tony Ferguson-Josh Thomson Lightweight bout added to UFC Fight Night in San Diego". Sherdog.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  36. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (July 15, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 71 results: Tony Ferguson dominates durable, bloodied Josh Thomson". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  37. ↑ Staff (July 16, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 71 bonuses: Frank Mir's crushing KO nets him $50,000". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  38. ↑ Staff (August 21, 2015). "Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson slated for TUF 22 Finale in December". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on August 21, 2015. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  39. ↑ Marc Raimondi (October 30, 2015). "Edson Barboza steps in for Khabib Nurmagomedov to face Tony Ferguson at TUF Finale". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  40. ↑ Steven Marrocco (December 11, 2015). "TUF 22 Finale results: Tony Ferguson submits Edson Barboza in bloody thriller". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  41. 1 2 Tristen Critchfield (December 12, 2015). "'TUF 22' Finale Bonuses: Tony Ferguson Earns $100K for Wild Win Over Edson Barboza". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  42. ↑ Staff (January 21, 2016). "Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson rematch added to UFC 197". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  43. ↑ Hunter A. Homistek (January 26, 2016). "Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson targeted for April UFC on Fox event". mmafighting.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  44. ↑ Damon Martin (April 5, 2016). "Tony Ferguson out; Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira set as new main event". foxsports.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  45. ↑ Mookie Alexander (April 7, 2016). "Khabib Nurmagomedov to face newcomer Darrell Horcher at UFC on FOX 19". bloodyelbow.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  46. ↑ Helwani, Ariel (May 6, 2016). "Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa in the works for UFC's South Dakota debut". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  47. ↑ John Morgan (June 27, 2016). "Michael Chiesa out at UFC Fight Night 91, UFC seeks new opponent for Tony Ferguson". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
  48. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (June 28, 2016). "Tony Ferguson to face newcomer Landon Vannata at UFC Fight Night Sioux Falls". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  49. 1 2 Ben Fowlkes (July 13, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 91 results: Tony Ferguson gets stiff test, but taps Lando Vannata in second". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2016. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  50. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (July 14, 2016). "UFC Fight Night Sioux Falls bonuses: Ferguson, Vannata Garner $50K apiece for wild battle". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on July 15, 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  51. ↑ Amy Kaplan (August 2, 2016). "Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson confirmed to headline Mexico City". champions.co. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  52. 1 2 Damon Martin (November 6, 2016). "Tony Ferguson outduels Rafael dos Anjos in five-round war". foxsports.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  53. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (November 5, 2016). "UFC Fight Night bonuses: Ferguson, dos Anjos, Lamas, Silva de Andrade receive $50K". sherdog.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  54. ↑ "It's official: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson meet for interim 155 title in UFC 209 co-main". MMAjunkie. January 13, 2017. Archived from the original on January 14, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  55. ↑ Staff (March 3, 2017). "Khabib Nurmagomedov hospitalized after weight cut, UFC 209 title fight with Tony Ferguson off". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  56. ↑ "UFC 216 results: Tony Ferguson taps resilient Kevin Lee in 3rd to win interim lightweight title". MMAjunkie. October 8, 2017. Archived from the original on October 10, 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  57. ↑ UFC - Ultimate Fighting Championship (October 7, 2017), UFC 216: Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee Octagon Interviews, archived from the original on October 11, 2017, retrieved October 10, 2017
  58. ↑ Staff (January 17, 2018). "Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov a go for UFC 223, Dana White says". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  59. ↑ "Tony Ferguson out, Max Holloway now meets Khabib Nurmagomedov for undisputed lightweight title". MMAjunkie. April 1, 2018. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  60. ↑ Harkness, Ryan (April 1, 2018). "You won't believe how Tony Ferguson injured his knee and ended up off UFC 223". MMAmania.com. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  61. ↑ Staff (August 23, 2018). "Tony Ferguson to return vs. Anthony Pettis at UFC 229". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  62. ↑ "UFC 229 results: Tony Ferguson's comeback complete; Anthony Pettis' corner stops crazy brawl". MMAjunkie. October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  63. 1 2 "UFC 229 Bonuses, Live Gate & Attendance Revealed • MMA News". MMA News. October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  64. ↑ Hiergesell, Dan (May 10, 2019). "Ferguson Vs. Cerrone Set For UFC 238 Next Month". MMAmania.com. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  65. ↑ "UFC 238 results: Donald Cerrone's eye shuts, leading to Tony Ferguson TKO win". MMA Junkie. June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
  66. 1 2 "UFC 238 bonuses: Tony Ferguson, 'Cowboy' Cerrone get a clear 'Fight of Night' winner". MMA Junkie. June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
  67. ↑ "Video: Khabib Nurmagomedov announces he's out of UFC 249 reaction".
  68. ↑ UFC [@ufc] (April 6, 2020). "STRAP IN. 🏆 #UFC249 https://t.co/jXPNYAjX3h" (Tweet). Retrieved January 3, 2021– via Twitter.
  69. ↑ Brett Okamoto (April 9, 2020). "Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18". espn.com. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  70. ↑ "REVISED – UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje Fight Card | MMAWeekly.com". April 27, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  71. ↑ McDonagh, Joe (May 10, 2020). "UFC 249 Results: Justin Gaethje Wears Down Tony Ferguson, Wins Belt". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  72. 1 2 Hiergesell, Dan (May 10, 2020). "UFC 249 Bonuses! Gaethje Nets $100K For Main Event TKO". MMAmania.com. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  73. ↑ Mike Bohn (November 20, 2020). "Tony Ferguson booked to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 256". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  74. ↑ Meshew, Jed (December 12, 2020). "UFC 256 live blog: Tony Ferguson vs. Charles Oliveira". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  75. ↑ "Tony Ferguson vs. Beneil Dariush targeted for UFC 262". MMA Junkie. March 12, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  76. ↑ "UFC 262 results: Beneil Dariush dominates Tony Ferguson, extends streak to seven". MMA Junkie. May 16, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  77. ↑ Alexander, Mookie (March 9, 2022). "Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson added to UFC 274". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  78. ↑ "UFC 274 results: Michael Chandler brutally knocks out Tony Ferguson with an insane front kick". MMA Junkie. May 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  79. ↑ "Jingliang Li faces Tony Ferguson at UFC 279". Asian MMA. August 21, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  80. ↑ Nolan King (September 9, 2022). "UFC 279 matchup shuffle: Nate Diaz headlines vs. Tony Ferguson, Khamzat Chimaev faces Kevin Holland in co-main". MMA Junkie. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  81. ↑ Dewar, Val (September 11, 2022). "UFC 279: Nate Diaz Chokes Out Tony Ferguson in Late Exchange". Cageside Press. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  82. ↑ "Tony Ferguson booked against Bobby Green at UFC 291". MMA Junkie. May 17, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  83. ↑ Anderson, Jay (July 29, 2023). "UFC 291: Bobby Green Surprises, Chokes Out Tony Ferguson". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  84. ↑ Anderson, Jay (September 22, 2023). "Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson, Stephen Thompson vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Set for UFC 296". Cageside Press. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  85. ↑ Anderson, Jay (December 16, 2023). "UFC 296: Strong Start Sees Paddy Pimblett Drop Tony Ferguson, Hang On for Decision Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  86. 1 2 Mike Bohn (December 17, 2023). "UFC 296 post-event facts: Colby Covington joins rare company with 0-3 title fight record". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  87. ↑ Al-Shatti, Shaun (December 17, 2023). "UFC 296: 8 biggest takeaways from UFC's roller-coaster year-end pay-per-view". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  88. ↑ Raimondi, Marc (March 15, 2019). "Tony Ferguson's wife details UFC star's alleged 'frightening' behavior, taking of son in court filing". MMA Fighting. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  89. ↑ Marrocco, Steven (March 15, 2019). "Tony Ferguson's wife files restraining order after multiple police visits to home". MMAjunkie. USA Today Sports. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  90. ↑ "Tony Ferguson's wife files for restraining order, concerned for his well being". sports.yahoo.com. March 15, 2019. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  91. ↑ "Tony Ferguson's wife drops restraining order case". MMAFighting.com. April 23, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  92. ↑ Mike Heck (May 7, 2023). "Tony Ferguson arrested for DUI after allegedly crashing into two cars, flipping truck in Hollywood". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  93. ↑ Ross Markey (May 8, 2023). "UFC star Tony Ferguson released from police custody on own recognizance following DUI charge". Low Kick MMA. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  94. ↑ Portman, Guy. "Five Things You Might Not Know About Tony Ferguson". sherdog.com. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  95. ↑ "The Pros and Cons of Wing Chun in MMA". dragoninst.
  96. ↑ Kiely, Ben. "Eight core-strength exercises only an absolute specimen would even attempt". sportsjoe.ie. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  97. ↑ Dashti, Issa. "Tony Ferguson's training methods: Genius or Madness?". mmadive.com. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  98. ↑ Muhammad, Belal [@bullyb170] (January 10, 2020). "Exclusive LEAKED clip of Tony Ferguson training camp https://t.co/TDvmcBBbQL" (Tweet). Retrieved January 3, 2021– via Twitter.
  99. ↑ Ferguson, Tony [@TonyFergusonXT] (April 25, 2018). "Fact: There Has Been No Hard MMA Sparring In My Camps For Almost Three-Four Years. I Find It Limits The Amount Of Creativity That Goes Into My Flow. Plus, I Never Liked Hurting My Training Team- #TimeForChange Levels- SnapJitsu™️ https://t.co/TUmEgKQgOr" (Tweet). Retrieved January 3, 2021– via Twitter.
  100. 1 2 3 4 "Record Book | UFC".
  101. ↑ Bryan Tucker (July 4, 2019). "World MMA Awards 2019 Results". mmafighting.com.
  102. ↑ Sherdog.com. "Tony". Sherdog. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  103. ↑ "Report: UFC 216 estimated at more than 200,000 buys". www.bloodyelbow.com. October 26, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  104. ↑ Iole, Kevin. "UFC 249 generates over 700,000 PPV buys on ESPN+". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  105. ↑ "UFC 279: Diaz vs. Ferguson| MMA Event". Tapology.
Achievements
New title 1st UFC Interim Lightweight Champion
October 7, 2017 - April 7, 2018
Stripped		Vacant
Title next held by
Dustin Poirier
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.