As UFC Fight Night returns to the United Arab Emirates, fans are buzzing about what might be the final appearance of the legendary Tony Ferguson. The event, taking place at UFC Abu Dhabi, could mark the end of an era for the veteran fighter known as ‘El Cucuy’.
Tony Ferguson is a beloved figure in the MMA world. However, as he prepares for his fight against Michael Chiesa this weekend, there has been speculation about his future. UFC President Dana White suggested after UFC 302 in Newark that he would like to see Ferguson retire, regardless of the outcome of this fight.
Ferguson didn’t take kindly to these comments. Addressing the issue during his media day interviews, he responded: “Well, we want Dana to do a lot of s*** too so we can’t discredit that one either.”
The 40-year-old fighter is adamant that he has no plans to retire following his bout on August 3. Ferguson shared that moving up to welterweight has brought a renewed sense of vitality to both his body and mind. “I’m being real with it, [this is] at 170lbs – I’m not killing myself to get to 155lbs, I do feel fresher. 155lbs is closer to my high school wrestling weight so you guys do the math, I’m 40 f**** years old.”
UFC Legend Tony Ferguson Won’t Retire After UFC Abu Dhabi
Ferguson further emphasized his commitment to continuing his career. “I feel comfortable [at 170lbs]. I don’t feel like this is going to be my last fight – I have to do some extraordinary s*** [and] that’s what I’m planning to do.”
Despite earlier reports, Ferguson clarified that his fight with Chiesa is not the last bout on his current UFC contract. He indicated that the outcome of this fight won’t affect his plans moving forward. “You guys all read the tabloids about how they [UFC] want to keep renewing contracts and I’ve been very fortunate to always get a better deal when it comes to myself… I love this company, and I have plenty of fights left but this is not a fight last or first, or however everyone wants to see it.”
“I feel so f***** fresh, like it’s a completely different look,” he added. “I love the UFC, and this is where I’m going to stay, so I have to earn that right.”
Ferguson also mentioned that, should he not be re-signed by the UFC, he has no interest in joining another promotion. He even took a playful jab at his former rival, Conor McGregor. “I do want to be here; I don’t want to go and fight for another organization – where the f*** am I going to go? BKFC and have Conor [McGregor] work for me again? No, I don’t want to do that s***… Literally, this is home and it’s always been home.”
The UFC is His Home
However, Ferguson did hint at the possibility of starting his own promotion, following in the footsteps of other fighters who have ventured into management. “If it comes down to it, maybe I’ll open up my own promotion.”
Heading into UFC Abu Dhabi, Ferguson is seen as one of the biggest underdogs on the card. Despite this, he remains confident and determined. “This is mixed martial arts, I’m not here for ADCC,” he told Hosheh MMA. “I’m here to go in there, I’m going to outwork you, I’m going to punch you, you’re going to shoot in and I’m going to choke you out.”
Reflecting on his past mistakes, Ferguson acknowledged, “With Paddy, I shouldn’t have let him up, I had too many people telling me the wrong s*** when I know damn well that I have the compass to get where I need to go.”
“I have nothing against Michael Chiesa,” he continued, “but I’m going to bring the fight to you, I’m not going to give you any time to breathe, and I hope your conditioning is really good.”
Tony Ferguson’s bout with Michael Chiesa is set to headline the UFC Abu Dhabi card, taking place live from the Etihad Arena on Saturday, August 1. Fans will be watching closely to see if Ferguson can prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
