Tony Ferguson is leaving the door open for a return and the MMA community isn’t sure how to feel about it.
Fighters were unanimous in their praise for the longtime lightweight contender, who suffered an eighth straight loss at UFC Abu Dhabi after being submitted in the first round by Michael Chiesa in a main card welterweight bout Saturday. Given Ferguson’s current slump—a new UFC record, breaking a tie with B.J. Penn—several also suggested that this be the last time that the 35-fight veteran compete, something that “El Cucuy” was hesitant to commit to.
An emotional Ferguson soaked in the cheers from an appreciative Etihad Arena crowd before telling interviewer Daniel Cormier that he is leaving just one glove in the cage as opposed to the traditional two that signal a retirement. Ferguson, 40, has made it clear he only wants to fight for the UFC, so his future remains uncertain.
"I don't want to retire. But I love the UFC and I don't want to go anywhere else. So, I'm not going to put both gloves down. I'm going to put one. I'm going to keep the other one just in case." - @TonyFergusonXT #UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/J2Vzpor0db
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) August 3, 2024
Fighters such as Terrance McKinney and Henry Cejudo both expressed the sentiment of “We love you, but it’s time,” and others praised Ferguson for his legendary career.
See the best reactions from social media below.
Tony we love you but it’s time
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) August 3, 2024
Tony I’m proud I know that took a lot out of you we appreciate everything you done CSO forever
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) August 3, 2024
We love you Tony but please hang it up #UFCAbuDhabi
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) August 3, 2024
Very Happy for Chiesa, but gutted for TFerg. Tough to see such a great career turn the way it has for him.
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 3, 2024
One of the best to ever do it in the lightweight division.
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) August 3, 2024
I hope people will remember the legend of “El Cucuy” in generations to come.
One of a kind.