UFC fans are begging Tony Ferguson not to make a return to the octagon after he teased a comeback on New Years Day.
The legendary lightweight was once the most feared man in the world at 155lb, and was famously seen for years as the potential kryptonite for Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, since their 2020 clash collapsed due to coronavirus lockdowns, he has not won a single fight.
Ferguson is currently riding a rare eight-fight losing streak, but seems to be constantly given chances for a return by the UFC. And two days ago he teased one last roll of the dice, months after refusing to commit to retirement when he was submitted by Michael Chiesa.
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Tony Ferguson teases UFC comeback after eight losses
Tony Ferguson has looked a different man since his fight with Nurmagomedov was once again called off in April of 2020 while the world was locked down. He insisted on making weight for their scheduled date, but has since struggled to maintain his form.
He was viciously beaten by Justin Gaethje before a string of seven further defeats, four of which were stoppages. His run started with top names such as Gaethje, Micheal Chandler or Charles Oliveira, but he has since been defeated by much lesser-heralded names like Chiesa or Paddy Pimblett.
To welcome in the New Year, Ferguson has teased one more fight, telling fans on Instagram that he “Completely Destroyed Myself.. To Re-Invent It”.
“As an Artist I Aim To show Something You’ve Never Seen Before,” he wrote. “Happy New Year Crew. 2025 in my sights- Champ. CSO # Stay Tuned & Watch The Magic Unfold. New Missions Acknowledged. # MrDestiny. Fight News Coming Soon”
Tony Ferguson refused to retire after latest defeat
Back in August, Ferguson was submitted within a round by Michael Chiesa during a fight night in Abu Dhabi. His rival had been riding a career-threatening three-fight losing streak of his own before landing the victory, which has rejuvenated his career.
And after the fact, Ferguson got real about his prospects, laying down one glove, but refusing to fully commit to a retirement. In an emotional post-fight interview, he told Daniel Cormier: “I don’t want to retire.
“I really don’t. 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 and I’m going to keep the other one just in case.”
However, in a video filmed by official UFC cameras immediately after that speech, he appeared to be more defiant about sticking with the sport. He told the social media team “I ain’t done yet, nah it ain’t time yet, man. I got a lot of s*** to work on.”
Fans beg Tony Ferguson not to fight again as he teases octagon return
Ferguson’s announcement of news about a fighting return was not met too positively by UFC fans. He is one of the most beloved competitors in MMA history, and there is a feeling that further run could not only damage his legacy, but his long-term health.
“Tony Ferguson you are literally my favorite fighter of all time,” one fan wrote in an emotional plea. “Please quit I know you want a win before retirement but there’s a time when everyone has to quit something. Please stop fighting we love you tony we don’t want to see you get hurt anymore.”
Another less positive fan wrote that Ferguson “Literally won’t win a single fight in 2025.” There were positive sentiments, but many appeared to be trolling with implications that Ferguson might be gearing up for one last title run.
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