We haven’t seen the last of Tony Ferguson.
The veteran UFC lightweight, who fought for the first time in a year at last weekend’s UFC 274 in Phoenix, has vowed that he will return to the cage once again after he suffered what was his fourth successive defeat in a ‘knockout of the year’ contender against former Bellator champ Michael Chandler. It was the first knockout defeat of his entire career.
UFC boss Dana White gave Ferguson props in the post-fight press conference, saying that Ferguson looked back to his old self in a first round in which he dropped Chandler with a short left hand, but the fight ended just 17 seconds into the second frame after Chandler landed a stunning front kick down the pip to Ferguson’s chin which had El Cucuy separated from his senses before he hit the deck.
But addressing the defeat on social media afterwards, Ferguson praised Chandler for the manner of his win and wished him luck in his future contests — as well as saying in his own inimitable way that he will back in the Octagon before long.
Congratulations to @MikeChandlerMMA On his victory at UFC👣274. Had lots of fun in there, you fans are Fuckin’ wild I love this shit! Feels good to be back & hungry again. We were just getting started. Best Of Luck In Your Next Fight- Champ # ForTheLoveOfTheGame -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/cp6trgSPoX
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) May 9, 2022
Tony Ferguson says he will “be back” following loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 274 pic.twitter.com/BdNS5uLitz
— Chris Taylor (@CTaylor_96) May 9, 2022
“Congratulations to [Michael Chandler] nn his victory at UFC274,” wrote Ferguson. “Had lots of fun in there, you fans are Fuckin’ wild I love this shit! Feels good to be back & hungry again. We were just getting started. Best Of Luck In Your Next Fight Champ.”
White added in his post-fight comments that he expects Ferguson to take another extended break from the sport after suffering such a heavy knockout — but it remains to be seen how long that will be, but we should have an idea when the UFC 274 medical suspensions are announced.
