Tony Ferguson is hoping to snap his seven-fight losing streak when he faces Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi on Aug. 3. But win or lose, UFC CEO Dana White hopes that the upcoming fight will be his last.
White has been clear that he believes ‘El Cucuy’ should retire, having made his feelings known after the former interim champion lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 last December.
But Ferguson thoroughly disagrees with his boss, and has stated that since moving to welterweight ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi, his body feels “recharged.”
During his recent appearance in front of the media, the 40-year old was informed of White’s request for him to retire. He replied:
“Well we want Dana to do a lot of s**t last for him too. So we can’t discredit that one either. I’m being real with it. At 170 pounds, I’m not killing myself to get to 155. I do feel fresher. 155 pounds is closer to my high school wrestling weight, 152 pounds. So you guys do the math.”
He continued:
“I’m 40 f**king years old… 170 [pounds] is what I won The Ultimate Fighter at. Michael Chiesa won it at 155… I don’t feel like this is gonna be my last fight.”
Watch Tony Ferguson’s interview below (2:20):
Tony Ferguson sends stern warning to Michael Chiesa ahead of clash
Tony Ferguson will enter his UFC Abu Dhabi fight with Michael Chiesa as a massive +525 underdog. But the former interim lightweight champion is oozing with confidence ahead of the bout and appears totally unfazed by his underdog status.
With both men having superb Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills, any scrambles on the ground could provide fans with much entertainment.
Both fighters will be entering the octagon riding losing streaks, with ‘El Cucuy’ currently on a seven-fight skid, whilst ‘Maverick’ has lost his last three fights and will be eager to turn things around.
The 40-year old has sent a strong message to his opponent ahead of fight night, saying this during a recent interview with Hosheh MMA:
“I’m going to outwork you, I’m gonna punch you, you’re gonna shoot in, I’m gonna choke you out… I have nothing against you, Michael Chiesa, 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.”
Watch Tony Ferguson’s interview below: