Tony Ferguson’s last 7 opponents – A timeline of pain
Tony Ferguson is currently on one of the hottest winning streaks in UFC history. He is currently riding a 12 fight winning streak and was last beaten in 2012. The match-up of Tony Ferguson vs Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most eagerly awaited match-ups in history. However, did you know that the UFC has been trying to make this match up since December 2015? Since then Tony has fought 7 other opponents and won each match.
Ferguson is an unorthodox striker and grappler and he has a tendency to inflict a lot of damage on his opponents. In particular he is a skilled striker with his elbows which often results in nasty injuries for the other fighter. In this article we take a look at Tony Ferguson’s last 7 opponents and the damage that he inflicted on each one.
Tony Ferguson’s last 7 opponents
1.Donald Cerrone
When?
UFC 238 , June 8, 2019.
Where?
Chicago, Illinois
The Result
Tony won the fight in the 2nd round by TKO doctor stoppage.Tony landed a number of significant strikes in round 2. Cerrone blew his nose between rounds 2 & 3 which caused his swollen right eye to completely close. This completely impaired his ability to see and the fight was called off by the doctor.
2.Anthony Pettis
When?
UFC 229, October 6, 2018
Where?
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Result
Ferguson started the fight in his ultra aggressive style and had some good success with front kicks and jabs in the first round. However Pettis landed some hard shots at the start of round 2 which dropped Tony. Ferguson then did a ninja roll and tied Pettis up in his guard. From here he scrambled and even landed some nasty elbows in the exchange. Ferguson then worked back to his feet where he began pressuring Pettis against the cage with sustained heavy strikes that seemed to break his will.
When the round finished Pettis informed Duke Roufus that his hand was broken which convinced Duke to stop the fight giving Tony the win by TKO.
3.Kevin Lee
When?
UFC 216, October 7, 2017
Where?
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Result
The fight began with both men landing in some excahnges with both men looking hurt at one stage. Lee then switchen up and hit Tony with a takedown. However Tony caught an Omoplata but Lee managed to finish the round in mount when he did some significant damage.
Lee looked tired as the second round began while Tony looked like he was only getting started. Ferguson started landing decent combinations and easily stuffed Lee’s takedown attempts. In the third Lee managed to take Tony down twice. However Tony did significant damage with his elbows while in guard. This work led to an opening for Ferguson who was able to slip Lee’s arm through in order to secure a triangle choke and get the tap. Out of all Tony Ferguson’s last 7 opponents Lee managed to get away with suffering the least amount of damage.
4.Rafael dos Anjos
When?
The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale, November 5, 2016
Where?
Mexico City, Mexico
The Result
Like all Tonys fight the match started off in exciting fashion with both men landing strikes. Dos Anjos had a slight advantage in the striking and knocked Ferguson to the mat with a leg kick at the end of the round.
After a break in the action for an eye poke in the second round Ferguson turned up the pressure. He scored continuous leg kicks and punches. Ferguson controlled the the third with his pressure again. The fourth was a lot closer with Ferguson doing some good work with his jab. In the fifth round Ferguson looked significantly fresher and kept Dos Anjos against the cage with constant pressure. When the fight ended Ferguson was awarded an unanimous decision win.
5.Lando Vannata
When?
UFC Fight Night: McDonald vs. Lineker
Where?
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
The Result
Vannata started the fight quickly and caught Ferguson with some good combinations and landed a heavy spinning backfist. However he quickly began to look tired while Ferguson was only hitting his stride. However Vannata landed a massive high kick before the end of the round with Ferguson lucky to survive until the end of the round.
Vannata started the second round strong again but soon began to tire. Ferguson began to score clean punches and kicks. At one point Ferguson locked onto a guillotine attempt when Vannata tried to duck a punch. From here he transitioned to his favorite D’arce position which led to the tap.
6.Edson Barboza
When?
Ultimate Fighter Finale: Team Faber Vs Team McGregor, December 11, 2015
Where?
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Result
Ferguson started in his usual wild style and walked through Barboza’s strikes while landing many of his own. Tony then found himself on his back after a failed takedown and kneebar attempt. From here he landed an illegal upkick, which cost him a point.
When they got back on the feet it was Barboza who had the advantage in the striking department by landing hard kicks and body punches.
In the second round Ferguson opened Barboza with an elbow. Ferguson landed a nasty spinning elbow later in the round. Under pressure Barboza attempted a takedown which Ferguson stuffed and then secured a front head lock. From here he moved to back and set up his favored Darce choke. Within moment he had it locked and Barboza was forced to tap.
7.Josh Thompson
When?
UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee, July 15, 2015
Where?
San Diego, California
The Result
Thomson got the upper hand in the opening round and dumped Ferguson to the ground twice. However Ferguson came back strong in the second round and dropped Thomson with a huge standing elbow and then again later in the round which led to a very close triangle attempt that Thompson escaped from.
Ferguson came out strong again in the third and hit Thomson with standing elbow and some heavy kicks. He almost secured a D’arce but Thomson managed to survive until the end of the fight. In the end it was a clear decision win for Ferguson.
