The Early Years
Tony Ferguson was born on February 12, 1984, in Oxnard, California. As a child, he was always interested in sports and tried his hand at various activities. However, it wasn’t until he discovered wrestling in high school that he found his true calling. Ferguson quickly became a standout wrestler in high school and continued to pursue the sport in college.
The Transition to MMA
After college, Ferguson discovered mixed martial arts (MMA) and decided to give it a try. He quickly found success in the sport, winning his first five professional fights. In 2011, he was selected to compete on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos, where he eventually made it to the finals and won the competition.
The Rise to the Top
Following his victory on The Ultimate Fighter, Ferguson continued to climb the ranks in the UFC. He quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious fighter with an unorthodox style. He won his next five fights, including victories over top-ranked opponents such as Edson Barboza and Josh Thomson.
The Interim Champion
In 2017, Ferguson was scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC lightweight championship. However, Nurmagomedov had to pull out due to health issues, and the fight was canceled. Ferguson was then scheduled to fight Kevin Lee for the interim lightweight championship, which he won by submission in the third round.
The Setbacks
Unfortunately, Ferguson’s road to the top has not been without setbacks. In 2018, he was scheduled to fight Nurmagomedov for the undisputed lightweight championship, but he had to pull out due to injury. He then faced Anthony Pettis in his next fight but suffered a broken hand during the bout. In 2019, he was scheduled to fight Donald Cerrone but had to pull out due to personal issues.
The Comeback
Despite these setbacks, Ferguson remains one of the top fighters in the UFC lightweight division. He returned to the octagon in 2020 with a dominant victory over Donald Cerrone, showing that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the division. He is currently scheduled to face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship in May 2020.
The Fighting Style
One of the things that sets Ferguson apart from other fighters is his unorthodox fighting style. He is known for his aggressive striking, his unorthodox movements, and his ability to take a lot of punishment. He is also a skilled wrestler and has a dangerous ground game.
The Personal Life
Outside of the octagon, Ferguson is a devoted husband and father. He is married to Cristina Servin and has a son named Armand Anthony. He is also a talented musician and enjoys playing the piano in his spare time.
The Legacy
Despite the setbacks he has faced, Ferguson’s legacy in the sport of MMA is already secure. He is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, and his unorthodox style has inspired a new generation of fighters. Whether he wins or loses, he always puts on an entertaining show and leaves everything in the octagon.
