Dana White’s Comments Fuel Speculation on Ferguson’s Retirement

In a notable development ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi, Dana White has expressed his hope that Tony Ferguson will retire, win or lose, following his upcoming fight against Michael Chiesa. Ferguson, an icon in mixed martial arts, has seen a significant decline in his career, suffering seven consecutive defeats, many of which have been severe.

Ferguson’s Storied Career

Tony Ferguson’s career has been nothing short of illustrious. He once boasted an impressive 12-fight win streak from October 2013 to May 2020 and held the interim lightweight champion title. Throughout his career, Ferguson has consistently faced top-tier opponents in his division, earning respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

The Decline and Dana White’s Hope

However, recent years have not been kind to Ferguson. He has suffered seven consecutive losses, four of which were stoppages, including a brutal front kick knockout by Michael Chandler in May 2022. Despite his resilience, the physical toll has been substantial. Ferguson has absorbed 371 significant strikes in his last four fights, experiencing knockouts and being choked unconscious twice.

At a recent press conference, Dana White was asked if he believed Ferguson should retire after his fight against Michael Chiesa, regardless of the outcome. White responded to MMA Junkie and other reporters, “Yeah, I hope so. Yeah. I would like to see him retire.”

A Fighter’s Resilience

Ferguson’s resilience and defiance have been key traits throughout his career, but they may now be contributing to his decline. Injuries have undoubtedly taken a toll, leading to his current seven-fight losing streak, a record in the UFC. During this challenging period, Ferguson has continued to endure significant damage, raising concerns about his long-term health.

The Future of ‘El Cucuy’

While it remains uncertain what Ferguson hopes to achieve at this stage of his career, there is growing consensus that he may need to consider retirement. White’s comments suggest that the UFC may need to consider ending their professional relationship with “El Cucuy” to prevent further harm.

The upcoming fight against Michael Chiesa, where Ferguson is not the favourite, could be a pivotal moment in his career. Despite his devoted fans hoping for a miraculous comeback, the reality of his recent performances suggests that retirement might be the best course of action.

Exciting Matchups Ahead

The full fight card for UFC Abu Dhabi is yet to be announced, but the confirmed matchups promise an exciting event. Notably, Nick Diaz is set to return against Vicente Luque, and Marlon Vera will take on Deiveson Figueiredo.

As Ferguson prepares for what could be his final fight, the MMA community will be watching closely. Whether he retires or not, Ferguson’s legacy as a UFC great is firmly established, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.