https://www.scmp.com/rss/502561/feed Tony Ferguson is a Mexican-American MMA fighter in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Mike Chan Mike Chan Wu Yize and Zhao Xintong’s victories at the World Championship will help to boost the growth of snooker in China, while removing the stench of corruption and match-fixing, sport insiders believe. Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, previously suggested the interest that greeted Wu’s triumph over Shaun Murphy could help the sport’s Olympics ambitions. And Django Fung, who manages top players, including world No 2 Neil Robertson and Murphy, said... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3353032/snooker-boom-can-raise-sport-level-table-tennis-china-end-stench-match-fixing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3353032/snooker-boom-can-raise-sport-level-table-tennis-china-end-stench-match-fixing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:19 +0000 Associated Press,Agence France-Presse Associated Press,Agence France-Presse Snooker’s bid to enter the Olympic Games will be boosted by having back-to-back world champions from China, the sport’s top official said on Tuesday. Wu Yize beat Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a dramatic world championship final on Monday to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Zhao Xintong, who became Asia’s first world champion 12 months ago. Britain has long been snooker’s traditional stronghold but China, where there are around 300,000 recognised snooker clubs, is the growing force in the game,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3352530/snookers-push-get-olympics-gets-jolt-chinas-back-back-world-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3352530/snookers-push-get-olympics-gets-jolt-chinas-back-back-world-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 May 2026 15:00:17 +0000 Tony Ferguson has opened up on his brutal knockout defeat by Michael Chandler at UFC 274 last weekend, revealing he suffered a “scary” bout of memory loss. “El Cucuy” was up on all three of the judges’ scorecards following the first round, but got caught with a fight-ending front kick almost immediately in the second round. The loss was Ferguson’s third in a row, a skid that has come after a record 11-fight win streak in the UFC lightweight division, but the American remained upbeat in an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3177497/ufc-tony-ferguson-reveals-scary-memory-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3177497/ufc-tony-ferguson-reveals-scary-memory-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 May 2022 09:49:53 +0000 Tony Ferguson was released from hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning, after suffering what UFC president Dana White described as “the most vicious knockout I’ve ever seen”. The former interim lightweight champion was out cold after a stunning front kick KO early in the second round from Michael Chandler at UFC 274 in Phoenix, Arizona. The 38-year-old American (25-7) was out for several minutes, and was transported to hospital straight from the Footprint Centre. He underwent a CAT scan,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3176972/ufc-274-tony-ferguson-out-hospital-after-most?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3176972/ufc-274-tony-ferguson-out-hospital-after-most?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 May 2022 12:28:25 +0000 Michael Chandler picked up one of the biggest wins of his career at UFC 274 – at the expense of fan favourite veteran Tony Ferguson. The two lightweights met in the middle bout of the event’s main card on Saturday night in Phoenix, Arizona. The former Bellator lightweight king Chandler was riding two straight losses, while Ferguson had lost his last three, so both men were in desperate need of a win. Ferguson, the former interim lightweight champion, started strong, stinging Chandler with a left... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3176931/ufc-274-michael-chandler-knocks-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3176931/ufc-274-michael-chandler-knocks-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 May 2022 03:50:42 +0000 Beneil Dariush called for a lightweight title eliminator after dominating former interim champ Tony Ferguson for a unanimous decision in Saturday night’s UFC 262 co-main event. Ferguson (26-6) received a huge ovation when he walked out at the Toyota Centre in Houston, Texas, but “El Cucuy” again looked like a shadow of his former self, suffering a third-straight defeat. No 9-ranked Dariush (21-4-1) extended his win streak to seven, earning 30-27 scorecards across the board, but was loudly booed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3133659/ufc-262-beneil-dariush-dominates-tony?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3133659/ufc-262-beneil-dariush-dominates-tony?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 May 2021 04:34:47 +0000 Tony Ferguson may be fighting Beneil Dariush this weekend at UFC 262, but “El Cucuy” took a dig at Michael Chandler during Thursday night’s press conference in Houston. Chandler faces Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in Saturday night’s main event. Though former UFC interim champ Ferguson feels the former Bellator king has been given a leg up since switching promotions last year and making a stunning debut with a first-round TKO of Dan Hooker in January. “You [expletive] dodged... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3133489/ufc-262-tony-ferguson-decries-michael?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3133489/ufc-262-tony-ferguson-decries-michael?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 May 2021 08:30:01 +0000 Tony Ferguson has continued his trash talking of now officially retired Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) via Twitter. Ferguson, the former interim lightweight champion (26-5), whose five previous scheduled bouts with “The Eagle” all fell through for various reasons, once again called the Dagestani a “fathead” via Twitter and said he should have a record of “29-1”. The undefeated Russian star, who last fought Justin Gaethje in 2020, met with UFC president Dana White last week before the pair confirmed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126454/ufc-tony-ferguson-continues-his-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126454/ufc-tony-ferguson-continues-his-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:18:46 +0000 Confirmation of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s “official” retirement has shaken up the former UFC lightweight champion’s division, with several contenders already weighing in. The undefeated Russian (29-0) met UFC president Dana White last week before the pair confirmed they had respectfully parted ways, with Nurmagomedov’s vacated belt to be contested between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira. Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson, whose five previous scheduled bouts with “The Eagle” all fell through for various... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126166/ufc-tony-ferguson-tells-fathead-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126166/ufc-tony-ferguson-tells-fathead-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Mar 2021 08:59:26 +0000 UFC lightweight contender Kevin Lee (18-6) is back in training after undergoing double knee surgery, and he’s already plotting his return to the Octagon. Lee’s knee injuries have kept him out of action since a March 2020 submission loss to Charles Oliveira (30-8, one no contest). While he never intended to spend so much time on the sidelines, he said the unplanned lay-off has helped him refocus. “My issues with the sport have always been mental,” the 28-year-old American told SCMP MMA from Las... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122725/ufc-kevin-lee-targets-tony-ferguson-rematch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122725/ufc-kevin-lee-targets-tony-ferguson-rematch?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Feb 2021 03:33:11 +0000 UFC lightweight contender Tony Ferguson (25-5) is back on the grind after losing his second fight on the trot in December – and it seems he is channelling Hong Kong’s own legendary filmmaker Stephen Chow Sing-chi to do it. “El Cucuy”, who lost to Charles Oliveira (30-8, one no contest) via unanimous decision at UFC 256, was tweeting updates on physical and mental training before quoting from a fight scene in Chow’s martial arts comedy Kung Fu Hustle (2004). “Who would have ever thought the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118020/ufc-tony-ferguson-quotes-funny-hong-kong-film?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118020/ufc-tony-ferguson-quotes-funny-hong-kong-film?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Jan 2021 09:33:27 +0000 Tony Ferguson has broken his silence after his UFC 256 defeat against Charles Oliveira. The 31-year-old Brazilian (30-8, one no contest) took a unanimous decision at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night to hand former interim champ “El Cucuy” (26-5) a second straight defeat. Ferguson’s fifth-round TKO loss to Justin Gaethje in May had snapped a 12-fight win streak that had propelled him to a showdown with Khabib Nurmagomedov, before their highly anticipated match-up was scrapped for a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3114039/ufc-tony-ferguson-explains-how-he-didnt-tap?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3114039/ufc-tony-ferguson-explains-how-he-didnt-tap?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Dec 2020 09:03:59 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov is not closing the door on attempting to make a match-up with Tony Ferguson for a sixth time. But the UFC lightweight champ thinks “El Cucuy” is “finished”. With both men riding 12-fight win streaks in the UFC, their highly-anticipated bout fell apart on a fifth occasion in April after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, with the 32-year-old Russian “Eagle” (30-0) stranded in his native Dagestan. Ferguson (26-4) pushed ahead and agreed to fight Justin Gaethje (22-2) for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105426/ufc-khabib-says-stupid-tony-ferguson-finished?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105426/ufc-khabib-says-stupid-tony-ferguson-finished?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Oct 2020 03:31:06 +0000 After seeing a potential UFC 254 showdown with fellow former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier fall apart, Tony Ferguson has threatened to move up a division to 170 pounds. “El Cucuy” (26-4) has not fought since a fifth-round TKO by Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May. Gaethje will fight 150-pound champ Khabib Nurmagomedov in the Fight Island main event on October 25. But Ferguson is growing frustrated with the organisation after claiming they lowballed him for the fight with Poirier (26-6),... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3104681/ufc-tony-ferguson-threatens-move-welterweight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3104681/ufc-tony-ferguson-threatens-move-welterweight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Oct 2020 07:15:30 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach thinks Conor McGregor is “hands down” still the hardest match-up out there for the UFC lightweight champion. Javier Mendez is set to fly to Dagestan to train Nurmagomedov (28-0) for his showdown with interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje (22-2) at UFC 254 on October 24. The Russian has concerns about conducting his camp at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose like usual, with coronavirus cases high in California. But asked who would be the toughest fight in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3096518/ufc-khabibs-coach-says-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3096518/ufc-khabibs-coach-says-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2020 11:17:55 +0000 Tony Ferguson is as hell-bent as ever on fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov, just there will be “no animosity” if the UFC tries to make the dream match-up for a sixth time. The coronavirus pandemic, and then Justin Gaethje, derailed the latest attempts to book the fight, with “The Highlight” winning a rescheduled UFC 249 main event against Ferguson by fifth-round TKO to claim the interim lightweight title. Gaethje and lightweight champ Nurmagomedov will fight to unify the belts at UFC 254 in October,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3095306/tony-ferguson-says-no-animosity-any-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3095306/tony-ferguson-says-no-animosity-any-more?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:18:49 +0000 Tony Ferguson finally broke his silence following his UFC interim lightweight title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May – “El Cucuy” wants to “run it back”. Ferguson (25-4), who was originally scheduled for a title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov weeks earlier, was on a 12-fight win streak before losing to Gaethje via fifth-round TKO. The Mexican-American replied to “The Highlight” Gaethje (22-2) tweet congratulating division contenders Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker for fight-of-the-year... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091746/ufc-tony-ferguson-wants-run-it-back-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091746/ufc-tony-ferguson-wants-run-it-back-against?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jul 2020 13:00:18 +0000 Daniel Cormier thinks his friend Dustin Poirier should avoid fighting Tony Ferguson and instead rematch Conor McGregor. Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Cormier (22-2, one no contest) also called fellow Lafayette, Louisiana-born Poirier the “second best lightweight in the division” after he beat Dan Hooker via unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 4 last Saturday. “The Diamond” Poirier (26-6, one no contest) had jokingly told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani to “let me rest” after the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091237/ufc-dustin-poirier-should-avoid-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091237/ufc-dustin-poirier-should-avoid-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:00:19 +0000 The “BMF” title holder Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal said he would consider fighting one of the sport’s most feared competitors – Khabib Nurmagomedov, who holds the UFC’s longest active win streak – and drop down from his regular weight class to do so. “If they pay me what I’m worth I will go down to 155,” said Masvidal, who normally fights at welterweight (170 pounds). “One hundred per cent I like what Khabib does. I like that he’s undefeated and one of the best lightweights, so just that obstacle... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090986/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-he-would-fight-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090986/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-he-would-fight-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jun 2020 10:00:18 +0000 UFC president Dana White revealed that Conor McGregor rejected the offer of replacing the Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson lightweight title fight scheduled earlier this year. White, who announced on Tuesday that “Fight Island” will be held in Abu Dhabi next month, said former double champion McGregor (22-4) had the “opportunity to slide in” should one of the two pull out in their now-cancelled April bout. American Justin Gaethje (22-2) stepped in on five weeks’ notice, beating Ferguson for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3088465/ufc-dana-white-says-conor-mcgregor-was?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3088465/ufc-dana-white-says-conor-mcgregor-was?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jun 2020 11:18:49 +0000 With the whole world still mostly cooped up in their homes, and no other sports to compete with for viewers, Justin Gaethje sent out a definitive statement during UFC 249 in Jacksonville, Florida. A war cry that he wants to be the one to unseat the king and knock a legend of the sport from his perch. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s 28-fight win streak, which has culminated in 12 straight UFC victories, is an impressive run to say the least. But this September, when UFC president Dana White has promised... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3085612/ufc-justin-gaethjes-beat-down-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3085612/ufc-justin-gaethjes-beat-down-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 May 2020 03:17:35 +0000 Neither Conor McGregor nor Tony Ferguson has a clear-cut fight following the events of UFC 249. So Eddie Bravo thinks they should face each other. Ferguson suffered a shock fifth-round TKO by new interim champ Justin Gaethje, who is now set to face lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov in September. McGregor has tried to goad Gaethje into fighting him instead, but Ferguson’s jiu-jitsu coach thinks “El Cucuy” makes the most sense for the former two-weight champion. “There’s gonna be a rematch... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3085037/ufc-tony-fergusons-coach-wants-him-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3085037/ufc-tony-fergusons-coach-wants-him-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2020 07:36:34 +0000 Tony Ferguson’s jiu-jitsu coach Eddie Bravo has admitted it was a “mistake” for him to enter the Octagon before the fifth round against Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. Bravo spoke to a bloodied and bruised “El Cucuy” on his stool and advised him to try an imanari roll with Ferguson getting beat up badly on his feet. Referee Herb Dean stepped in with a minute and change left to award Gaethje a TKO win and the interim lightweight title on May 9. In an appearance on UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3085021/ufc-tony-fergusons-coach-eddie-bravo-admits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3085021/ufc-tony-fergusons-coach-eddie-bravo-admits?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2020 06:36:25 +0000 Justin Gaethje gives his head coach Trevor Wittman all the credit for transforming him into the fighter he is today, or “The Highlight 2.0” if you will. But the new interim lightweight champion revealed he also used another famous source of inspiration for his shock fifth-round TKO win against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. Amid the chaotic peacefulness of going to war with “El Cucuy” in an empty VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville Florida, Gaethje was channelling none other than Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3084694/ufc-justin-gaethje-says-he-channelled-bruce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3084694/ufc-justin-gaethje-says-he-channelled-bruce?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2020 06:57:07 +0000 After all the bluster leading up to their cancelled UFC 249 title fight in Brooklyn, it would be hard to think Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson could put their bad blood to one side. The UFC lightweight champ sent a classy message after Ferguson’s shock fifth-round TKO defeat by Justin Gaethje in the rescheduled card’s main event last weekend, though. “Whatever happened is in the past,” the Russian wrote on Twitter. “Heads up Tony, I hope everything is good with you and your family. When... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3084687/ufc-tony-ferguson-tells-khabib-see-you-soon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3084687/ufc-tony-ferguson-tells-khabib-see-you-soon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2020 05:09:49 +0000 Conor McGregor certainly lit the fuse on the UFC lightweight division with a series of foul-mouthed tweets aimed at its stars on Monday night. Among the Irishman’s targets was Tony Ferguson, whom he said “is not the level perceived” after a shock fifth-round TKO loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. McGregor also claimed Ferguson “betrayed” Paradigm Sports Management, of which McGregor is a client, by leaving in April 2019 to sign with Ballangee Group. “You’re still my b****,” Ferguson wrote. “You... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3084193/ufc-conor-mcgregor-says-learn-how-box-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3084193/ufc-conor-mcgregor-says-learn-how-box-after?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2020 07:19:31 +0000 As the UFC finally made its triumphant return last weekend in Jacksonville, Florida, the promotion’s quintessential superstar wasn’t far behind in making sure he got his share of the spotlight. Conor McGregor wasted little time in inserting himself into all the fresh UFC 249 post-fight chatter as to where Dana White and company go from here, and he did it in typical McGregor fashion: a series of expletive-laden tweets. We can’t be surprised and should have expected this from McGregor. Getting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083989/ufc-dana-white-needs-conor-mcgregor-twitter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083989/ufc-dana-white-needs-conor-mcgregor-twitter?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2020 03:00:12 +0000 His face badly bruised and his orbital bone broken, Tony Ferguson still summoned the strength to get on the mic after his crushing TKO defeat by Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. “Remember we did this for you, to bring sports back,” he said in the Octagon. It’s easy to forget that a month ago “El Cucuy” was primed for the fight his whole career had been building up to – a tilt at lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in Brooklyn on April 18. After the coronavirus chaos put paid to it, he stepped up... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3084051/tony-ferguson-type-guy-save-day-ufc-so-give?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3084051/tony-ferguson-type-guy-save-day-ufc-so-give?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2020 11:32:15 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov has got no time for Conor McGregor’s latest rantings. The former featherweight and lightweight champion posted a series of tweets targeting Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje, and their Dominance MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz, as well as Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier after the dramatic events of UFC 249. “It’s me and Justin next as Khabib is the biggest bottle fighter in the game. Guarantee it,” McGregor wrote following Gaethje’s TKO win vs Ferguson. “Justin, there is no danger... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083979/ufc-khabib-ali-abdelaziz-fire-back-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083979/ufc-khabib-ali-abdelaziz-fire-back-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2020 06:54:26 +0000 Conor McGregor has stuck the knife in after Tony Ferguson’s first defeat in eight years. Ferguson (25-4) suffered a broken orbital bone in a fifth-round TKO loss – the first of his career – to new interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (22-2) at UFC 249 at the weekend, with his 12-fight win streak in the Octagon snapped. “I love Tony. We represented him amazingly at Paradigm sports and were betrayed for a promise of a baseball contract. But frame and preparation here was just embarrassing,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083967/ufc-249-conor-mcgregor-says-tony-ferguson-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083967/ufc-249-conor-mcgregor-says-tony-ferguson-not?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2020 05:38:14 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov has vowed to put his differences with Tony Ferguson behind him after the chances of them ever finally meeting in the Octagon potentially slipped away for good at UFC 249. “El Cucuy” suffered a fifth-round TKO in his interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje in an empty VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. UFC president Dana White confirmed lightweight champ Nurmagomedov will next fight Gaethje later this year. Ferguson has been matched up... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083875/ufc-khabib-says-tony-ferguson-beef-past-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083875/ufc-khabib-says-tony-ferguson-beef-past-he?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2020 12:22:11 +0000 UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson was in surprisingly good spirits a day after losing a stand-in interim title fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. Ferguson (25-4), who UFC president Dana White confirmed was one of two fighters to be transported to the hospital post-event, posted a video of himself dancing to Midnight Star’s Midas Touch in a hospital gown while holding what is presumably an IV drip. “Recovery dayze. When you’re about to get discharged from the hospital #LetMeOut... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083829/ufc-249-tony-ferguson-dances-his-hospital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083829/ufc-249-tony-ferguson-dances-his-hospital?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2020 09:03:17 +0000 As good as Justin Gaethje was at UFC 249, there was something undeniably off about Tony Ferguson’s performance. And Dana White thinks it has something to do with him cutting weight twice in a month. New interim lightweight champion Gaethje upset Ferguson via TKO after pummelling him for almost five rounds, with “El Cucuy” seeming to have none of his usual destructively creative vim and vigour in Jacksonville, Florida. Ferguson had been training to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov on April 18 before the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083713/ufc-249-dana-white-thinks-tony-ferguson-paid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083713/ufc-249-dana-white-thinks-tony-ferguson-paid?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 May 2020 10:27:52 +0000 Justin Gaethje was cruising to a unanimous decision win, and the interim UFC lightweight title, against Tony Ferguson. But then he went and added an exclamation point. “The Highlight” may not have got one of his trademark barnstorming knockouts, but he became the first man to knock out Ferguson with Herb Dean stepping in late in the fifth round to save “El Cucuy” from any further punishment. Ferguson had been peppered with brutal shots through five rounds, and to his credit ate them all. But he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083691/ufc-249-justin-gaethje-stops-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083691/ufc-249-justin-gaethje-stops-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 May 2020 05:58:06 +0000 Within a few seconds of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first YouTube episode previewing UFC 249, set to take place on Saturday, May 9 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s clear things are different and we have entered a brave new world. Alex Baez, the UFC’s Octagon & Warehouse manager, talks about the extra logistics and precautionary steps being taken for the next three UFC events, which will all take place in Jacksonville, none of them will be in front of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083289/ufc-249-gives-first-glimpse-post-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083289/ufc-249-gives-first-glimpse-post-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 May 2020 12:00:11 +0000 There wasn’t a hint of animosity between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje as they shared jokes and compliments on Tuesday night’s UFC 249 media conference call. “I need my nose broken … I haven’t been able to breathe through my nose for 12 years because of wrestling, so hopefully one of those elbows cracks my nose, the UFC pays for that s***, and it’s an exciting ass fight,” Gaethje said. The comment prompted a howl of laughter from Ferguson, who said “I love it – ‘insurance claim!’”. “He’s got... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083149/justin-gaethje-hopes-tony-ferguson-breaks-my?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083149/justin-gaethje-hopes-tony-ferguson-breaks-my?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2020 08:42:25 +0000 In case you wanted an idea of just what kind of testing procedures the fighters on the UFC 249 card will be put through, Tony Ferguson has got your back. The UFC is implementing strict Covid-19 testing procedures for all fighters, camps, judges, production crew – you name it – as it looks to deliver on its promise of safely hosting events, starting with May 9’s behind-closed-doors show at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. “I went through the testing process today,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083133/ufc-249-tony-ferguson-posts-vivid-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083133/ufc-249-tony-ferguson-posts-vivid-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2020 07:54:37 +0000 Tony Ferguson may officially be fighting to win his second interim lightweight title. But he doesn’t see it that way at all. “El Cucuy” won his first interim belt against Kevin Lee in October 2017. But he was stripped after a freak injury in fight week ruled him out of a bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title, which had been stripped from Conor McGregor for inactivity. The Russian went on to beat Al laquinta to become undisputed champion. That was the fourth time the Ferguson... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083102/ufc-249-tony-ferguson-says-forget-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083102/ufc-249-tony-ferguson-says-forget-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2020 06:30:09 +0000 Tony Ferguson may be “The Boogeyman” of the UFC lightweight division, but Justin Gaethje is confident he has the power the turn the lights out on him at UFC 249. Gaethje (21-2) fights Ferguson (25-3) for the interim lightweight title in Jacksonville, Florida on May 9, and is coming off three first-round TKO victories. “Tony Ferguson is a great competitor, 12 wins in a row – but I knock him out cold,” Gaethje said on UFC 249 Countdown. “I’m gonna fight until I’m finished, or I’m gonna fight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082777/ufc-249-justin-gaethje-predicts-i-knock-tony?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082777/ufc-249-justin-gaethje-predicts-i-knock-tony?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 May 2020 09:30:16 +0000 Justin Gaethje might be in for a long night against Tony Ferguson when the Octagon door closes at UFC 249. Ferguson (25-3) and Gaethje (21-2) will battle for the interim lightweight title in the main event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 9. And “El Cucuy” has sent his opponent some chilling warnings. “I train like a f****** vicious dude. I’m always preparing for three to four people. And that’s why I’m ahead of schedule,” Ferguson said on UFC 249 Countdown. “I haven’t had this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082727/ufc-249-tony-ferguson-warns-justin-gaethje-i?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082727/ufc-249-tony-ferguson-warns-justin-gaethje-i?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 May 2020 06:43:14 +0000 Tony Ferguson may be on an identical 12-fight win streak like Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC, but Eddie Alvarez doesn’t see “El Cucuy” handing the lightweight champion his first loss. Nurmagomedov (28-0) and Ferguson (25-3) have dominated the division but their highly anticipated UFC 249 clash on April 18 was scrapped again because of the global coronavirus pandemic. Ferguson will now fight No 4-ranked Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title on a rescheduled card on May 9, and the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082691/ufc-eddie-alvarez-says-no-one-can-beat-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082691/ufc-eddie-alvarez-says-no-one-can-beat-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 May 2020 03:07:44 +0000 Donald Cerrone is in an interesting position when it comes to predicting the UFC 249 main event. “Cowboy” has fought Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje in his last two fights at lightweight, both TKO losses in 2019 that put the brakes on his bid for a title shot. Ferguson has not fought since beating Cerrone at UFC 238 last June by doctor’s stoppage at the end of the second round, with Cerrone’s right eye swollen shut. “Coming out into that third round, I’m glad they called the fight,” Cerrone... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082418/ufc-249-donald-cerrone-gives-prediction-tony?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082418/ufc-249-donald-cerrone-gives-prediction-tony?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 May 2020 03:44:49 +0000 It could be a while before Dana White tries to book Tony Ferguson vs Khabib Nurmagomedov again. Even if Ferguson beats Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 249 on May 9, UFC president White admitted he is a little hesitant to try to make the match-up for a sixth time. The latest attempt at booking MMA fans’ dream fight was curtailed by a global pandemic, of all things, after injuries and weight cut issues on both sides had scuppered it four times since 2015. Asked in a Reddit... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082246/ufc-dana-white-afraid-what-will-happen-next?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082246/ufc-dana-white-afraid-what-will-happen-next?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2020 02:49:27 +0000 UFC president Dana White says lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will “100 per cent” defend his title against the winner of the postponed UFC 249 bout between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje. The reallocated UFC 249 card will happen in Jacksonville, Florida on May 10. “The Ferguson vs Gaethje fight is one of the most violent fights you will see. I can guarantee that. This fight is going to be incredible,” White said to ESPN on Instagram Live. -CSO- #ufc249 https://t.co/tOWasE32nR — Tony... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081753/ufc-dana-white-says-khabib-will-be-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081753/ufc-dana-white-says-khabib-will-be-back?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2020 09:36:14 +0000 Former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez believes Conor McGregor would beat Tony Ferguson should they share the Octagon in future – but doesn’t see things go any differently if the Irishman rematches Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ferguson (25-3) was set to fight for the UFC lightweight title against champion Nurmagomedov at UFC 249 last weekend, but the bout was scrapped amid logistical chaos caused by the coronavirus pandemic. With Khabib (28-0) stranded in Russia, the 36-year-old Ferguson has agreed to a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081716/ufc-conor-mcgregor-can-beat-tony-ferguson-has?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081716/ufc-conor-mcgregor-can-beat-tony-ferguson-has?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2020 07:39:57 +0000 The UFC has confirmed its rescheduled UFC 249 event will take place at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on May 9. It will be the first of three events at the venue, with subsequent cards on May 13 and 16 to be announced at a later date. The events will be closed to the public amid the Covid-19 pandemic and will be produced with only “essential personnel” there, said a press release. “I can’t wait to deliver some great fights for the fans,” said UFC president Dana... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081536/ufc-249-card-confirmed-may-9-florida-venue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081536/ufc-249-card-confirmed-may-9-florida-venue?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2020 05:06:35 +0000 Georges St-Pierre revived talk of a super fight against UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov last week, but admitted it’s still a long shot. Ali Abdelaziz thinks it can still happen, though. “He’s the greatest fighter of all time. And he’s a very good friend of mine, I love Georges,” Abdelaziz told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “Khabib is my brother, I’m very close with him. If Georges St-Pierre wanted to fight, it’s very simple: we can make this happen.” Former UFC welterweight champion... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081269/ufc-khabib-manager-gives-georges-st-pierre?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081269/ufc-khabib-manager-gives-georges-st-pierre?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2020 11:00:13 +0000 Ali Abdelaziz thinks Tony Ferguson has never dealt with power like Justin Gaethje’s and will be in for a rude awakening when the two meet for the interim lightweight title. Gaethje’s manager told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that, having watched “The Highlight” training up close and personal this week with his Dominance MMA teammates, he has never been more confident in the No 4-ranked lightweight. “Tony Ferguson is an unorthodox, crazy fighter who come at you with different angles,” Abdelaziz said.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081260/ufc-ali-abdelaziz-asks-tony-ferguson-if-hes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081260/ufc-ali-abdelaziz-asks-tony-ferguson-if-hes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:18:37 +0000 With Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson getting scrapped for a fifth time simply building even more anticipation for the match-up, you’d think the UFC would keep both guys on ice. But with lightweight champ Khabib stranded in Russia amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and about to begin Ramadan (which rules him out from fighting again until August at the earliest), the UFC is switching gears. Justin Gaethje is stepping into the breach to fight Ferguson for the interim lightweight title, reportedly on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081229/ufc-justin-gaethje-out-royally-screw-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3081229/ufc-justin-gaethje-out-royally-screw-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2020 07:40:53 +0000 Conor McGregor clearly wasn’t too impressed to see Tony Ferguson make weight on Friday for his now-cancelled UFC 249 fight against Justin Gaethje. “Hahahajaj. You will be bet to the absolute nucleus pulposus when I get you, kid,” former feather lightweight and featherweight champ McGregor wrote in an almost incoherent tweet (which was later deleted). The Irishman’s message came after Ferguson posted a video of himself weighing in at 155lbs, on what would have been the day before his showdown... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3080552/ufc-tony-ferguson-tells-drunk-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3080552/ufc-tony-ferguson-tells-drunk-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2020 11:58:15 +0000