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Nicolas Atkin

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 until Tony’s finished. That’s what I’ve always done. I possess the power to turn his lights off, and I believe I will.


Cardio could be a key to victory in the contest this weekend, and Gaethje certainly won’t be found wanting in that department.
“My work ethic comes through my genetics,” he said. “Three generations working in the copper mines in Arizona, both sides of my family. You know, hard work was instilled in me. I give max effort and outside that I don’t care what happens, that’s what makes me so dangerous.”
UFC: Tony warns Gaethje ‘I haven’t had this confidence in a long time’
Gaethje’s head coach, Trevor Wittman, sees that element of danger up close and personal every day in training camp.
“Justin’s got such a unique mental state to him that he’s just like, ‘Oh, who cares?’ That allows him not to hesitate,” Wittman said. “He goes out there and he tries things and he puts on exciting fights.
“So if you got a guy who can go out there and finish people and has been consistent, you’ve got a great shot.”

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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

UFC 249: Justin Gaethje predicts ‘I knock Tony Ferguson out cold’

Justin Gaethje moves in for the finish after dropping Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver. Photo: USA Today

UFC 249: Tony Ferguson warns Justin Gaethje ‘I haven’t had this confidence in a long time’

Tony Ferguson gets ready to fight Donald Cerrone at UFC 238. Photo: USA Today

FILE - In this June 8, 2019, file photo, Tony Ferguson, right, punches Donald Cerrone, left, during their lightweight mixed martial arts bout at UFC 238 in Chicago. The UFC says Ferguson will fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title in the main event of UFC 249 on April 18, 2020. The mixed martial arts promotion announced the matchup Monday, April 6, 2020. Gaethje replaces lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is apparently unable to leave Russia during the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski, File)

UFC: Eddie Alvarez says no one can beat Khabib at 155 pounds – ‘I don’t even like the Tony Ferguson match-up’

Dana White separates Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) and Tony Ferguson at the UFC 249 press conference. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC: Donald Cerrone sees ‘end of the tunnel’ coming in MMA career ‘and it sucks’

Donald Cerrone is introduced before fighting Conor McGregor at UFC 246. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

UFC 249: Donald Cerrone gives prediction for Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje

Tony Ferguson punches Donald Cerrone during their lightweight bout at UFC 238 in Chicago. Photo: AP

UFC: Dana White ‘afraid what will happen next’ if he makes Khabib vs Tony Ferguson again

Dana White separates Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) and Tony Ferguson during the UFC 249 press conference. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

FILE PHOTO: Jun 8, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Tony Ferguson (red gloves) before fighting Donald Cerrone (blue gloves) during UFC 238 at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Sport

Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts


Gaethje says ‘I possess the power to turn his lights off, and I believe I will’ ahead of interim lightweight title fight
‘I give max effort and outside that I don’t care what happens, that’s what makes me so dangerous’



Justin Gaethje says he possesses the power to turn Tony Ferguson’s lights off at UFC 249, and believes he will when they clash for the interim lightweight title.


UFC 249

Tony Ferguson