After an illustrious career of nearly 14 years, Tony Ferguson, the former interim UFC lightweight champion and celebrated winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” has made the momentous decision to part ways with the UFC. His career record stands at 25 wins against 11 losses in mixed martial arts (MMA), with 15 wins and 9 losses under the UFC banner. This exit marks a significant transition for Ferguson as he embarks on a new journey in the fight world.
Following the end of his UFC journey, Ferguson’s future now seems bright as he has already signed with the Global Fight League (GFL), a new promotion set to make its debut in 2025. This team-oriented MMA league is designed to introduce a fresh format to the sport, which could invigorate the competitive landscape of MMA. His draft eligibility was confirmed by the promotion, and he is now part of an exciting new venture that promises to re-invent his career in the octagon.
The landscape of GFL is shaping up to be intriguing, particularly with former adversary Kevin Lee’s recent call-out towards Ferguson. Lee, who holds a professional record of 19 wins and 8 losses, expressed a desire for a rematch to seek redemption for the submission defeat he suffered against Ferguson during their interim lightweight title clash in October 2017. This potential matchup, if it comes to fruition, could be a highlight of Ferguson’s new journey in the GFL.
Ferguson’s recent past has been a challenging one, characterized by a streak of bad luck and performance discrepancies. He currently holds the record for the most consecutive losses in the UFC, with his eighth consecutive defeat coming from a submission loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC on ABC 7 this past August. Despite UFC CEO Dana White’s advice for Ferguson to consider retirement, “El Cucuy” has displayed resilience, insisting that he still possesses the fighting spirit and determination to compete.
Being 40 years old and facing a series of defeats raises questions about Ferguson’s readiness to compete at a high level. Once the holder of one of the longest winning streaks in UFC history—achieving an incredible 12 consecutive victories—Ferguson’s journey back to the top will require not just physical stamina but also mental fortitude. As the GFL draft approaches, the fighter finds himself at a crossroads, with his future hanging in the balance. If he is selected, he would be under contract with the GFL; if not, he would face the uncertain status of free agency.
Tony Ferguson’s departure from the UFC and his new alliance with GFL signify not just a change in scenery but potentially a new beginning in his fight legacy. With the promise of fresh challenges and the chance to rekindle old rivalries, Ferguson’s story is far from over; rather, it’s entering an exciting new chapter.