UFC fans are pleading with Tony Ferguson not to return to the octagon after teasing a comeback on New Year's Day.
The legendary lightweight was once the most feared man in the world at 155 pounds, and for years was seen as the potential kryptonite for Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, since their 2020 clash collapsed due to the coronavirus lockdown, he has not won a single fight.
Ferguson is currently on a rare eight-fight losing streak, but seems to be constantly getting opportunities for a return from the UFC. And two days ago he teased one last roll of the dice, months after refusing to retire when submitted by Michael Chiesa.
Tony Ferguson teases UFC comeback after eight losses
Tony Ferguson has looked different since his fight with Nurmagomedov was called off again in April 2020 while the world was on lockdown. He insisted on gaining weight before the scheduled date but has struggled to maintain his form since.
He was defeated viciously by Justin Gaethje before suffering a further seven defeats, four of which were stoppages. His run started with top names like Gaethje, Michael Chandler or Charles Oliveira, but he has since been beaten by much lesser known names like Chiesa or Paddy Pimblett.
To welcome the new year, Ferguson has teased another fight, telling fans on Instagram that he “completely destroyed myself… to reinvent it.”
“As an artist I want to show something you have never seen before,” he wrote. “Happy New Year crew. 2025 in my sights – Champ. CSO # Stay tuned and watch the magic unfold. New missions recognized. #MrDestiny. Fighting news coming soon”
Tony Ferguson refused to retire after the latest defeat
In August, Ferguson was submitted within a round by Michael Chiesa on a fight night in Abu Dhabi. His rival himself was on a career-threatening three-fight losing streak before securing victory, which has revitalized his career.
And afterwards, Ferguson got real about his prospects, laying down one gauntlet but refusing to fully commit to retirement. In an emotional post-fight interview, he told Daniel Cormier: “I don't want to retire.
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“No way. But I love the UFC and I don't want to go anywhere else, so I'm not going to lay down both gloves. I'm going to post one and keep the other one just in case.”
However, in a video filmed by official UFC cameras immediately after that speech, he seemed more defiant about sticking with the sport. He told the social media team: “I'm not done yet, it's not time yet, man. I have a lot of things to work on.”
Fans beg Tony Ferguson not to fight again as he teases Octagon return
Ferguson's announcement of news of a fight return was not received too positively by UFC fans. He is one of the most beloved competitors in MMA history, and there is a feeling that running any further could not only damage his legacy, but also his long-term health.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
“Tony Ferguson, you are literally my favorite fighter of all time,” one fan wrote in an emotional plea. “Please stop. I know you want to win before you retire, but there's a time when everyone has to quit somewhere. Please stop fighting, we love you Tony, we don't want you to get hurt anymore.
Another less positive fan wrote that Ferguson “Literally won't win a single fight in 2025.” There were positive sentiments, but many seemed to be trolling the implications that Ferguson might be gearing up for a final title run.
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