Despite eight straight losses between 2020 and 2024, lightweight legend Tony 'El Cucuy' Ferguson has long secured his place in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Amid speculation that his UFC tenure has finally come to an end, Bloody Elbow takes fans back in time to his iconic 12-fight winning streak; Particularly, when it came close to its most dramatic ends.
This is the story of one of the best comeback victories in UFC history as Tony Ferguson survived four knockdowns in 10 seconds before locking in a sensational choke against a 'groovy' newcomer.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Tony Ferguson vs Lando Vannata was a 'fight for the ages'
Heading into UFC Fight Night 91 in 2016, Tony Ferguson ran rampant through the lightweight division—a seven-fight winning streak with impressive wins over Edson Barboza, Josh Thomson and Gleison Tibau.
On FN 91 in South Dakota, Ferguson was meant to face Michael Chiesa, but after “Maverick” pulled out, he landed New Jersey-born promotional newcomer, Lando “Groovy” Vannata.
Despite this being his UFC debut and a whopping 97% of tapology users picking against him, Vannata showed no signs of nerves as he came down with his hands and unleashed his punch.
After four minutes of intense back and forth action, Vannata would catch a kick and return it with vicious intent; Dropping Ferguson with a devastating high kick to stun the crowd.
As 'El Cucuy' staggered back to his feet, Vannata would land a sweeping left hand to send the popular Californian back to the canvas.
For a third and then fourth time in quick succession, Ferguson tried to get back up, only to be knocked down again and again – surely, this fight was done and dusted, right? Wrong.
Ferguson's legendary recovery powers meant he came out for the second round revitalized and rejuvenated, finding his rhythm on the feet and snapping Vannata's head backwards with a classic Superman Punch.
As 'Groovy' attempted to slow Ferguson's advance, he exposed his neck – a death sentence against such an accomplished submission artist as Ferguson… just seconds later, 'El Cucuy' had won the fight via D'Arce Choke, the third such submission of his career.
Tony Ferguson is reportedly leaving UFC and signing with new MMA promotion
The reason we're highlighting this crazy comeback win from 2016 is because it was just reported that Tony Ferguson signed with a new MMA promotion called the Global Fight League.
“@Tonyfergusonxt sign with the Global Fight League. #MMA #GFL #USA,” the promotion wrote on Instagram earlier today alongside an image featuring the former UFC champion.
Fans have been taken aback by the announcement, with many pointing out that Ferguson has not confirmed the move, nor has he even been officially released by the UFC.
As noted by MMA on Point, “multiple fighters have refuted signing with the GFL, accusing them of false advertising,” so we'll have to wait and see how this story unfolds.
Whether Ferguson fights in this new promotion or not, he remains one of the best lightweights in UFC history and perhaps the most beloved 155ers to ever compete in the Octagon.
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