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In a poignant moment at UFC Abu Dhabi, Tony Ferguson hinted that his storied career might be nearing its end after suffering his eighth consecutive loss, this time to Michael Chiesa. The former interim lightweight champion struggled to find his footing in the fight, which ended with Chiesa securing a victory via rear-naked choke at 3:44 of the opening round.
Chiesa, who was also coming off three losses, delivered a clinical performance, swiftly transitioning from a slick takedown to the submission that sealed Ferguson's fate. Reflecting on his long road back to the win column, Chiesa dedicated much of his post-fight interview to Ferguson, acknowledging the tough journey both fighters had endured.
Ferguson’s attempts to showcase his striking were thwarted when Chiesa took him to the ground, quickly locking in the decisive submission. As Ferguson awaited his chance to address the Abu Dhabi crowd, he removed his gloves, a symbolic gesture often signaling retirement. However, he stopped short of making an official announcement.
“I know I could have did better,” Ferguson admitted. “I’ve got to give it to Michael. He was just on point with that hook.”
Despite the setback, Ferguson left a sliver of hope for his fans, indicating that he wasn’t quite ready to hang up his gloves for good.
“I don’t want to retire,” he said. “I really don’t, but I love the UFC and I don’t want to go anywhere else. So I’m not going to put both gloves down. I’m going to put one and I’m going to keep the other one just in case.”
If Ferguson’s career does come to an end, it closes a chapter filled with remarkable highs and lingering questions. Known for his relentless fighting style and unyielding spirit, Ferguson spent years chasing a bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov, a matchup that seemed perpetually cursed and never materialized. Despite this, Ferguson’s tenure in the UFC saw him rise to the rank of interim champion and become a perennial contender in the lightweight division.
His contributions to the sport and his penchant for thrilling performances have left an indelible mark on MMA. Ferguson's career, marked by both triumphs and trials, will be remembered as one of the most intriguing stories in UFC history.
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