Please Don’t Sign With BKFC
Tony Ferguson was soundly defeated by Paddy Pimblett at the UFC 296 pay-per-view (PPV) event last Sat. night (Dec. 16) in Las Vegas, getting knocked around for all three rounds and somehow surviving a “Baddy” blitzkrieg to close out the opening frame.
This marks the seventh straight loss for “El Cucuy,” who is now tied with former two-division champion, BJ Penn, for the longest losing streak in the history of the promotion.
It’s not my position (or anyone else’s) to decide when a fighter should retire. That said, at some point it becomes irresponsible for the promotion, and to a larger degree the state athletic commission, to license a fighter who is a danger to themselves.
Ferguson, who turns 40 in just a few weeks, is too tough for his own good.
At this stage of his combat sports career, the former Ultimate Fighter champion should consider a transition to coaching. His insight and experience rival that of any fighter (past or present) and “El Cucuy” has so much more to give to the sport of MMA.
Just not inside the cage.
Ferguson, like any real fighter, may never lose the itch to compete. If UFC decides to throw in the towel, like it did with former middleweight champion Anderson Silva, then Ferguson may find opportunities outside of MMA, perhaps in boxing or bareknuckle fighting.
I can’t speak to the motivations of promoters outside of UFC but the fan-favorite Ferguson still has name value. It would just be a shame to see him exploited at this stage of his career simply to get a few more tickets sold, or a couple of more PPVs purchased on fight night.
Expect to hear more on this at the UFC 296 press conference (watch it here).
For complete UFC 296 results and live play-by-play updates click here. To check out the latest and greatest UFC 296: “Edwards vs. Covington” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
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