7 defeats and 7 years later, Tony Ferguson finally has sparring session ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi

Tony Ferguson says he got in over 120 rounds of sparring sessions before welterweight showdown.

7 defeats and 7 years later, Tony Ferguson finally has sparring session ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi

Tony Ferguson gets the rounds in before facing Michael Chiesa next (Source: IMAGO/X)

Tony Ferguson is back for UFC on ABC 7, which takes place on August 3 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Well into the Fight Week, he opened up about returning to welterweight and facing Michael Chiesa. During a media availability round presser, he nudged in on having incorporated some changes in camp.

A dubious record awaits Tony Ferguson if he cannot snatch this win. ‘El Cucuy’ and his seven-fight losing streak is tied with B.J. Penn for longest in company history. He hasn’t won since 2019. Dana White didn’t shy away from saying so during December’s UFC 296 pay-per-view post-fight interviews. However, the 40-year-old has made changes to the camp.

I had two surgeries, and that was the kick...knew I need to get my sh*t together and I went back to sparring, after seven years, ...I’ve put in about 120 rounds or more of sparring. I’ve put a lot of wrestling in, good training partners…
Tony Ferguson during UFC on ABC 7 Fight Week interviews and Open Media Workout day; ?: @ufc
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The veteran lightweight once put together a 13-fight UFC winning streak. But, after he last lost out to up-and-comer Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296, that record is running strong in the negative gradient. He trained with Ex-Navy SEAL David Goggins during UFC 296 camp. Much had been made about him not veering to sparring roots and instead extending his cardio. Hence, Ferguson is making some changes.

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Ferguson will be fighting to avoid a dubious all-time UFC mark where no one is clamoring to fight him anymore. Yet again, White told reporters at the UFC 302 post-fight news conference that Ferguson should retire. The pressure test could not get any higher for him at UFC on ABC 7, with even the boss wanting an out. However, he might just have some positive things working his way against Michael Chiesa.

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UFC Abu Dhabi pre-facts: Can ‘El Cucuy’ hold the chokehold?

When Tony Ferguson enters UFC on ABC 7, he’ll do so at the 170-pound mark. ‘El Cucuy’ is 1-1 with the promotion in the weight class. But, the consensus MMA clique opinion is that a one-up might suit him better than a lightweight. That is because Ferguson carries his musculatures well. He is equally good parts wrestler and striker.

Can Tony Ferguson win at UFC on ABC 7?
Can Tony Ferguson win at UFC on ABC 7? (Source: es.agfight.com/X)

More than that, Michael Chiesa thinks this fight is an equal opportunity legacy rebound. Speaking on The MMA Hour, Chiesa justified that he himself is on a 0-3 bleed; it’s not like they are throwing a lightweight to the wolves. More to it, a 50 percent Tony Ferguson is still just enough amount of “Tony Ferguson.” A man who is infamous for his chokes.

Ferguson’s ten stoppage victories in UFC lightweight competition tie for fourth-most in divisional history behind Charles Oliveira and others. He is not an extreme submission specialist. However, his three D’Arce choke wins in UFC competition are the second most in company history behind Vicente Luque.

Ferguson is one of five fighters in UFC history to win a title fight via triangle choke. ‘El Cucuy’ accomplished this feat against Kevin Lee at UFC 216. If he does indeed capitalize on his extended cardio and takedown outbursts like the ‘El Cucuy’ of old, White might have to reconsider his stance. Luque or a legacy challenge with Nick Diaz will be up for grabs very soon if he manages a win.

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