UFC fan favorite Tony Ferguson needs a win this weekend. He will take on former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler at UFC 274, and although Chandler will enter the Octagon on a two-fight skid, Tony Ferguson’s three-fight losing streak is not the sort of thing he wants to be remembered by. Ferguson said on UFC Countdown that he’s returned to his “wrestling roots”, even flying out his old college wrestling coach, ahead of the big fight.
“I wasn’t able to perform to my best abilities during my training camps. I was more afraid of everybody else learning my trade and learning what I’ve got because I like that little bit of Mysterio.
Tony Ferguson Returns to “Wrestling Roots” For Upcoming Chandler Fight
I’ve been to the top, I’ve been to the bottom, but I don’t want to lose again. So, I’m going back to my wrestling roots. Brought back my old coach from Grand Valley State University, coach Dave Mills. Brought him back to kick my ass, it’s working really well, getting my legs back in shape, Chandler’s not going to know what to do.”
Interestingly, both Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler have lost to the same fighters. Justin Gaethje knocked Tony Ferguson out in a one-sided affair, while in Chandler’s last outing he was outscored by Gaethje. Ferguson lost via decision to current champ Charles Oliveira, while Chandler failed to clinch the UFC lightweight strap when Oliveira defeated him via TKO to claim the belt.
Tony Ferguson is hoping that his return to brutal, aggressive wrestling will make a clear statement on Saturday night. “Can’t go up to the wrestling chart and look after every f*****g match.
I used to do that, boss would be like ‘yo quit doing that, why are you worried (about) who you are going to wrestle next’. I’m going to go out there and get the f*****g job done because I don’t have to worry about that anymore. That’s a scary f*****g feeling for that guy. Chandler, you’re gonna have your hands full.”
Tony Ferguson, prior to losing to Justin Gaethje, had not lost a fight in seven years. Tony’s lurching, unpredictable fighting style made him a star among fight fans, and his penchant for uncommon finishes like the D’Arce choke made Ferguson a force to be reckoned with at lightweight. With three losses weighing heavily on his record, Tony will look to leave it all in the Octagon at UFC 274.
Do you think Tony’s return to wrestling will be enough to overcome Michael Chandler, or is this yet another loss waiting to happen? Let us know in the comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eSSohinmcs
