There was a time when lightweight was considered the most stacked division in UFC. During the reign of Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov, only Tony Ferguson was considered a worthy adversary for the AKA prospect by many. However, things have changed, and now the likes of Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are fighting for the next potential shot at the 155-pound glory.
Given his recent majority decision win against Rafael Fiziev, Gaethje is still regarded as one of the leading lightweights in the sport. “The Highlight”, who is 34 years old, is aware that every fighter has a time limit and that everyone must eventually retire.
Justin Gaethje on Tony Ferguson retirement rumors
Years after destroying Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, Justin Gaethje speaks up about his former opponent’s decline and acknowledges his admiration for him. Gaethje defeated Ferguson in May 2020, snapping his 12-fight winning streak and handing the Californian his first setback in eight years.
Ferguson has endured a difficult losing streak since then, dropping five straight fights. The 34 years old realizes the psychological toll that such losses can have on a fighter and is sympathetic to Ferguson’s plight.
The 34 years old said, “We’re all on a timeline and us in our mid 30’s are near the end.” Indirectly suggesting the optimal time to retire from UFC.
"I hope all of us have people that love us enough to have that conversation."
Justin Gaethje addresses whether former foe Tony Ferguson should retire.#UFC291 | Full video: https://t.co/Bo3ey5TinY pic.twitter.com/Meza7E6tsh
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 27, 2023
But Tony Ferguson who is now on a difficult five-fight losing streak, seems to have some other plans. He has reiterated that he has no plans to retire anytime soon. The former interim lightweight champion “El Cucuy” of the UFC feels he is still in his prime and has not yet reached the heights of his fighting abilities.
Ferguson looks entirely focused on making a comeback against Bobby Green at UFC 291 and is optimistic that better days are coming for his fighting career. The 39 years old dismisses any thoughts of retirement and states that he will stop fighting when he makes the decision to do so.
El Cucuy aims to end 5-match losing streak
Tony Ferguson, aka “El Cucuy,” wants to snap his five-match UFC losing streak. The American, who had a record-setting 12-fight winning streak and was once a formidable force in the lightweight division, has struggled professionally.
His opponent Bobby ‘King’ Green still looks to decent inside the Octagon. But Tony has reinstated his desire to carry on before pretty much every recent defeat of his.
Perhaps the Mexican is looking to pick up atleast one win and call it a career in somewhat of a high note.
His recent losses include Nate Diaz, Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje. He fought bravely in his most recent fight at UFC 279 versus Diaz, but despite his valiant efforts, got defeated by a guillotine choke in the fourth round, continuing the losing streak.
Do you think Tony has any chance of recapturing his earlier form? Or should he retire? Comment below and let us know!
