Tony Ferguson Explained

Tony Ferguson
Nickname:El Cucuy
Birth Name:Anthony Armand Ferguson Padilla
Birth Date:12 February 1984
Birth Place:Oxnard, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in
Weight:170 lbs[1]
Weight Class:Lightweight (2011–2021, 2023)
Welterweight (2008–2011, 2022, 2024-present)
Reach:[2] [3]
Fighting Out Of:Orange County, California, U.S.Oxnard, California, U.S.
Trainer:Strength and Conditioning: David Goggins
Boxing: Rashad Holloway, Joseph Janik (Former)
Muay Thai: Billy Fonua
Jiu-Jitsu: Eddie Bravo, Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller (Former)[4]
Rank:Black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu under Eddie Bravo[5]
Wrestling:NCWA Wrestling[6]
Years Active:2008–present
Mma Kowin:12
Mma Subwin:8
Mma Decwin:5
Mma Koloss:2
Mma Subloss:4
Mma Decloss:5
Sherdog:31239
Medaltemplates: Grand Valley State Lakers
University:Central Michigan UniversityGrand Valley State College

Anthony Armand Ferguson Padilla[7] (born February 12, 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion.[8] [9] Ferguson debuted in 2008, and has been with the UFC since he won The Ultimate Fighter 13 in 2011. He is trained in freestyle wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu,[4] Muay Thai,[10] and Wing Chun.[11]

Early life and education

Ferguson was born in Oxnard, California, on February 12, 1984, but grew up mainly in Muskegon, Michigan. He is of Mexican heritage. His surname of Ferguson comes from his Scottish American stepfather.[12] [13]

Ferguson was a three-sport athlete at Muskegon Catholic Central High School in American football, baseball, and wrestling. He was the starting defensive back for the 2000 Division 8 state football champions and was a three-time All-State selection in wrestling, winning the 152-lb division in 2002.

After high school, Ferguson enrolled at Central Michigan University before transferring to Grand Valley State University. He also did a stint at Muskegon Community College. He did not complete his degree, but had a successful collegiate wrestling career, winning the 2006 National Collegiate Wrestling Association national wrestling championship in the 165-lb division.[6]

Following college, Ferguson moved back to California to be closer to his extended family, working in marketing and sales during the day and picking up shifts as a bartender at night. One night, while working a bar shift, a patron noticed Ferguson's cauliflower ear and struck up a conversation about his wrestling background. The patron was a trainer at a local MMA gym and invited him to work with some young mixed martial artists on their wrestling. Shortly after this, he decided to pursue a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Ferguson began his professional MMA career fighting in small organizations around California in 2007. Notable matches in his early career include a win over kickboxing champion Joe Schilling and a loss to future World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) fighter Karen Darabedyan.[14]

The Ultimate Fighter

Ferguson applied to compete in the UFC's reality series The Ultimate Fighter multiple times. In 2010, he was finally accepted to compete in season 13 of the series after amassing a 10–2 professional record and winning the welterweight championship in PureCombat. He competed as a welterweight on .

Ferguson was selected as the third pick for Team Lesnar. In his first fight, Ferguson defeated Justin Edwards by knockout in the first round. He next faced Ryan McGillivray in the quarterfinals and won by a TKO in the first round. He then faced Chuck O'Neil in the semifinals and won by TKO in the third round to advance to the final.[15]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ferguson officially made his UFC debut at the Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale against Ramsey Nijem to determine the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 13. Ferguson defeated Nijem by knockout in the first round to win a UFC contract. He also received the Knockout of the Night bonus.[16]

Following his debut, Ferguson returned to lightweight and faced Aaron Riley on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135. The fight was stopped after the first round after Riley said he had a broken jaw, resulting in a TKO victory for Ferguson.[17]

Ferguson then faced MMA veteran Yves Edwards at the Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale.[18] Ferguson won via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28).[19]

Ferguson was expected to face Dennis Hallman on May 5, 2012, at .[20] Hallman pulled out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Thiago Tavares.[21] Then, Tavares was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Michael Johnson.[22] Ferguson lost the fight by unanimous decision.[23]

Win streak

After over a year away from competition while healing an arm injury incurred in his last fight, Ferguson returned to face Mike Rio on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166 which was the beginning of his twelve fight win streak.[24] He won by D'Arce choke submission in the first round. The win also earned him his first Submission of the Night award.[25]

Ferguson faced Katsunori Kikuno on May 24, 2014, at UFC 173.[26] He won the fight by knockout in the first round.[27]

Ferguson was expected to face Danny Castillo on August 2, 2014, at UFC 176.[28] After UFC 176 was cancelled, Castillo/Ferguson was rescheduled and took place on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177.[29] Ferguson won the fight via split decision.[30]

Ferguson faced Abel Trujillo on December 6, 2014, at UFC 181.[31] Ferguson won the bout in the second round by submission.[32]

Ferguson was expected to face Yancy Medeiros on February 28, 2015, at UFC 184.[33] Medeiros pulled out of the bout, citing injury, and was replaced by Gleison Tibau.[34] Ferguson won the fight by submission in the first round which also earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.[35]

Ferguson faced Josh Thomson on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71.[36] He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–26) and earned his second straight Performance of the Night bonus.[37] [38]

Ferguson was expected to face Khabib Nurmagomedov on December 11, 2015, at the Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale.[39] Nurmagomedov pulled out of the fight in late October, citing injury, and was replaced by Edson Barboza.[40] After a back-and-forth first round that had Ferguson docked one point due to an illegal upkick, Ferguson finished Barboza with a D'Arce choke submission in the second round.[41] He earned his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus as well as a Fight of the Night bonus.[42]

A rematch with Michael Johnson was briefly scheduled for March 5, 2016, at UFC 196.[43] On January 27, it was announced that Johnson withdrew from the bout due to injury. In turn, the bout with Nurmagomedov was rescheduled and expected take place on April 16, 2016, at UFC on Fox 19.[44] On April 5, Ferguson pulled out of the bout due to a lung issue.[45] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Darrell Horcher.[46]

Ferguson was expected to face Michael Chiesa on July 13, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 91.[47] Chiesa pulled out of the fight on June 27, citing injury, and was replaced by promotional newcomer Lando Vannata.[48] [49] Ferguson won his second straight fight via D'Arce choke and was awarded another Fight of the Night bonus.[50] [51]

Ferguson fought former champion Rafael dos Anjos on November 5, 2016, at the Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale.[52] He won the fight by unanimous decision. Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night, which gave Ferguson his sixth post-fight bonus in his past five fights.[53] [54]

The pairing with Nurmagomedov was scheduled for a third time at UFC 209, this time for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship.[55] Prior to the weigh-ins for the event, Nurmagomedov was hospitalized due to the ill effects of his weight cut, and the bout was cancelled yet again.[56]

Ferguson faced Kevin Lee on October 7, 2017, at UFC 216 for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. He won the bout by triangle choke submission in the third round.[57]

A bout with Nurmagomedov had been scheduled for the fourth time on April 7, 2018, at UFC 223.[58] On April 1, 2018, Ferguson reportedly tore his fibular collateral ligament while walking on the set for a pre-fight media obligation and was forced to withdraw from the event.[59] [60]

Ferguson faced Anthony Pettis on October 6, 2018, at UFC 229.[61] He won the bout via corner stoppage after two rounds. Pettis' longtime cornerman and coach, Duke Roufus, informed the referee that he would not continue after suffering a broken hand.[62] Their performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[63]

Ferguson next faced Donald Cerrone on June 8, 2019, at UFC 238.[64] He won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage after Cerrone blew his nose between rounds 2 & 3 which caused his swollen right eye to completely close, rendering him unable to continue.[65] This fight earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[66]

Losing streak

Ferguson was scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC Lightweight Championship on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249, however the fight was canceled after Nurmagomedov was unable to leave Russia due to restricted air travel as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.[67] Ferguson then agreed to compete for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship against a late replacement in Justin Gaethje at the event.[68] On April 9, UFC president Dana White announced that this event was postponed[69] and the bout eventually took place on May 9, 2020.[70] He was outstruck by Gaethje for all five rounds, eventually losing the fight via TKO in the fifth round.[71] This fight earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[72]

Ferguson faced Charles Oliveira on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256.[73] He lost the fight via unanimous decision after being dominated and controlled on the ground for most of the fight.[74]

Ferguson faced Beneil Dariush on May 15, 2021, at UFC 262.[75] He lost the fight via unanimous decision being once again controlled on the ground for the majority of the fight.[76]

Ferguson faced former Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler on May 7, 2022 at UFC 274.[77] Despite a strong first round, Ferguson lost the fight via knockout early in the second round.[78]

Ferguson was scheduled to return to the welterweight division to face Li Jingliang on September 10, 2022, in the co-main event of UFC 279.[79] However, Ferguson instead moved up to the main event to face Nate Diaz, after his original opponent Khamzat Chimaev was pulled from their fight due to missing weight.[80] Ferguson lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round.[81]

Ferguson returned to the lightweight division to face Bobby Green at UFC 291 on July 29, 2023.[82] He lost the fight via technical submission due to an arm-triangle choke in the final seconds of the third round.[83]

Ferguson faced Paddy Pimblett on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296.[84] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[85]

Ferguson faced Michael Chiesa in a welterweight bout on August 3, 2024 at UFC on ABC 7.[86] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.[87] With this eighth consecutive loss, Ferguson surpasses B.J. Penn and now holds the record for the longest losing streak in UFC history.[88]

Personal life

Ferguson has two sons with his wife, Cristina Ferguson.[89] In March 2019, Cristina filed a restraining order against Tony, alleging uncharacteristic behavior such as severe paranoia, not sleeping for days, tearing apart their home fireplace, and believing that a tracking chip was inserted into his leg during reconstructive knee surgery. She did not allege physical abuse, and filed the restraining order as a precautionary measure to get him help for his mental state.[90] [91] By April 2019, she had dropped the order, and he began to resume MMA.[92]

In the early hours of May 7, 2023, Ferguson was arrested in Hollywood, California and charged with driving under the influence after allegedly crashing his pickup truck into two other vehicles outside of a nightclub, causing his truck to roll over in the process. He was taken into custody and booked into the LAPD Hollywood police station where his bail was set at $30,000.[93] He was later released from custody on a personal recognizance bond.[94]

Public appearance and cultural influences

Ferguson is known as one of MMA's most eccentric personalities.[95] He constructed his own custom training apparatus at his house in Big Bear Lake, California and regularly posts videos of his unique workouts on his personal Instagram page. These include using a Wing Chun dummy[96] smacking his arms and legs against metal poles to build bone strength, throwing baseballs off a pitcher's mound to build power for right-hand punches, swinging a hammer while balanced on a gym ball, and somersault jumps over tall stacks of gym mats.[97] [98] A lot of people including fellow fighters have regularly commented on these unorthodox routines, and other fighters such as Belal Muhammad have even parodied Ferguson's training videos on their own personal social media pages or exaggerated them.[99] Ferguson has written on his Twitter account that he eschews sparring in training as he "finds it limits my creativity" when fighting.[100]

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur wrestling

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

|-|Loss|align=center|25–11|Michael Chiesa|Submission (rear-naked choke)| | |align=center|1|align=center|3:44|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates||-|Loss|align=center|25–10|Paddy Pimblett|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 296||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|25–9|Bobby Green|Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke)|UFC 291||align=center|3|align=center|4:54|Salt Lake City, Utah, United States||-|Loss|align=center|25–8|Nate Diaz|Submission (guillotine choke)|UFC 279||align=center|4|align=center|2:52|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|25–7|Michael Chandler|KO (front kick)|UFC 274||align=center|2|align=center|0:17|Phoenix, Arizona, United States||-|Loss|align=center|25–6|Beneil Dariush|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 262 ||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Houston, Texas, United States||-|Loss |align=center|25–5|Charles Oliveira|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 256||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|25–4|Justin Gaethje|TKO (punch) |UFC 249||align=center|5|align=center|3:39|Jacksonville, Florida, United States||-| Win| align=center| 25–3| Donald Cerrone| TKO (doctor stoppage)| UFC 238| | align=center| 2| align=center| 5:00| Chicago, Illinois, United States| |-| Win| align=center| 24–3| Anthony Pettis| TKO (corner stoppage)| UFC 229| | align=center| 2| align=center| 5:00| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States| |-| Win| align=center| 23–3| Kevin Lee| Submission (triangle choke)| UFC 216| | align=center| 3| align=center| 4:02| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States| |-| Win| align=center| 22–3| Rafael dos Anjos| Decision (unanimous)| The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale: dos Anjos vs. Ferguson| | align=center| 5| align=center| 5:00| Mexico City, Mexico| |-| Win| align=center| 21–3| Lando Vannata| Submission (brabo choke)| | | align=center| 2| align=center| 2:22| Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States| |-|Win|align=center|20–3|Edson Barboza|Submission (brabo choke)|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale||align=center|2|align=center|2:54|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|19–3| Josh Thomson|Decision (unanimous)| | |align=center|3|align=center|5:00| San Diego, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|18–3| Gleison Tibau|Submission (rear-naked choke)| UFC 184| |align=center|1|align=center|2:37| Los Angeles, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|17–3|Abel Trujillo|Submission (rear-naked choke)|UFC 181||align=center|2|align=center|4:19|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|16–3|Danny Castillo|Decision (split)|UFC 177||align=center| 3|align=center| 5:00|Sacramento, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|15–3|Katsunori Kikuno|KO (punch)|UFC 173||align=center| 1|align=center| 4:06|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center| 14–3|Mike Rio|Submission (brabo choke)|UFC 166||align=center| 1|align=center| 1:52|Houston, Texas, United States||-|Loss|align=center|13–3|Michael Johnson|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center| 3|align=center| 5:00|East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States||-|Win|align=center| 13–2|Yves Edwards|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center| 3|align=center| 5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center| 12–2|Aaron Riley|TKO (jaw injury)|UFC 135||align=center| 1|align=center| 5:00|Denver, Colorado, United States||-|Win|align=center|11–2|Ramsey Nijem|KO (punches)|||align=center|1|align=center|3:54|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|10–2|Brock Jardine|TKO (punches)|PureCombat 12: Champions for Children||align=center|4|align=center|2:35|Clovis, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|9–2|David Gardner|TKO (punches)|CA Fight Syndicate: Battle of the 805||align=center|2|align=center|0:27|Ventura, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|8–2|Chris Kennedy|TKO (doctor stoppage)|National Fight Alliance MMA: Resurrection||align=center|1|align=center|2:29|Ventura, California, United States||-|Loss|align=center|7–2|Jamie Toney|Submission (triangle choke)|National Fight Alliance MMA: MMA at the Hyatt 3||align=center|1|align=center|2:15|Westlake Village, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|7–1|James Fanshier|Decision (unanimous)|Rebel Fighter||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Placerville, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|6–1|Devin Benjamin|TKO (punches and elbows)|National Fight Alliance MMA: MMA at the Hyatt II||align=center|1|align=center|0:51|Westlake Village, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|5–1|Daniel Hernandez|TKO (punches)|National Fight Alliance MMA: Riot at the Hyatt||align=center|1|align=center|2:22|Westlake Village, California, United States| |-|Loss|align=center|4–1|Karen Darabedyan|Decision (unanimous)|All Star Boxing: Caged in the Cannon||align=center|3|align=center|3:00|Montebello, California, United States| |-|Win|align=center|4–0|Frank Park|Submission (neck crank)|Long Beach Fight Night 3||align=center|1|align=center|2:43|Long Beach, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|3–0|Joe Schilling|Submission (rear-naked choke)|Total Fighting Alliance 12||align=center|2|align=center|2:12|Long Beach, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|2–0|Brandon Adams|TKO (punches)|Total Fighting Alliance 11: Pounding at the Pyramid||align=center|2|align=center|2:18|Long Beach, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|1–0|Steve Avalos|TKO (submission to punches)|California Xtreme Fighting: Anarchy at the Arena||align=center|2|align=center|1:25|Upland, California, United States||-[105]

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

|-|Win|align=center|3–0|Chuck O'Neil|TKO (punches)|rowspan=3|| (airdate)|align=center|3|align=center|3:10|rowspan=3|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|2–0|Ryan McGillivray|TKO (punches)| (airdate)|align=center|1|align=center|0:46||-|Win|align=center|1–0|Justin Edwards|KO (upkick)| (airdate)|align=center|1| align=center|3:56|

Pay-per-view bouts

No.EventFightDateVenueCityPPV Buys
1UFC 216Ferguson vs. LeeOctober 7, 2017T-Mobile ArenaLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S200,000[106]
2UFC 249Ferguson vs. GaethjeMay 9, 2020VyStar Veterans Memorial ArenaJacksonville, Florida, U.S.700,000[107]
3UFC 279Diaz vs. FergusonSeptember 10, 2022T-Mobile ArenaLas Vegas, Nevada, U.SNot Disclosed[108]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tony .
  2. Web site: El Cucuy - tapology.
  3. Web site: Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Mir vs. Duffee. UFC.com. July 17, 2015.
  4. Web site: Gerbasi . Thomas . Brick by Brick - Building Tony Ferguson . UFC . September 14, 2018 . 22 August 2019 . es.
  5. News: Interim UFC champ Tony Ferguson receives jiu-jitsu black belt from Eddie Bravo. 2017-10-19. MMAjunkie. 2017-10-19. en-US. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171019233645/http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/ufc-champ-tony-ferguson-jiu-jitsu-black-belt-eddie-bravo. 2017-10-19.
  6. Web site: Grand Valley State University Student Life Sports - All Americans. gvsustudentlifesports.com. December 7, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20141209140811/http://www.gvsustudentlifesports.com/f/0/5/Mens_Wrestling/All-Americans.php. December 9, 2014.
  7. Web site: Earley . Charles . April 13, 2022 . UFC Fighter Tony Ferguson: the Real Story! . May 14, 2022 . Black Belt Magazine .
  8. Web site: 2020-03-11 . Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Tony Ferguson is capable of upset at UFC 249: 'He is the real deal' . 2023-07-29 . CBSSports.com . en.
  9. Web site: 2020-04-14 . Tony Ferguson is a UFC hotshot, so why is he worth less than other stars? . 2023-07-29 . South China Morning Post . en.
  10. News: Ordoñez . Milan . Eddie Bravo was 'blind' in Tony Ferguson's corner, admits he 'shouldn't have been there' . 19 June 2020 . . 20 May 2020.
  11. News: Five (of the many) things you didn't know about the UFC's Zhang Weili . 19 June 2020 . . . 28 August 2019.
  12. Web site: Anthony Ferguson | Ultimate Fighter | Season 13 : Team Lesnar vs. Team Dos Santos | Spike . May 5, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110405063742/http://www.ultimatefighter.com/fighter/anthony-ferguson . April 5, 2011 .
  13. http://prommanow.com/index.php/2011/05/25/the-ultimate-fighter-13-episode-9-recap-quarterfinals/ The Ultimate Fighter 13 – episode 9 recap: Quarterfinals
  14. Web site: Sherdog.com . Tony . 2023-05-26 . Sherdog . en.
  15. Web site: Nason. . Josh . TUF 13 Finale: Chuck O'Neil Says Tony Ferguson Behavior Worse Than What Aired . bloodyelbow.com . June 3, 2011 . 17 April 2021.
  16. Web site: Caron . Nick . The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale Results: Tony Ferguson KO's Ramsey Nijem . bleacherreport.com . 17 April 2021.
  17. Web site: Stupp. Dann. UFC 135 preliminary-card results: Ferguson breaks Riley's jaw, Boetsch cruises. MMAJunkie.com. 25 September 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110926062706/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25389/ufc-135-preliminary-card-results-ferguson-breaks-rileys-jaw-boetsch-cruises.mma. 26 September 2011.
  18. Web site: Yves Edwards vs. Tony Ferguson added to December's The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. mmajunkie.com. October 21, 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120516090834/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25758/yves-edwards-vs-tony-ferguson-added-to-decembers-the-ultimate-fighter-14-finale.mma. May 16, 2012.
  19. Web site: Barr . Andrew . TUF 14 Results: What We Learned from Yves Edwards vs. Tony Ferguson . bleacherreport.com . 17 April 2021.
  20. Web site: Becker. Dana. Tony Ferguson-Dennis Hallman Planned For UFC On FOX 3. https://archive.today/20120730124917/http://www.fightline.com/fl/news/2012/0130/547249/. dead. 30 July 2012. fightline.com. 30 January 2012.
  21. Web site: Tavares replaces injured Hallman, faces Ferguson at UFC on Fox 3. mmajunkie.com. March 16, 2012. March 16, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120317235548/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27866/tavares-replaces-injured-hallman-faces-ferguson-at-ufc-on-fox-3.mma. March 17, 2012.
  22. Web site: Thiago Tavares out, Tony Ferguson now meets Michael Johnson on UFC on FOX 3. mmajunkie.com. March 29, 2012. March 29, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120330234315/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28031/thiago-tavares-out-tony-ferguson-now-meets-michael-johnson-on-ufc-on-fox-3.mma. March 30, 2012.
  23. Web site: UFC on FOX 3 results: Michael Johnson outstrikes Tony Ferguson, earns decision win. Staff. 2012-05-12. MMAjunkie.com. 2019-06-05.
  24. Web site: Tony Ferguson vs. Mike Rio added to UFC 166. mmajunkie.com. July 12, 2013. July 12, 2013. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20130725230548/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/tony-ferguson-vs-mike-rio-added-to-ufc-166. July 25, 2013.
  25. Web site: UFC 166 bonuses: Melendez, Sanchez, Dodson and Ferguson win $60,000. MMAjunkie.com. Staff. 2013-10-20. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20131020054643/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/ufc-166-bonuses-melendez-sanchez-dodson-and-ferguson-win-60000. 2013-10-20. 2013-10-20.
  26. Web site: Tony Ferguson meets Katsunori Kikuno at UFC 173 in Las Vegas. Staff. mmajunkie.com. 2014-03-03. 2014-03-03. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140306014911/http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/tony-ferguson-meets-katsunori-kikuno-at-ufc-173-in-las-vegas/. 2014-03-06.
  27. News: Fowlkes . Ben . 2014-05-24 . UFC 173 results, photos: Tony Ferguson stops Katsunori Kikuno with one punch . 2024-02-27 . MMA Junkie.
  28. Web site: Danny Castillo vs. Tony Ferguson booked for UFC 176 in August. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2014-06-11. 2014-06-11. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140611232837/http://mmajunkie.com/2014/06/danny-castillo-vs-tony-ferguson-booked-for-ufc-176-in-august. 2014-06-11.
  29. Web site: Danny Castillo on being a part of a canceled fight card and Mendes' frustrations. mmafightcorner.com. 2014-07-08. 2014-07-08. Heidi Fang. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140714151740/http://www.mmafightcorner.com/2014/07/08/danny-castillo-ufc-176/. 2014-07-14.
  30. Web site: Lee . Alexander K. . Retro Robbery Review: Tony Ferguson vs. Danny Castillo at UFC 177 . mmafighting.com . May 3, 2020 . 17 April 2021.
  31. Web site: Tony Ferguson-Abel Trujillo added To UFC 181 lineup. fightline.com. Dana Becker. 2014-09-24. 2014-09-24. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20141209170349/http://www.fightline.com/tony-ferguson-abel-trujillo-added-ufc-181-lineup/. 2014-12-09.
  32. Web site: MMAWeekly.com Staff . Watch Tony Ferguson Put Abel Trujillo's KO Power to Sleep (UFC 216 Free Fight) . mmaweekly.com . October 2, 2017 . 17 April 2021.
  33. Web site: Lightweights Tony Ferguson vs. Yancy Medeiros added to UFC 184. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2015-01-13. 2015-01-13. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150114173935/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/lightweights-tony-ferguson-vs-yancy-medeiros-added-to-ufc-184. 2015-01-14.
  34. Web site: Gleison Tibau replaces Yancy Medeiros, faces Tony Ferguson at UFC 184. sherdog.com. C.J. Tuttle. 2015-02-03. 2015-02-03. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150204161722/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Gleison-Tibau-Replaces-Yancy-Medeiros-Faces-Tony-Ferguson-at-UFC-184-81269. 2015-02-04.
  35. Web site: UFC 184 bonuses: Of course Ronda Rousey won $50,000. But who joined her?. Matt Erickson. mmajunkie.com. 2015-03-01. 2015-03-01. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150303230142/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/ufc-184-bonuses-of-course-ronda-rousey-won-50000-but-who-joined-her. 2015-03-03.
  36. Web site: Tony Ferguson-Josh Thomson Lightweight bout added to UFC Fight Night in San Diego. Sherdog.com. Staff. 2015-04-02. 2015-04-02. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402072744/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Tony-FergusonJosh-Thomson-Lightweight-Bout-Added-to-UFC-Fight-Night-in-San-Diego-84089. 2015-04-02.
  37. Web site: UFC Fight Night 71 results: Tony Ferguson dominates durable, bloodied Josh Thomson. mmajunkie.com. Ben Fowlkes. 2015-07-15. 2015-07-15. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150716112533/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-fight-night-71-results-tony-ferguson-dominates-durable-but-bloodied-josh-thomson. 2015-07-16.
  38. Web site: UFC Fight Night 71 bonuses: Frank Mir's crushing KO nets him $50,000. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2015-07-16. 2015-07-16. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150716112535/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-fight-night-71-bonuses-frank-mirs-crushing-ko-nets-him-50000. 2015-07-16.
  39. Web site: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson slated for TUF 22 Finale in December. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2015-08-21. 2015-08-21. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150821202257/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-tony-ferguson-slated-for-tuf-22-finale-in-december. 2015-08-21.
  40. Web site: Edson Barboza steps in for Khabib Nurmagomedov to face Tony Ferguson at TUF Finale. mmafighting.com. Marc Raimondi. 2015-10-30. 2015-10-30. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20151031061849/http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/10/30/9645620/edson-barboza-steps-in-for-khabib-nurmagomedov-to-face-tony-ferguson. 2015-10-31.
  41. Web site: TUF 22 Finale results: Tony Ferguson submits Edson Barboza in bloody thriller. mmajunkie.com. Steven Marrocco. 2015-12-11. 2015-12-11. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20151212082619/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/tuf-22-finale-results-tony-ferguson-submits-edson-barboza-in-bloody-thriller. 2015-12-12.
  42. Web site: 'TUF 22' Finale Bonuses: Tony Ferguson Earns $100K for Wild Win Over Edson Barboza. sherdog.com. Tristen Critchfield. 2015-12-12. 2015-12-12. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20151215011036/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/TUF-22-Finale-Bonuses-Tony-Ferguson-Earns-36100K-for-Wild-Win-Over-Edson-Barboza-97075. 2015-12-15.
  43. Web site: Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson rematch added to UFC 197. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2016-01-21. 2016-01-21. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160123020543/http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/tony-ferguson-vs-michael-johnson-added-to-ufc-197. 2016-01-23.
  44. News: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson targeted for April UFC on Fox event. mmafighting.com. Hunter A. Homistek. 2016-01-26. 2016-01-27. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160202025321/http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/1/26/10838404/khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-tony-ferguson-targeted-for-april-ufc-on-fox?_ga=1.211413789.94603769.1452949280. 2016-02-02.
  45. Web site: Tony Ferguson out; Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira set as new main event. foxsports.com. Damon Martin. 2016-04-05. 2016-04-05. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160410083821/http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-tony-ferguson-out-rashad-evans-vs-glover-teixeira-set-as-new-main-event-040516. 2016-04-10.
  46. Web site: Khabib Nurmagomedov to face newcomer Darrell Horcher at UFC on FOX 19. bloodyelbow.com. Mookie Alexander. 2016-04-07. 2016-04-07. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160410065337/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/4/7/11388238/mma-news-khabib-nurmagomedov-to-face-newcomer-darrell-horcher-ufc-on-fox-19. 2016-04-10.
  47. Web site: Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa in the works for UFC's South Dakota debut. Helwani. Ariel. 2016-05-06. MMA Fighting. 2016-05-06. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160507122722/http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/5/5/11605194/tony-ferguson-vs-michael-chiesa-in-the-works-for-ufcs-south-dakota. 2016-05-07.
  48. Web site: Michael Chiesa out at UFC Fight Night 91, UFC seeks new opponent for Tony Ferguson. John Morgan. mmajunkie.com. 2016-06-27. 2016-06-27. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160628043035/http://mmajunkie.com/2016/06/michael-chiesa-out-at-ufc-fight-night-91-ufc-seeks-new-opponent-for-tony-ferguson. 2016-06-28.
  49. Web site: Tony Ferguson to face newcomer Landon Vannata at UFC Fight Night Sioux Falls. Tristen Critchfield. sherdog.com. 2016-06-28. 2016-06-28. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160629033444/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Tony-Ferguson-to-Face-Newcomer-Landon-Vannata-at-UFC-Fight-Night-Sioux-Falls-107079. 2016-06-29.
  50. Web site: UFC Fight Night 91 results: Tony Ferguson gets stiff test, but taps Lando Vannata in second. Ben Fowlkes. mmajunkie.com. 2016-07-13. 2016-07-13. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160717232150/http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-fight-night-91-results-tony-ferguson-vs-lando-vannata. 2016-07-17.
  51. Web site: UFC Fight Night Sioux Falls bonuses: Ferguson, Vannata Garner $50K apiece for wild battle. Tristen Critchfield. sherdog.com. 2016-07-14. 2016-07-14. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160715154353/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Sioux-Falls-Bonuses-Ferguson-Vannata-Garner-3650K-Apiece-for-Wild-Battle-108005. 2016-07-15.
  52. News: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson confirmed to headline Mexico City. champions.co. Amy Kaplan. 2016-08-02. 2015-08-02. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160802191425/https://champions.co/posts/4019663. 2016-08-02.
  53. Web site: Tony Ferguson outduels Rafael dos Anjos in five-round war. foxsports.com. Damon Martin. 2016-11-06. 2016-11-06. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161108052038/http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/tony-ferguson-out-duels-rafael-dos-anjos-in-five-round-war-110616. 2016-11-08.
  54. Web site: UFC Fight Night bonuses: Ferguson, dos Anjos, Lamas, Silva de Andrade receive $50K. sherdog.com. Tristen Critchfield. 2016-11-05. 2016-11-05. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161107220504/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Bonuses-Ferguson-dos-Anjos-Lamas-Silva-de-Andrade-Receive-3650K-113227. 2016-11-07.
  55. News: It's official: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson meet for interim 155 title in UFC 209 co-main. 2017-01-13. MMAjunkie. en-US. 2017-01-15. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170114183046/http://mmajunkie.com/2017/01/its-official-khabib-nurmagomedov-tony-ferguson-meet-for-interim-155-title-in-ufc-209-co-main. 2017-01-14.
  56. Web site: Khabib Nurmagomedov hospitalized after weight cut, UFC 209 title fight with Tony Ferguson off. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2017-03-03. 2017-03-03. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170303204256/http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/khabib-nurmagomedov-hospitalized-after-weight-cut-ufc-209-title-fight-with-tony-ferguson-off. 2017-03-03.
  57. News: UFC 216 results: Tony Ferguson taps resilient Kevin Lee in 3rd to win interim lightweight title. 2017-10-08. MMAjunkie. 2017-10-10. en-US. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171010054210/http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/ufc-216-results-tony-ferguson-taps-resilient-kevin-lee-in-third-to-win-interim-lightweight-title. 2017-10-10.
  58. News: Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov a go for UFC 223, Dana White says. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2018-01-17. 2018-01-17. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180117223412/http://mmajunkie.com/2018/01/tony-ferguson-khabib-nurmagomedov-ufc-223-brooklyn-dana-white-says. 2018-01-17.
  59. News: Tony Ferguson out, Max Holloway now meets Khabib Nurmagomedov for undisputed lightweight title. 2018-04-01. MMAjunkie. 2018-04-02. en-US. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180402101739/http://mmajunkie.com/2018/04/tony-ferguson-out-max-holloway-meets-khabib-nurmagomedov-at-ufc-223. 2018-04-02.
  60. Web site: You won't believe how Tony Ferguson injured his knee and ended up off UFC 223. Harkness. Ryan. 2018-04-01. MMAmania.com. 2019-06-03.
  61. News: Tony Ferguson to return vs. Anthony Pettis at UFC 229. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2018-08-23. 2018-08-23.
  62. News: UFC 229 results: Tony Ferguson's comeback complete; Anthony Pettis' corner stops crazy brawl. 2018-10-07. MMAjunkie. 2018-10-07. en-US.
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  64. Web site: Ferguson Vs. Cerrone Set For UFC 238 Next Month. Hiergesell. Dan. 2019-05-10. MMAmania.com. 2019-05-11.
  65. Web site: UFC 238 results: Donald Cerrone's eye shuts, leading to Tony Ferguson TKO win. 2019-06-09. MMA Junkie. 2019-06-09.
  66. Web site: UFC 238 bonuses: Tony Ferguson, 'Cowboy' Cerrone get a clear 'Fight of Night' winner. 2019-06-09. MMA Junkie. 2019-06-09.
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  71. Web site: UFC 249 Results: Justin Gaethje Wears Down Tony Ferguson, Wins Belt. McDonagh. Joe. 2020-05-10. Cageside Press. en-US. 2020-05-10.
  72. Web site: UFC 249 Bonuses! Gaethje Nets $100K For Main Event TKO. Hiergesell. Dan. 2020-05-10. MMAmania.com. 2020-05-10.
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  75. Web site: 2021-03-12. Tony Ferguson vs. Beneil Dariush targeted for UFC 262. 2022-02-17. MMA Junkie. en-US.
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  77. Web site: Alexander . Mookie . 2022-03-09 . Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson added to UFC 274 . 2022-03-10 . Bloody Elbow . en.
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  79. Web site: 2022-08-21 . Jingliang Li faces Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 . 2022-08-26 . Asian MMA . en.
  80. Web site: Nolan King . September 9, 2022 . UFC 279 matchup shuffle: Nate Diaz headlines vs. Tony Ferguson, Khamzat Chimaev faces Kevin Holland in co-main . September 9, 2022 . MMA Junkie.
  81. Web site: Dewar . Val . 2022-09-11 . UFC 279: Nate Diaz Chokes Out Tony Ferguson in Late Exchange . 2022-09-11 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  82. Web site: 2023-05-17 . Tony Ferguson booked against Bobby Green at UFC 291 . 2023-05-17 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  83. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2023-07-29 . UFC 291: Bobby Green Surprises, Chokes Out Tony Ferguson . 2023-08-04 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  84. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2023-09-22 . Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson, Stephen Thompson vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Set for UFC 296 . 2023-09-23 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  85. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 16 December 2023 . UFC 296: Strong Start Sees Paddy Pimblett Drop Tony Ferguson, Hang On for Decision Win . 16 December 2023 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  86. Web site: Martin . Damon . 2024-05-29 . Nick Diaz returns, Tony Ferguson moves to welterweight at UFC Abu Dhabi . 2024-05-29 . MMA Fighting . en.
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  89. Web site: Raimondi . Marc . Tony Ferguson's wife details UFC star's alleged 'frightening' behavior, taking of son in court filing . MMA Fighting . March 15, 2019 . 6 May 2020.
  90. Web site: Marrocco . Steven . Tony Ferguson's wife files restraining order after multiple police visits to home . MMAjunkie . USA Today Sports . 15 March 2019. 2019-03-15 .
  91. Web site: Tony Ferguson's wife files for restraining order, concerned for his well being. sports.yahoo.com. March 15, 2019. March 15, 2019.
  92. Web site: Tony Ferguson's wife drops restraining order case. MMAFighting.com. April 23, 2019. April 23, 2019.
  93. Web site: Tony Ferguson arrested for DUI after allegedly crashing into two cars, flipping truck in Hollywood. MMAFighting.com. May 7, 2023. Mike Heck. May 7, 2023.
  94. Web site: UFC star Tony Ferguson released from police custody on own recognizance following DUI charge. Low Kick MMA. Ross Markey. May 8, 2023. May 8, 2023.
  95. Web site: Portman . Guy . Five Things You Might Not Know About Tony Ferguson . sherdog.com . 17 April 2021.
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