Former UFC interim champion Tony Ferguson set a new record for consecutive defeats in the Octagon, surpassing the previous record held by BJ Penn. Ferguson suffered his eighth loss in a row in a submission defeat to Michael Chiesa at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. Despite removing his gloves in a symbolic gesture of retirement, Ferguson stopped short of officially retiring, stating that he still has things to work on in his career.
Ferguson, once considered one of the best fighters in the world, has faced a decline in performance since his loss to Justin Gaethje in 2020. He has since suffered lopsided defeats to top lightweights such as Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and Michael Chandler, as well as losses to Nate Diaz, Bobby Green, and Paddy Pimblett. The California-based veteran expressed his love for the UFC and his reluctance to retire completely, opting to leave one glove on in case he decides to continue fighting.
The previous record holder, BJ Penn, faced a similar decline in his career after losing his lightweight title to Frankie Edgar in 2012. Penn finished his career on a 1-9-1 skid, retiring in 2019 after his final seven fights ended in losses. Ferguson’s record-breaking streak reflects a similar pattern of top fighters experiencing a sudden drop-off in performance as they near the end of their careers.
Ferguson’s achievements in the UFC, including his interim championship title and his status as one of the top fighters in the lightweight division, highlight the challenges that even the most experienced and skilled athletes can face in the competitive world of mixed martial arts. While his record-setting losing streak may mark a difficult chapter in his career, Ferguson’s determination to continue working on his skills and his passion for the sport demonstrate his resilience and commitment to improving as a fighter.
As Ferguson contemplates his future in the UFC and whether to continue pursuing his career in mixed martial arts, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates this challenging period and what decisions he ultimately makes regarding his fighting career.
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