Career Timeline of Tony Ferguson: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Tony Ferguson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Tony Ferguson is an American professional mixed martial artist and former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion. He began his MMA career in 2008 and joined the UFC after winning The Ultimate Fighter 13 in 2011. He remained with the UFC until 2025. Ferguson's fighting style incorporates elements of freestyle wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wing Chun.
2007: Professional MMA Career Begins
In 2007, Tony Ferguson began his professional MMA career, fighting in small organizations around California.
2008: MMA Debut
In 2008, Tony Ferguson debuted as a professional mixed martial artist.
2010: Accepted to The Ultimate Fighter
In 2010, Tony Ferguson was accepted to compete in season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter after amassing a 10-2 professional record and winning the welterweight championship in PureCombat.
September 24, 2011: Victory over Aaron Riley at UFC 135
On September 24, 2011, Tony Ferguson faced Aaron Riley at UFC 135, resulting in a TKO victory for Ferguson after Riley reported a broken jaw.
2011: Signed with UFC
In 2011, Tony Ferguson was signed with the UFC after winning The Ultimate Fighter 13.
May 5, 2012: Loss to Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox
On May 5, 2012, Tony Ferguson lost to Michael Johnson by unanimous decision at UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller.
October 19, 2013: Victory over Mike Rio at UFC 166
On October 19, 2013, Tony Ferguson defeated Mike Rio at UFC 166 by D'Arce choke submission in the first round, earning the Submission of the Night award.
May 24, 2014: Knockout Victory Against Katsunori Kikuno
On May 24, 2014, Tony Ferguson defeated Katsunori Kikuno by knockout in the first round at UFC 173.
August 30, 2014: Split Decision Win Against Danny Castillo
On August 30, 2014, Tony Ferguson won against Danny Castillo via split decision at UFC 177.
December 6, 2014: Submission Victory Against Abel Trujillo
On December 6, 2014, Tony Ferguson defeated Abel Trujillo by submission in the second round at UFC 181.
February 28, 2015: Submission Victory Against Gleison Tibau
On February 28, 2015, Tony Ferguson won against Gleison Tibau by submission in the first round at UFC 184, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.
July 15, 2015: Victory Over Josh Thomson
On July 15, 2015, Tony Ferguson defeated Josh Thomson via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 71, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.
December 11, 2015: Victory Against Edson Barboza
On December 11, 2015, Tony Ferguson defeated Edson Barboza at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale by D'Arce choke, earning a Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonus.
July 13, 2016: Victory Against Lando Vannata
On July 13, 2016, Tony Ferguson defeated Lando Vannata via D'Arce choke at UFC Fight Night 91, earning a Fight of the Night bonus.
November 5, 2016: Victory Against Rafael dos Anjos
On November 5, 2016, Tony Ferguson defeated Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision at the Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale, earning a Fight of the Night bonus.
October 7, 2017: Wins Interim UFC Lightweight Championship
On October 7, 2017, Tony Ferguson defeated Kevin Lee at UFC 216 to win the interim UFC Lightweight Championship.
October 6, 2018: Victory Against Anthony Pettis
On October 6, 2018, Tony Ferguson defeated Anthony Pettis at UFC 229 via corner stoppage after two rounds, earning a Fight of the Night honor.
June 8, 2019: TKO Victory Against Donald Cerrone
On June 8, 2019, Tony Ferguson defeated Donald Cerrone at UFC 238 via TKO due to a doctor stoppage, earning a Fight of the Night honor.
May 9, 2020: Loss to Justin Gaethje
On May 9, 2020, Tony Ferguson lost to Justin Gaethje via TKO in the fifth round at UFC 249, in a fight that earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.
December 12, 2020: Loss to Charles Oliveira
On December 12, 2020, Tony Ferguson lost to Charles Oliveira via unanimous decision at UFC 256.
May 15, 2021: Loss to Beneil Dariush
On May 15, 2021, Tony Ferguson lost to Beneil Dariush via unanimous decision at UFC 262.
May 7, 2022: Loss to Michael Chandler
On May 7, 2022, Tony Ferguson lost to Michael Chandler via knockout at UFC 274.
September 10, 2022: Loss to Nate Diaz
On September 10, 2022, Tony Ferguson lost to Nate Diaz via a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round at UFC 279.
July 29, 2023: Loss to Bobby Green
On July 29, 2023, Tony Ferguson lost to Bobby Green at UFC 291 via technical submission due to an arm-triangle choke.
December 16, 2023: Loss to Paddy Pimblett
On December 16, 2023, Tony Ferguson lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 via unanimous decision.
August 3, 2024: Loss to Michael Chiesa and UFC Record
On August 3, 2024, Tony Ferguson lost to Michael Chiesa at UFC on ABC 7 and set the record for the longest losing streak in UFC history with eight consecutive losses.
January 24, 2025: Departure From UFC and Signs With Global Fight League
On January 24, 2025, it was announced that Tony Ferguson had parted ways with the UFC and signed with the Global Fight League.
