Challenges in the Life of Tony Ferguson in a Detailed Timeline
Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Tony Ferguson. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
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.
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.
April 16, 2016: Fight Pulled Due to Lung Issue
On April 16, 2016, the scheduled fight between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC on Fox 19 was cancelled after Ferguson pulled out due to a lung issue.
April 1, 2018: Injury Forces Withdrawal From Fight
On April 1, 2018, Tony Ferguson reportedly tore his fibular collateral ligament while walking on the set for a pre-fight media obligation and was forced to withdraw from UFC 223.
March 2019: Restraining Order Filed
In March 2019, Cristina Ferguson filed a restraining order against Tony Ferguson due to uncharacteristic behavior, citing paranoia and sleep deprivation.
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.
May 7, 2023: Arrested for DUI
In the early hours of May 7, 2023, Tony Ferguson was arrested in Hollywood, California, and charged with driving under the influence after allegedly crashing his pickup truck.
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.
