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, known for his time in the UFC. He was the former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion and won The Ultimate Fighter 13 in 2011. Ferguson competed in the UFC from 2011 to 2025 and now competes in the Welterweight division of the Global Fight League. His fighting style incorporates a variety of disciplines including freestyle wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wing Chun.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

May 5, 2012: Lost to Michael Johnson

On May 5, 2012, Tony Ferguson fought Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller and lost by unanimous decision.

April 16, 2016: Fight with Nurmagomedov cancelled

On April 16, 2016, the bout between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov was rescheduled for UFC on Fox 19, but Ferguson pulled out due to a lung issue.

April 1, 2018: Injury and withdrawal from UFC 223

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.

April 7, 2018: Bout with Nurmagomedov cancelled

On April 7, 2018, Tony Ferguson was scheduled to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov for the fourth time at UFC 223, but the bout was cancelled.

March 2019: Restraining order filed against Tony Ferguson

In March 2019, Cristina Ferguson, Tony's wife, filed a restraining order against him, citing uncharacteristic behavior. She did not allege physical abuse but sought help for his mental state.

April 18, 2020: Scheduled fight against Nurmagomedov cancelled

On April 18, 2020, Tony Ferguson was scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 249, but the fight was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

May 9, 2020: Lost to Justin Gaethje

On May 9, 2020, after the cancellation of UFC 249, Tony Ferguson fought Justin Gaethje for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship and lost via TKO in the fifth round, earning Fight of the Night honors.

December 12, 2020: Lost to Charles Oliveira

On December 12, 2020, Tony Ferguson faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 256 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

May 15, 2021: Lost to Beneil Dariush

On May 15, 2021, Tony Ferguson faced Beneil Dariush at UFC 262 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

May 7, 2022: Lost to Michael Chandler

On May 7, 2022, Tony Ferguson faced Michael Chandler at UFC 274 and lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

September 10, 2022: Lost to Nate Diaz

On September 10, 2022, Tony Ferguson faced Nate Diaz at UFC 279 and lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round.

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 into two other vehicles. He was later released from custody on a personal recognizance bond.

July 29, 2023: Lost to Bobby Green

On July 29, 2023, Tony Ferguson faced Bobby Green at UFC 291. He lost the fight via technical submission due to an arm-triangle choke in the final seconds of the third round.

December 16, 2023: Lost to Paddy Pimblett

On December 16, 2023, Tony Ferguson faced Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

August 3, 2024: Lost to Michael Chiesa, sets UFC losing streak record

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