Tony Ferguson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Tony Ferguson. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2002: All-State wrestling selection

In 2002, Tony Ferguson was a three-time All-State selection in wrestling and won the 152-lb division.

2006: Won wrestling championship

In 2006, Tony Ferguson won the National Collegiate Wrestling Association national wrestling championship in the 165-lb division.

October 19, 2013: Victory over Mike Rio

On October 19, 2013, Tony Ferguson returned to face Mike Rio at UFC 166, winning by D'Arce choke submission in the first round and beginning his twelve-fight win streak. He also earned a Submission of the Night award for $60,000.

May 24, 2014: Knockout victory over Katsunori Kikuno

On May 24, 2014, Tony Ferguson faced Katsunori Kikuno at UFC 173 and won the fight by knockout in the first round.

August 30, 2014: Victory over Danny Castillo at UFC 177

On August 30, 2014, after the cancellation of UFC 176, Tony Ferguson faced Danny Castillo at UFC 177 and won the fight via split decision.

December 6, 2014: Submission win over Abel Trujillo

On December 6, 2014, Tony Ferguson faced Abel Trujillo at UFC 181. Ferguson won the bout in the second round by submission.

February 28, 2015: Submission win against Gleison Tibau

On February 28, 2015, Tony Ferguson faced Gleison Tibau at UFC 184, after Yancy Medeiros pulled out. Ferguson won by submission in the first round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

July 15, 2015: Unanimous decision win over Josh Thomson

On July 15, 2015, Tony Ferguson faced Josh Thomson at UFC Fight Night 71. He won via unanimous decision and earned his second straight Performance of the Night bonus.

December 11, 2015: Victory over Edson Barboza

On December 11, 2015, Tony Ferguson faced Edson Barboza at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale, after Khabib Nurmagomedov pulled out. Ferguson won with a D'Arce choke submission in the second round. He earned his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus as well as a Fight of the Night bonus.

July 13, 2016: Victory over Lando Vannata

On July 13, 2016, Tony Ferguson faced Lando Vannata at UFC Fight Night 91 after Michael Chiesa pulled out. Ferguson won via D'Arce choke and was awarded another Fight of the Night bonus.

November 5, 2016: Victory over Rafael dos Anjos

On November 5, 2016, Tony Ferguson fought Rafael dos Anjos at the Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. He won by unanimous decision and both participants were awarded Fight of the Night.

October 7, 2017: Interim UFC Lightweight Championship win

On October 7, 2017, Tony Ferguson faced Kevin Lee at UFC 216 for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. He won by triangle choke submission in the third round.

October 6, 2018: Victory over Anthony Pettis

On October 6, 2018, Tony Ferguson faced Anthony Pettis at UFC 229. He won the bout via corner stoppage after two rounds, earning Fight of the Night honors.

June 8, 2019: TKO victory over Donald Cerrone

On June 8, 2019, Tony Ferguson faced Donald Cerrone at UFC 238. He won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage and earned Fight of the Night honors.

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.