UFC CEO Dana White recently approved a fight between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chiesa in Abu Dhabi on August 3, labeling it as Ferguson’s retirement bout regardless of the outcome. White expressed his desire for Ferguson to retire during a post-event press conference, stating that he hopes the veteran fighter will call it quits after this fight. Ferguson, known as one of the greatest lightweights in MMA history, has faced numerous injuries that have negatively impacted his career, resulting in a seven-fight losing streak. Despite this, Ferguson has been defiant about retirement suggestions, stating that he will fight until the wheels fall off.
Throughout his career, Ferguson has faced numerous top fighters in his weight class and once held a 12-fight win streak. However, injuries and a string of losses have taken a toll on his performance, with four of his last seven fights resulting in stoppages. The brutal front kick to the face from Michael Chandler in May 2022 was particularly devastating for Ferguson, highlighting the physical toll that the sport has taken on him. Despite facing losses via submission or decision, Ferguson has absorbed a significant amount of strikes and suffered knockouts and submissions, especially concerning for a fighter of his age and injury history.
Regarding the upcoming fight with Chiesa in Abu Dhabi, Ferguson has been resilient and defiant in his response to retirement talks, indicating that he has no intention of stepping away from the Octagon just yet. White and the UFC seem to be in a difficult position, as Ferguson’s determination to continue fighting clashes with their concerns about his well-being and performance in the ring. The full fight card for UFC Abu Dhabi has not been finalized, but the lineup includes exciting matchups such as Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov and Vicente Luque vs. Nick Diaz. With the date drawing closer, the anticipation for Ferguson’s showdown with Chiesa continues to build, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the world of MMA and retirement decisions for veteran fighters like Ferguson.
