Tony Ferguson lost a Unanimous Decision to Charles Oliveira at UFC 256 on Saturday. It was the first time in his career he suffered back-to-back losses; his previous fight was a late, brutal TKO loss to Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight championship at UFC 249 on May 9.
There was widespread speculation that “El Cucuy” was fundamentally diminished, with some saying he could consider retirement. However, in a recent message on his social network, Ferguson wrote, as only he does, that the search for greatness continues.
“My Crew, No Excuses, I Felt Flat. I Went Out & Welcomed The Attack Instead Of Defend. The Warm Up Time In The Back for UFC Hasn’t Been The Same Since Pre-COVID. Still No Excuses, Times Change & So Do People. The Time From Hotel To UFC Apex Is Much More Condensed & The Aggressive Level We Needed Was Not Reached. My Fault.
“After The Fight, We Were Checked By Doctors & Went Back To The Hotel. I Felt It Was In Order To Hit Pads/Spar Immediately Because The Fight Was Fresh In My Mind & Blood Circulation In My Arm Was Needed. I Really Needed To Figure Out What The F’n Problem Was From The Fight, Solution Pre-Fight TimeManagement.
“Chuck Was Looking Take My Back or Go For The Armbar As Soon As We Hit The Mat. Thus I Didn’t Worry About The Mount, Kid Was Slick But So Am I. I Was Looking For The Knockout Standing & D’arce From Bottom Position Once We Hit Jits Transitions. It Was Fun Fighting Against A Wetblanket (AKA Heavy Pressure Opponent) Mark My Words, That Scenario Won’t Happen Again. Period.
“My Arm Is Aright, The Armbar Was Really Tight. The Thought Of My Son Armand Anthony’s Ability To Be Double Jointed In His Elbow During That Sequence & My Mental Capacity To Endure Pain Got Me Through It. #Breathe #MentaTUFness. One Point
I’m Beyond Grateful & Thankful For My Talents. I Have Learned So Much About Myself This Year & What My Purpose In Life Is. My Search For That Epic Word Called greatness Isn’t Over. Understand Crew, We Are Far From Being Retired, So Message To My Haters [F you, F you]. ShaBam
“Shout Out To My Team I Put Together On Three Weeks Notice. We’re Still Green Boys Thanks For Not Deserting Me. (Team, We’re Barely Scratching The Surface To What We Can Truly Accomplish & For That I Say Amen). It Was Great Making Weight & Being Around My Fight Fam For The Week. I Can’t Wait Til We Compete In Front Of A Big Loud Crowd Again, It’s Not The Same Without You All.
“Recovery Moad, #HappyHolidayzeCrew, Champ Shit Only™️, Mi Gente, Never Give Up & Keep The Faith Champ #BecauseHashbrownsAreDelicious.”
