SUMMARY
- Tony Feguson's social media page offers some insight into his never-give-up mindset.
- Ferguson recently shared a reel on Instagram where he talked about how a fan mistook him for Charles Oliveira.
Tony Ferguson, aka El Cucuy, has seen the highest of the highs in his mixed martial arts career. The American-born fighter was on a relentless run in the UFC until around June 2019 which was the last time he won inside the Octagon. Since then, Ferguson has faced seven losses in as many fights.
It has been a gloomy period for El Cucuy and his fans. But as his nickname suggests, Tony Ferguson is not one to give up without a fight. Ferguson’s social media page offers some insight into his never-give-up mindset.
Tony Ferguson recently shared a reel on Instagram on January 10, 2024, where he talked about how a fan mistook him for his lightweight foe, Charles Oliveira, the current ranked #1 contender in the division. A fan approached Tony when he was at pre-op. Tony said, “I’m checking in. This guy walks by. Oh sh*t, babe, take a picture”.
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According to Tony Ferguson, the fan further said, “Put your hands up, Look babe it’s Charles Oliveria”. Ferguson chuckled after hearing this and then said, “I was about to say, You can call me Chuck”.
For an untrained eye, Charles Oliveira and Tony Ferguson do look a bit similar. But giving himself the moniker of ‘Chuck’ was an unexpected but funny thing to say for Ferguson. Even though their appearances match, their career trajectories couldn’t be more different. One is in the running for the UFC lightweight belt, while the other is eerily close to retirement.
What does the future hold for Tony Ferguson?
Following UFC 296, questions loom over Tony Ferguson’s future in the octagon after another defeat, marking his seventh consecutive loss. While the consensus among fans and critics leans toward retirement, the resilient mentality of a fighter often dictates they end their career on their terms.
Despite the visible determination in Ferguson’s eyes during his bout with Paddy Pimblett, the outcome fueled discussions about his retirement. With the ‘El Cucuy’ moniker deeply embedded in his identity as a warrior of violence and chaos, letting go becomes a formidable challenge.
Retirement seems like the logical path given his current losing streak, but convincing a seasoned veteran to hang up the gloves is no easy task. A wildcard option that had stirred interest was a clash with Conor McGregor. However, that potential matchup has been almost completely squashed after McGregor took to social media to announce his opponent, where he called out Michael Chandler for a showdown in June.
Alternatively, Tony Ferguson could explore new avenues in different promotions, such as the BKFC or Karate Combat. These platforms could provide a fresh showcase for his skills, and his charismatic commentary could find a home in a play-by-play booth.
As retirement speculation mounts, Ferguson’s recent social media post indicates his determination to continue. With his unpredictable nature, only time will reveal what’s next for Tony Ferguson, leaving fans and the UFC in suspense about the fate of the former lightweight contender. What should be next for Tony Ferguson? Tell us in the comments below.