Tony Ferguson and Charles Oliveira to team up in the future? The former UFC Lightweight Champion and the current no. 1 title contender, Oliveira offers to train with Ferguson to help him get back to winning ways.
UFC 274 is officially on the books and it ended on two polar opposite notes for the two beloved fighters. While El Cucuy suffered the very first knockout loss of his career, Charles Oliveira submitted Gaethje to extend his win streak to 11 fights. The fall of Ferguson has paralleled the rise of Oliveira. For the longest time, Tony was considered the boogeyman of the division. But that mantle has officially been passed to Charles Oliveira.
There are a lot of similarities between the two. Just like Tony, Charles has also evolved into one of the sharpest strikers in the division. His ground skills and stamina also rival Tony’s. Hence the fans were excited to see the two fight at UFC 256. Although Charles came out on top during their clash, they remained on good terms following that.
Charles Oliveira wants to train with Tony Ferguson
Following Charles Oliveira’s win at UFC 274, Tony Ferguson took to Twitter to congratulate him. Calling him ‘Chuck’, the 38-year-old gave credit to Oliveira for “listening” to him. But Tony did not specify what he was referring to. He also asked the Charles’ team to never let him miss weight ahead of a fight ever again. He wrote,
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The Brazilian also replied back to Tony on Twitter. He had nothing but complimentary things to say about Ferguson. Then Oliveira also made a suggestion that they should train together. He wrote,
We’re among big dogs, up&downs are part of our jorneys. I admire you a lot @tonyfergusonxt. You’ve the history inside the Octagon. Head up “El Cucuy”!
— Charles ‘DoBronxs’ Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) May 9, 2022
If you wish, let’s train together in ChuteBoxe’s hedquarter in São Paulo for your nxt fight. You’re a brother!#UFC pic.twitter.com/hNyd4wbLZd
Should Tony Ferguson take up the offer to train with Charles Oliveira? He absolutely should. Before his fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 274, Tony revealed that he was planning on implementing his wrestling more. But during the fight, he engaged in a firefight which led to a vicious knockout.
On the other hand, Charles Oliviera was also in a brawl with Justin Gaethje. However, instead of rushing in, he pulled guard to recover and assess the situation. As a result of his calm demeanour, Oliveira was able to secure a positive result. It is something that Tony can learn. On top of that, being around a fighter such as Charles Oliveira may also make a positive impact on Ferguson’s mentality.
Being on a 4 fight losing skid, Tony is certainly down on confidence. Hence, Oliveira’s winning mentality may inspire Tony to evolve his approach and alter his fight style.