Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson
Born February 12, 1984
Oxnard, California, United States
Other names El Cucuy
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
Division Lightweight
Welterweight (formerly)
Reach 76.0 in (193 cm)[1]
Fighting out of Ventura, California, United States
Team Reign TC[2]
Knuckleheadz Boxing, Reign Training Center
Rank Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3]
Wrestling NCWA wrestler[4]
Years active 2008–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 21
Wins 18
By knockout 9
By submission 6
By decision 3
Losses 3
By submission 1
By decision 2
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Anthony Armand "Tony" Ferguson[5] (born February 12, 1984) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division for the UFC. Ferguson was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos. As of April 20, 2015, he is the #12 contender in official UFC lightweight rankings[6] and ranked the #10 lightweight in the world by Sherdog.[7]

Early life

Ferguson grew up in Muskegon, MI, of Mexican heritage,[8][9] As a southern California native living in a small Midwestern town, Ferguson’s father enrolled him in sports at a young age to help him make friends and fit into his new surroundings.[8]

Ferguson took to athletics extraordinarily well, and went on to earn 12 varsity letters at Muskegon Catholic Central High School in football, baseball and wrestling. He was the starting defensive back on the 2002 state football champions and was a three-time All-State selection in wrestling, winning the 152 lbs division in 2002.

After high school, Ferguson enrolled at Central Michigan University before transferring to Grand Valley State University. He also did a stint at Muskegon Community College. He went on to garner All-American honors twice, winning the national championship in the 165 lbs division once.[4]

Ferguson moved back to California to be closer to his extended family, working in marketing and sales during the day and picking up shifts as a bartender at night. One night while tending bar, a patron talked to him about his wrestling background and invited him to work with some young MMA fighters with their wrestling. Ferguson immediately fell in the love with the sport and hasn’t looked back since, devoting himself entirely to his MMA career.

Mixed martial arts career

The Ultimate Fighter

Ferguson had signed with the UFC in 2011 to compete on the The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos.

Ferguson was the third pick of Team Lesnar and the fifth overall. Ferguson was matched up with alternative, Justin Edwards, for his preliminary bout. After a back and forth first round, Edwards was able to take Ferguson down. But while on the ground, Ferguson landed a devastating upkick that knocked out Edwards. With the win, Ferguson moved on to the quarter-finals.[10]

For his quarterfinal fight, Ferguson fought Ryan McGillivray, quickly earning the KO win after catching McGillivray with a short uppercut and following up with ground and pound. The win moved him into the semi-finals where he faced his teammate, Chuck O'Neil. Ferguson defeated O'Neil in the final episode via TKO in the third round, sending him to the finals to face Ramsey Nijem.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ferguson officially made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale against Ramsey Nijem to determine the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 13. Ferguson defeated Nijem via KO in the first round, making him the winner of the Ultimate Fighter Season 13. Ferguson also earned the Knockout of the Night bonus for his finish of Nijem.

Ferguson faced Aaron Riley on September 24, 2011 at UFC 135. While the fight was competitive early, Ferguson landed a strong left uppercut, and Ferguson dominated the remaining two minutes of the round. Immediately after the end of the first round, Riley told his corner that his jaw was broken. The fight was declared a TKO victory for Ferguson, as ringside doctors would not allow Riley to continue.[11]

Ferguson next faced MMA veteran Yves Edwards at the The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale.[12] Ferguson won via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28).

Ferguson was expected to face Dennis Hallman on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller.[13] However, Hallman was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Thiago Tavares.[14] However, Tavares was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Michael Johnson.[15] Ferguson lost against Johnson via unanimous decision.

Ferguson faced Mike Rio on October 19, 2013 at UFC 166.[16] He won via D'arce choke submission in the first round. The win also earned him his first Submission of the Night award.[17]

Ferguson faced Katsunori Kikuno on May 24, 2014 at UFC 173.[18] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

Ferguson was expected to face Danny Castillo on August 2, 2014 at UFC 176.[19] However, after UFC 176 was cancelled, Castillo/Ferguson was rescheduled and took place on August 30, 2014 at UFC 177.[20] Ferguson won the fight via split decision.

Ferguson faced Abel Trujillo on December 6, 2014 at UFC 181.[21] After losing the first round, Ferguson rallied to win the bout in the second round via submission.

Ferguson was expected to face Yancy Medeiros on February 28, 2015 at UFC 184.[22] However, Medeiros pulled out of the bout citing injury and was replaced by Gleison Tibau.[23] He won the fight by submission in the first round, which also earned Ferguson a Performance of the Night bonus.[24]

Ferguson is expected to face Josh Thomson on July 15, 2015 at UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee.[25]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Amateur wrestling

Football

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Josh Thomson UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee July 15, 2015 San Diego, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 18–3 Gleison Tibau Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 184 February 28, 2015 1 2:37 Los Angeles, California, United States Performance of the Night
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 17–3 Abel Trujillo Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 181 December 6, 2014 2 4:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 16–3 Danny Castillo Decision (split) UFC 177 August 30, 2014 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 15–3 Katsunori Kikuno KO (punch) UFC 173 May 24, 2014 1 4:06 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 14–3 Mike Rio Submission (D'Arce choke) UFC 166 October 19, 2013 1 1:52 Houston, Texas, United States Submission of the Night
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 13–3 Michael Johnson Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller May 5, 2012 3 5:00 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 13–2 Yves Edwards Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale December 3, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 12–2 Aaron Riley TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 135 September 24, 2011 1 5:00 Denver, Colorado, United States Return to Lightweight
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 11–2 Ramsey Nijem KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale June 4, 2011 1 3:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won The Ultimate Fighter 13; Knockout of the Night
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 10–2 Brock Jardine TKO (punches) PureCombat 12: Champions for Children September 25, 2010 4 2:35 Clovis, California, United States Won vacant PureCombat Welterweight Championship[26]
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 9–2 David Gardner TKO (punches) CA Fight Syndicate: Battle of the 805 March 26, 2010 2 N/A Ventura, California, United States Catchweight (158 lbs.)
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 8–2 Chris Kennedy TKO (doctor stoppage) NFAMMA: Resurrection December 18, 2009 1 2:29 Ventura, California, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 7–2 Jamie Toney Technical Submission (triangle choke) NFAMMA: MMA at the Hyatt 3 October 16, 2009 1 2:15 Westlake Village, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 7–1 James Fanshier Decision (unanimous) Rebel Fighter July 17, 2009 3 5:00 Placerville, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 6–1 Devin Benjamin TKO (punches and elbows) NFAMMA: MMA at the Hyatt II May 28, 2009 1 N/A Westlake Village, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 5–1 Daniel Hernandez TKO (punches) NFAMMA: Riot at the Hyatt March 5, 2009 1 2:22 Westlake Village, California, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 4–1 Karen Darabedyan Decision (unanimous) All Star Boxing – Caged in the Cannon February 6, 2009 3 3:00 Montebello, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 4–0 Frank Park Submission (triangle choke) Long Beach Fight Night 3 January 4, 2009 1 2:43 Long Beach, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 3–0 Joe Schilling Submission (rear-naked choke) Total Fighting Alliance 12 September 13, 2008 2 2:12 Long Beach, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 2–0 Brandon Adams TKO (punches) TFA 11: Pounding at the Pyramid July 12, 2008 2 2:18 Long Beach, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 1–0 Steve Avalos Submission (punches) CXF: Anarchy at the Arena April 12, 2008 2 1:25 Upland, California, United States

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Fight Card - UFC 173 Barao vs. Dillashaw". UFC.com. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  2. ↑ Ferguson video: TUF 13 bad guy found a brother in Lesnar – Cagewriter – UFC Blog – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-04.
  3. ↑ "Tony "El Cucuy" Ferguson - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Grand Valley State University Student Life Sports - All Americans". gvsustudentlifesports.com. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  5. ↑ http://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2014_Results/05-24-14MMA.pdf
  6. ↑ UFC Fighter Rankings
  7. ↑ "Sherdog's Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". sherdog.com. March 1, 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1
  9. ↑ The Ultimate Fighter 13 – episode 9 recap: Quarterfinals. Prommanow.com (2011-05-25). Retrieved on 2011-12-04.
  10. ↑ Stupp, Dann. (2011-05-04) Episode No. 6 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 13: Team Lesnar vs. Team Dos Santos". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-04.
  11. ↑ Stupp, Dann. "UFC 135 preliminary-card results: Ferguson breaks Riley's jaw, Boetsch cruises". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  12. ↑ "Yves Edwards vs. Tony Ferguson added to December's The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale". mmajunkie.com. October 21, 2011.
  13. ↑ Becker, Dana. "Tony Ferguson-Dennis Hallman Planned For UFC On FOX 3". fightline.com. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  14. ↑ "Tavares replaces injured Hallman, faces Ferguson at UFC on Fox 3". mmajunkie.com. March 16, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Thiago Tavares out, Tony Ferguson now meets Michael Johnson on UFC on FOX 3". mmajunkie.com. March 29, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Tony Ferguson vs. Mike Rio added to UFC 166". mmajunkie.com. July 12, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  17. ↑ Staff. "UFC 166 bonuses: Melendez, Sanchez, Dodson and Ferguson win $60,000". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  18. ↑ Staff (2014-03-03). "Tony Ferguson meets Katsunori Kikuno at UFC 173 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  19. ↑ Staff (2014-06-11). "Danny Castillo vs. Tony Ferguson booked for UFC 176 in August". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
  20. ↑ Heidi Fang (2014-07-08). "Danny Castillo on being a part of a canceled fight card and Mendes’ frustrations". mmafightcorner.com. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  21. ↑ Dana Becker (2014-09-24). "Tony Ferguson-Abel Trujillo added To UFC 181 lineup". fightline.com. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
  22. ↑ Staff (2015-01-13). "Lightweights Tony Ferguson vs. Yancy Medeiros added to UFC 184". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  23. ↑ C.J. Tuttle (2015-02-03). "Gleison Tibau replaces Yancy Medeiros, faces Tony Ferguson at UFC 184". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2015-02-03.
  24. ↑ Matt Erickson (2015-03-01). "UFC 184 bonuses: Of course Ronda Rousey won $50,000. But who joined her?". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
  25. ↑ Staff (2015-04-02). "Tony Ferguson-Josh Thomson Lightweight Bout Added to UFC Fight Night in San Diego". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2015-04-02.
  26. ↑ http://www.sherdog.com/blog/Ferguson-Takes-Pure-Combat-Welterweight-Belt-Emerson-Victorious-27126

External links