Tony Ferguson’s words are a testament to a fighter who refuses to be defined by age, loss, or doubt. His passion burns as fiercely as ever
Whether it’s through grappling matches, a reborn GFL, or even a new role outside the cage, Ferguson is not finished.
And if the stars align, we may still witness one more unforgettable war — this time against Dillon Danis, on a new stage, under a new banner, but with the same unbreakable spirit that defines El Cucuy.
The UFC 296 bout between Tony Ferguson and Paddy Pimblett was more than a win or a loss. It was a defining moment of respect, maturity, and transition.
Ferguson’s admiration for Pimblett showcases the beauty of martial arts beyond competition—the ability to see potential, offer guidance, and recognize talent without ego.
For Paddy Pimblett, it was another important step forward in his journey to elite status. For Tony Ferguson, it was a moment of grace—acknowledging the rise of a new star while reflecting on a career that’s inspired countless fighters.
Together, their encounter at UFC 296 will be remembered not just for what happened inside the Octagon, but for the mutual respect that followed.
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Table of Contents
Tony Ferguson Speaks Out: The Grit Behind the GFL Saga
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson has always been one of the most enigmatic, entertaining, and polarizing figures in mixed martial arts.1
With his recent comments on the cancelled Global Fight League (GFL) event and his anticipated showdown against Dillon Danis, Ferguson once again captured the MMA world’s attention.
The Cancelled GFL Bout: What Went Wrong?
In what was supposed to be a groundbreaking moment for the newly-formed Global Fight League, Tony Ferguson vs. Dillon Danis had all the makings of a headline act.
GFL had positioned itself as an innovative promotion eager to make a splash with big-name fighters and fresh matchups. However, the promotion quickly ran into logistical and financial issues, leading to the cancellation of its debut events.
While details remain somewhat murky, sources have hinted at unstable funding and disorganized management behind the scenes.
Ferguson himself alluded to these issues without naming names, instead expressing a mix of frustration and optimism for the fight still coming to fruition.
“Ahhhh Yes, The Journey Is The Part You Remember Anyways”
Ol’e Moose🫎Knuckle Danis Still Gon’Get Demolished 🥋 I Know Kung Fooooooooooo🍃 Ahhh Wah Wah Wahhh Waaaaaaaaaaahhhh Zaaaaaahhhh MF’as!!! Act Accordingly & Form Rank B’itches 💯 -Champ 👻 -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # 🥋 Fight News🔛Soon pic.twitter.com/d8VTYBmMdW— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) May 26, 2025
Ferguson on Danis: A Fight That Still Burns Bright
Despite the setback, Ferguson hasn’t taken his eyes off Dillon Danis. Known for his elite grappling and his frequent trash talk on social media, Danis has built a reputation without yet achieving significant success inside the MMA cage.
A clash between Ferguson, the battle-tested veteran, and Danis, the self-promoting grappler, is a fight fans still want to see.
Ferguson told MMA Junkie:
“I wanna compete against [Danis]. With GFL, I’m telling you, it’s not over. It takes f****** time. If I have to carry a f****** promotion, I’ll do it motherf******.”
His words underscore not just his desire to face Danis, but his willingness to invest in making it happen — even if that means dragging the promotion forward by sheer willpower.
Tony Ferguson ’s Competitive Fire
Now 41 years old, Ferguson has faced setbacks and injuries, yet he remains confident in his physical and mental conditioning.2
for unorthodox training routines and a work ethic that borders on obsessive, Ferguson maintains he still has plenty left in the tank.
“I’m 41 years old but I feel like I’m 20-something f****** years old, doing sprints, keeping up and beating all these young f******,” he said.
This is classic Ferguson — raw, unfiltered, and bursting with intensity. For many fighters, 40 marks a clear decline. For Ferguson, it seems to serve as additional fuel.
Grappling-Heavy Offers: A Natural Fit for Ferguson
Ferguson’s background in collegiate wrestling and 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu makes him an appealing candidate for grappling super fights. It’s no surprise he’s been offered numerous grappling matches.
These opportunities not only offer less physical risk than MMA but also allow Ferguson to showcase his unique skill set.
Grappling matches could serve as a strategic way to stay active while waiting for the GFL situation to stabilize. They also play into his strengths — scrambling, unorthodox transitions, and relentless pace.
The Dillon Danis Factor: Hype Versus Substance
Dillon Danis is often regarded as a mystery in MMA. Despite a decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu resume and training with Conor McGregor, Danis has only fought twice in MMA.
His social media antics and online feuds often make more headlines than his in-cage performances.
A matchup with Ferguson presents both a test and an opportunity for Danis. For the first time, he’d be facing a high-level veteran known for his durability, unpredictability, and psychological warfare.
Whether Danis can rise to the occasion or crumble under pressure remains to be seen.
Tony Ferguson: Carrying a Promotion
Ferguson the Maverick
Ferguson’s comment — “If I have to carry a f****** promotion, I’ll do it motherf******” — offers a rare glimpse into his mindset.3
Unlike many athletes nearing the end of their careers, Ferguson appears ready to take on a leadership role, even beyond just fighting.
He envisions himself as a catalyst for change, innovation, and perhaps even rebirth — not just for GFL, but for himself.
This attitude echoes what made him a cult hero in the UFC. He’s never conformed to traditional rules.
He trains in his garage, spars with Wing Chun dummies, and remains fiercely independent. His belief that he can breathe life into a fledgling organization like GFL is pure El Cucuy.
Fans Still Believe: Cult Following Remains Strong
Despite a difficult run of losses in recent years, Ferguson retains a loyal fanbase. This following is rooted in his warrior spirit, his legendary 12-fight win streak in the UFC’s most competitive division, and his raw charisma.
Fans continue to rally behind him, especially when he speaks candidly, like in his recent MMA Junkie interview. His authenticity, combined with his refusal to back down or fade quietly into retirement, endears him to many.
What’s Next: Will GFL Recover?
- The fate of GFL is still uncertain. Ferguson’s involvement and public commitment have brought some visibility, but a promotion needs more than just star power to survive.
- Infrastructure, capital, matchmaking, and marketing all play critical roles. If GFL can stabilize, a rebooked Ferguson vs. Danis could become its signature event.
- Alternatively, if GFL fails to recover, other promotions like Bellator, PFL, or ONE Championship might see value in staging the bout themselves — especially given the name recognition and built-in rivalry.
- For Ferguson, the Danis fight is about more than just competition — it’s a chance to rewrite the final chapters of his storied career.
- A victory would silence critics and offer a moment of triumph after a rough patch. For Danis, it’s an opportunity to prove he’s more than hype.
- In many ways, this fight represents different ends of the MMA spectrum: the gritty veteran with scars to prove it vs. the flamboyant grappler still chasing legitimacy. That contrast is what makes the matchup so compelling.
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Tony Ferguson Commends Paddy Pimblett’s Promising UFC Journey
In the dynamic world of mixed martial arts, respect among fighters is earned through grit, discipline, and performance inside the Octagon.
At UFC 296, two contrasting careers collided when Paddy Pimblett took on Tony Ferguson. While the British fighter walked away with a unanimous decision victory, it was Ferguson’s post-fight attitude that truly showcased the spirit of a seasoned warrior.
Despite suffering yet another setback in a storied career, Ferguson extended praise toward Pimblett, recognizing the young fighter’s potential and dedication to the sport.
UFC 296: A Clash of Generations
UFC 296 was more than just another fight night—it was a symbolic moment marking a potential passing of the torch.
Tony Ferguson, once one of the most feared contenders in the lightweight division, entered the cage against Paddy Pimblett, a charismatic and rapidly rising star from Liverpool.
Pimblett, known for his infectious energy and solid skill set, controlled much of the fight with calculated aggression and composure, ultimately earning a unanimous decision victory.
Ferguson, despite being on a six-fight losing skid at the time, did not go down without a fight. He showed glimpses of his signature unorthodox striking and tenacity but was unable to overturn Pimblett’s momentum.
Still, what followed the bout highlighted Ferguson’s maturity and respect for the game.
Tony Ferguson’s Changing Role in the UFC
For much of the 2010s, Tony Ferguson was a fixture near the top of the lightweight division.
Known for his relentless pace, creative striking, and uncanny ability to recover from adversity, ‘El Cucuy’ built a reputation as one of the division’s most feared contenders.
His 12-fight win streak included victories over the likes of Rafael dos Anjos, Edson Barboza, and Donald Cerrone.
However, the latter part of Ferguson’s career has been marred by consecutive losses, often against top-tier opponents like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariush.
While some fans have called for his retirement, Ferguson remains committed to competition. His praise for Pimblett indicates a potential shift in his role—from contender to veteran voice in the division, helping usher in the next generation.
Respect Over Rivalry: A Refreshing Take
In the often-chaotic world of MMA, rivalries, trash talk, and theatrics dominate headlines. That’s why Ferguson’s respectful comments toward Pimblett are a refreshing change of pace.
There was no bitterness, no excuses—just genuine admiration for a fighter who showed up and performed.
“I think he’s doing a great thing. I never hated on the kid,” Ferguson concluded.
In a sport where fighters are often pitted against one another not just physically but verbally, such humility is rare.
It also sends a message to younger fighters about the importance of professionalism, even in the face of defeat.
Tony Ferguson: Warm Up
Tony Ferguson shared a video of himself, doing warm up before his big match day on his instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
Lessons From a Veteran: What Pimblett Can Learn From Ferguson
While Ferguson complimented Pimblett, the reverse is also true—there’s much that the younger fighter can learn from the veteran.
Ferguson’s durability, mental toughness, and unshakable confidence helped him achieve incredible success during his prime. If Pimblett hopes to reach the top of the division, those are qualities he’ll need to adopt fully.
Moreover, Ferguson’s ability to reinvent himself throughout his career, from wrestling-based beginnings to unorthodox striking maestro, can serve as inspiration for Pimblett’s evolution as a fighter.
The lightweight division is one of the most stacked in the UFC, and constant improvement is essential to staying relevant.
Where Does Tony Ferguson Go From Here?
While Ferguson’s days as a top contender may be behind him, his love for the sport is undeniable.
Whether he chooses to continue fighting, move into coaching, or transition into an ambassadorial role within the UFC, Ferguson’s legacy is secure.
His ability to uplift younger fighters, remain grounded despite setbacks, and offer honest insights into the game make him a valuable presence in the MMA world.
His comments on Pimblett may well serve as a turning point—not just for the Liverpudlian’s public perception, but for Ferguson’s evolving role in the sport.
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