Tony Ferguson is still hungry to fight after his knockout loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 274.
Ferguson (25-7 MMA, 15-5 UFC), a former interim UFC lightweight champion, suffered his fourth consecutive defeat on Saturday when he was caught by a picture-perfect front kick to the jaw from Chandler (23-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in the second round of their fight, which took place at Footprint Center in Phoenix.
“El Cucuy” was on the canvas for multiple minutes after being put out cold for the first time in his his more than 14-year professional career. He eventually left the octagon under his own power, though, and after being transported to a local hospital, was released with a negative CT scan, according to UFC officials.
Ferguson made his first comments on the fight late Sunday night, posting a statement on social media that reflected a positive outlook. He congratulated Chandler on his highlight-reel victory, and said he’s motivated to push forward and claiming he’s “just getting started.”
Check out the complete statement below (via Twitter):
Congratulations to @MikeChandlerMMA On his victory at UFC👣274. Had lots of fun in there, you fans are Fuckin’ wild I love this shit! Feels good to be back & hungry again. We were just getting started. Best Of Luck In Your Next Fight- Champ # ForTheLoveOfTheGame -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/cp6trgSPoX
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) May 9, 2022
Congratulations to @MikeChandlerMMA On his victory at UFC👣274. Had lots of fun in there, you fans are Fuckin’ wild I love this shit! Feels good to be back & hungry again. We were just getting started. Best Of Luck In Your Next Fight- Champ # ForTheLoveOfTheGame -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽
At 38, Ferguson is going on three years since he secured a victory. His four-fight losing skid has only come to elite competition, however, as he’s dropped fights to Chandler, Beneil Dariush, former interim UFC champ Gaethje, and current UFC lightweight champ Charles Oliveira.
UFC president Dana White said post-fight at UFC 274 that Ferguson’s position with the promotion is not in jeopardy. He also said he still sees Ferguson as one of the best at 155 pounds, but would like to see the fighter take time off after a devastating knockout.
