Tony Ferguson, a former UFC interim lightweight champion, plans to resume his fighting career in 2025 despite his recent struggles, including eight consecutive losses, and is exploring opportunities outside the UFC while emphasizing his commitment to continue competing.
Tony Ferguson isn’t hanging up his gloves just yet.
The former UFC interim lightweight champ seems poised for a comeback in 2025. He hinted at his return on social media, despite being 40 and having lost to Michael Chiesa in Abu Dhabi last August, marking his eighth consecutive defeat.
“Completely destroyed myself to reinvent it,” Ferguson shared on Instagram. “As an artist, I aim to show something you’ve never seen before. Happy New Year crew. 2025 in my sights.”
“Stay tuned and watch the magic unfold. New missions acknowledged. Fight news coming soon.” Exciting, right?
Ferguson didn’t mention where he’d be fighting next. His UFC run seemed over after that loss, and he even toyed with retirement but quickly decided against it.
“F*ck no I’m not retiring,” he declared last October. “I’m too old to retire. I’m 40 years old. Halfway to 80! I’ve been competing since I was five in multiple sports.”
“What I really need is to find that coaching, that discipline around other people… being uncomfortable in practice so that way you’re not miserable in the fight… That’s where we’re at right now.”
At his zenith, Ferguson was among the top two lightweights alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov. They were supposed to face off several times but fate had other plans.
Khabib retired eventually, but Ferguson kept going, fighting eight times over four years against names like Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira.
While the UFC might be out of reach, there are other doors open for Ferguson—like PFL or BKFC. Even the new Global Fight League could be a possibility with its team-based MMA promotion starting in 2025.
With a career record of 25-11, Ferguson is eager to turn things around when he steps back into the cage. All signs point towards a return in the New Year.