Justin Gaethje: Tony Ferguson Has Never Been An Elite Fighter
Tony Ferguson rode a terrifying 12-fight win streak in the UFC lightweight division, before it was eventually ended in devastating fashion by Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. Not only did ‘The Highlight’ take away the victory and an interim title that night, he also took away ‘El Cucuy’s’ ‘Boogeyman’ spectre.
Gaethje’s performance against Ferguson was arguably the best of his professional career, as he patiently picked his opponent apart up until the stoppage, which he earned in the fifth round.
After his loss to Gaethje, Ferguson then lost another one-sided fight to Charles Oliveira at UFC 256.
Ferguson Isn’t An Elite Lightweight
Despite the defeats, Ferguson is still considered one of the greatest lightweight fighters in UFC history. However, speaking to ESPN (as transcribed by BodyLock MMA), Gaethje said he doesn’t believe Tony is, or ever was, an elite fighter.
“I mean, Tony has always been that man,” Gaethje said. “Guys constantly went in there and fought in the chaos and refused to create space. I don’t know why, [Anthony] Pettis and [‘Cowboy’] Cerrone, these guys weren’t able to do what I did. But I think that was there the whole time.
“Fans not being there really helped, stayed focus, keep everything internal. That’s a huge factor when you’re fighting Tony because just his face alone makes you wanna fight. I don’t think he’s done by any means, I just don’t think he’s an elite lightweight. I don’t think he ever was. I just think his skills were really effective in the way people were fighting him.”
Impressed By Oliveira
Oliveira controlled Ferguson on the mat for the major part of their co-main event bout at UFC 256, and while Gaethje was impressed with ‘Do Bronx’, he said the Brazilian was fighting a different version of ‘El Cucuy’.
“I was impressed with Oliveira but yeah, I don’t want to take anything away from him but Tony was not the same person,” Gaethje opined. “No one’s going to be the same person after you get hit in the face that many times. Ever.
“You fight with less confidence and his confidence is something that made him so dangerous and his lack of confidence now is going to be a factor.”
Do you agree with Justin Gaethje’s views on Tony Ferguson?
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