Tony Ferguson

Ferguson was born in Oxnard, California,{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Mike |title=Oxnard native Ferguson wins interim title, wants McGregor next |url=https://www.vcstar.com/story/sports/2017/10/09/oxnard-native-ferguson-wins-interim-title-wants-mcgregor-next/746707001/ |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Ventura County Star |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-12-13 |title=Tony Ferguson Will Always Be "El Cucuy" {{!}} UFC |url=https://www.ufc.com/news/tony-ferguson-will-always-be-el-cucuy-ufc-296 |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=www.ufc.com |language=en}} on February 12, 1984, but grew up mainly in Muskegon, Michigan. He is of Mexican heritage. His surname of Ferguson comes from his Scottish American stepfather.{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatefighter.com/fighter/anthony-ferguson |access-date=May 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405063742/http://www.ultimatefighter.com/fighter/anthony-ferguson |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |title=Anthony Ferguson | Ultimate Fighter | Season 13 : Team Lesnar vs. Team Dos Santos | Spike }}[http://prommanow.com/index.php/2011/05/25/the-ultimate-fighter-13-episode-9-recap-quarterfinals/ The Ultimate Fighter 13 – episode 9 recap: Quarterfinals] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530232408/http://prommanow.com/index.php/2011/05/25/the-ultimate-fighter-13-episode-9-recap-quarterfinals/ |date=2011-05-30 }}. Prommanow.com (2011-05-25). Retrieved on 2011-12-04.

Ferguson was a three-sport athlete at Muskegon Catholic Central High School in American football, baseball, and wrestling. He was a starting defensive back for the 2000 Division 8 state football champions and was a three-time All-State selection in wrestling, winning the 152-lb 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 did not complete his degree, but had a successful collegiate wrestling career, winning the 2006 National Collegiate Wrestling Association national wrestling championship in the 165-lb division.

Following college, 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 working a bar shift, a patron noticed Ferguson's cauliflower ear and struck up a conversation about his wrestling background. The patron was a trainer at a local MMA gym and invited him to work with some young mixed martial artists on their wrestling. Shortly after this, he decided to pursue a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career.

Ferguson began his professional MMA career fighting in small organizations around California in 2007. Notable matches in his early career include a win over kickboxing champion Joe Schilling and a loss to future World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) fighter Karen Darabedyan.{{Cite web |last=Sherdog.com |title=Tony |url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Tony-Ferguson-31239 |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Sherdog |language=en}}

Ferguson applied to compete in the UFC's reality series The Ultimate Fighter multiple times. In 2010, he was finally accepted to compete in season 13 of the series after amassing a 10–2 professional record and winning the welterweight championship in PureCombat. He competed as a welterweight on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos.

Ferguson was selected as the third pick for Team Lesnar. In his first fight, Ferguson defeated Justin Edwards by knockout in the first round. He next faced Ryan McGillivray in the quarterfinals and won by a TKO in the first round. He then faced Chuck O'Neil in the semifinals and won by TKO in the third round to advance to the final.{{cite web |last1=Nason. |first1=Josh |title=TUF 13 Finale: Chuck O'Neil Says Tony Ferguson Behavior Worse Than What Aired |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/6/3/2204759/tuf-13-finale-chuck-oneil-says-tony-ferguson-behavior-worse-than-what |website=bloodyelbow.com |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=17 April 2021}}

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 by knockout in the first round to win a UFC contract.{{cite web |last1=Caron |first1=Nick |title=The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale Results: Tony Ferguson KO's Ramsey Nijem |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/723785-the-ultimate-fighter-13-finale-results-tony-ferguson-kos-ramsey-nijem |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=17 April 2021}} He also received a $40,000 Knockout of the Night bonus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2011/06/05/tony-ferguson-wins-title-leads-tuf-13-bonuses|title=Tony Ferguson Wins Title, Leads TUF 13 Bonuses|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2011-06-05|access-date=2024-12-09}}

Following his debut, Ferguson returned to lightweight and faced Aaron Riley on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135. The fight was stopped after the first round after Riley said he had a broken jaw, resulting in a TKO victory for Ferguson.{{cite web|last=Stupp|first=Dann|title=UFC 135 preliminary-card results: Ferguson breaks Riley's jaw, Boetsch cruises|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25389/ufc-135-preliminary-card-results-ferguson-breaks-rileys-jaw-boetsch-cruises.mma|work=MMAJunkie.com|access-date=25 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926062706/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25389/ufc-135-preliminary-card-results-ferguson-breaks-rileys-jaw-boetsch-cruises.mma|archive-date=26 September 2011}}

Ferguson then faced MMA veteran Yves Edwards at the Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25758/yves-edwards-vs-tony-ferguson-added-to-decembers-the-ultimate-fighter-14-finale.mma|title=Yves Edwards vs. Tony Ferguson added to December's The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516090834/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25758/yves-edwards-vs-tony-ferguson-added-to-decembers-the-ultimate-fighter-14-finale.mma|archive-date=May 16, 2012}} Ferguson won via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28).{{cite web |last1=Barr |first1=Andrew |title=TUF 14 Results: What We Learned from Yves Edwards vs. Tony Ferguson |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/967359-tuf-14-results-what-we-learned-from-yves-edwards-vs-tony-ferguson |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=17 April 2021}}

Ferguson was expected to face Dennis Hallman on May 5, 2012, at UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller.{{cite web|last=Becker|first=Dana|title=Tony Ferguson-Dennis Hallman Planned For UFC On FOX 3|url=http://www.fightline.com/fl/news/2012/0130/547249/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730124917/http://www.fightline.com/fl/news/2012/0130/547249/|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 July 2012|work=fightline.com|access-date=30 January 2012}} Hallman pulled out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Thiago Tavares.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27866/tavares-replaces-injured-hallman-faces-ferguson-at-ufc-on-fox-3.mma|title=Tavares replaces injured Hallman, faces Ferguson at UFC on Fox 3|work=mmajunkie.com|date=March 16, 2012|access-date=March 16, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317235548/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27866/tavares-replaces-injured-hallman-faces-ferguson-at-ufc-on-fox-3.mma|archive-date=March 17, 2012}} Then, Tavares was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Michael Johnson.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28031/thiago-tavares-out-tony-ferguson-now-meets-michael-johnson-on-ufc-on-fox-3.mma|title=Thiago Tavares out, Tony Ferguson now meets Michael Johnson on UFC on FOX 3|work=mmajunkie.com|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=March 29, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330234315/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28031/thiago-tavares-out-tony-ferguson-now-meets-michael-johnson-on-ufc-on-fox-3.mma|archive-date=March 30, 2012}} Ferguson lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2012/05/ufc-on-fox-3-results-tony-ferguson-vs-michael-johnson|title=UFC on FOX 3 results: Michael Johnson outstrikes Tony Ferguson, earns decision win|author=Staff|date=2012-05-12|website=MMAjunkie.com|access-date=2019-06-05}}

After over a year away from competition while healing an arm injury incurred in his last fight, Ferguson returned to face Mike Rio on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166 which was the beginning of his twelve fight win streak.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/tony-ferguson-vs-mike-rio-added-to-ufc-166|title=Tony Ferguson vs. Mike Rio added to UFC 166|work=mmajunkie.com|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725230548/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/tony-ferguson-vs-mike-rio-added-to-ufc-166|archive-date=July 25, 2013}} He won by D'Arce choke submission in the first round. The win also earned him his first Submission of the Night award, valued at $60,000.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/ufc-166-bonuses-melendez-sanchez-dodson-and-ferguson-win-60000|title=UFC 166 bonuses: Melendez, Sanchez, Dodson and Ferguson win $60,000|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=2013-10-20|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020054643/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/ufc-166-bonuses-melendez-sanchez-dodson-and-ferguson-win-60000|archive-date=2013-10-20|date=2013-10-20}}

Ferguson faced Katsunori Kikuno on May 24, 2014, at UFC 173.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/tony-ferguson-meets-katsunori-kikuno-at-ufc-173-in-las-vegas/|title=Tony Ferguson meets Katsunori Kikuno at UFC 173 in Las Vegas|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2014-03-03|date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306014911/http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/tony-ferguson-meets-katsunori-kikuno-at-ufc-173-in-las-vegas/|archive-date=2014-03-06}} He won the fight by knockout in the first round.{{Cite news |last=Fowlkes |first=Ben |date=2014-05-24 |title=UFC 173 results, photos: Tony Ferguson stops Katsunori Kikuno with one punch |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2014/05/ufc-173-results-photos-tony-ferguson-stops-katsunori-kikuno-with-one-punch |access-date=2024-02-27 |work=MMA Junkie}}

Ferguson was expected to face Danny Castillo on August 2, 2014, at UFC 176.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/06/danny-castillo-vs-tony-ferguson-booked-for-ufc-176-in-august|title=Danny Castillo vs. Tony Ferguson booked for UFC 176 in August|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=2014-06-11|date=2014-06-11|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611232837/http://mmajunkie.com/2014/06/danny-castillo-vs-tony-ferguson-booked-for-ufc-176-in-august|archive-date=2014-06-11}} After UFC 176 was cancelled, Castillo/Ferguson was rescheduled and took place on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafightcorner.com/2014/07/08/danny-castillo-ufc-176/|title=Danny Castillo on being a part of a canceled fight card and Mendes' frustrations|publisher=mmafightcorner.com|date=2014-07-08|access-date=2014-07-08|author=Heidi Fang|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714151740/http://www.mmafightcorner.com/2014/07/08/danny-castillo-ufc-176/|archive-date=2014-07-14}} Ferguson won the fight via split decision.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Alexander K. |title=Retro Robbery Review: Tony Ferguson vs. Danny Castillo at UFC 177 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/5/3/21241990/retro-robbery-review-tony-ferguson-vs-danny-castillo-at-ufc-177 |website=mmafighting.com |date=May 3, 2020 |access-date=17 April 2021}}

Ferguson faced Abel Trujillo on December 6, 2014, at UFC 181.{{cite web|url=http://www.fightline.com/tony-ferguson-abel-trujillo-added-ufc-181-lineup/|title=Tony Ferguson-Abel Trujillo added To UFC 181 lineup|publisher=fightline.com|author=Dana Becker|access-date=2014-09-24|date=2014-09-24|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209170349/http://www.fightline.com/tony-ferguson-abel-trujillo-added-ufc-181-lineup/|archive-date=2014-12-09}} Ferguson won the bout in the second round by submission.{{cite web |last1=MMAWeekly.com Staff |title=Watch Tony Ferguson Put Abel Trujillo's KO Power to Sleep (UFC 216 Free Fight) |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/watch-tony-ferguson-put-abel-trujillos-ko-power-to-sleep-ufc-216-free-fight |website=mmaweekly.com |date=October 2, 2017 |access-date=17 April 2021}}

Ferguson was expected to face Yancy Medeiros on February 28, 2015, at UFC 184.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/lightweights-tony-ferguson-vs-yancy-medeiros-added-to-ufc-184|title=Lightweights Tony Ferguson vs. Yancy Medeiros added to UFC 184|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=2015-01-13|date=2015-01-13|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114173935/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/lightweights-tony-ferguson-vs-yancy-medeiros-added-to-ufc-184|archive-date=2015-01-14}} Medeiros pulled out of the bout, citing injury, and was replaced by Gleison Tibau.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Gleison-Tibau-Replaces-Yancy-Medeiros-Faces-Tony-Ferguson-at-UFC-184-81269|title=Gleison Tibau replaces Yancy Medeiros, faces Tony Ferguson at UFC 184|publisher=sherdog.com|author=C.J. Tuttle|access-date=2015-02-03|date=2015-02-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204161722/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Gleison-Tibau-Replaces-Yancy-Medeiros-Faces-Tony-Ferguson-at-UFC-184-81269|archive-date=2015-02-04}} Ferguson won the fight by submission in the first round which also earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/ufc-184-bonuses-of-course-ronda-rousey-won-50000-but-who-joined-her|title=UFC 184 bonuses: Of course Ronda Rousey won $50,000. But who joined her?|author=Matt Erickson|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-03-01|access-date=2015-03-01|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303230142/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/ufc-184-bonuses-of-course-ronda-rousey-won-50000-but-who-joined-her|archive-date=2015-03-03}}

Ferguson faced Josh Thomson on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Tony-FergusonJosh-Thomson-Lightweight-Bout-Added-to-UFC-Fight-Night-in-San-Diego-84089|title=Tony Ferguson-Josh Thomson Lightweight bout added to UFC Fight Night in San Diego|publisher=Sherdog.com|author=Staff|access-date=2015-04-02|date=2015-04-02|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402072744/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Tony-FergusonJosh-Thomson-Lightweight-Bout-Added-to-UFC-Fight-Night-in-San-Diego-84089|archive-date=2015-04-02}} He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–26) and earned his second straight Performance of the Night bonus.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-fight-night-71-results-tony-ferguson-dominates-durable-but-bloodied-josh-thomson|title=UFC Fight Night 71 results: Tony Ferguson dominates durable, bloodied Josh Thomson|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2015-07-15|access-date=2015-07-15|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716112533/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-fight-night-71-results-tony-ferguson-dominates-durable-but-bloodied-josh-thomson|archive-date=2015-07-16}}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-fight-night-71-bonuses-frank-mirs-crushing-ko-nets-him-50000|title=UFC Fight Night 71 bonuses: Frank Mir's crushing KO nets him $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2015-07-16|access-date=2015-07-16|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716112535/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-fight-night-71-bonuses-frank-mirs-crushing-ko-nets-him-50000|archive-date=2015-07-16}}

Ferguson was expected to face Khabib Nurmagomedov on December 11, 2015, at the Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-tony-ferguson-slated-for-tuf-22-finale-in-december|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson slated for TUF 22 Finale in December|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2015-08-21|access-date=2015-08-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821202257/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-tony-ferguson-slated-for-tuf-22-finale-in-december|archive-date=2015-08-21}} Nurmagomedov pulled out of the fight in late October, citing injury, and was replaced by Edson Barboza.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/10/30/9645620/edson-barboza-steps-in-for-khabib-nurmagomedov-to-face-tony-ferguson|title=Edson Barboza steps in for Khabib Nurmagomedov to face Tony Ferguson at TUF Finale|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2015-10-30|access-date=2015-10-30|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031061849/http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/10/30/9645620/edson-barboza-steps-in-for-khabib-nurmagomedov-to-face-tony-ferguson|archive-date=2015-10-31}} After a back-and-forth first round that had Ferguson docked one point due to an illegal upkick, Ferguson finished Barboza with a D'Arce choke submission in the second round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/tuf-22-finale-results-tony-ferguson-submits-edson-barboza-in-bloody-thriller|title=TUF 22 Finale results: Tony Ferguson submits Edson Barboza in bloody thriller|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2015-12-11|access-date=2015-12-11|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212082619/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/tuf-22-finale-results-tony-ferguson-submits-edson-barboza-in-bloody-thriller|archive-date=2015-12-12}} He earned his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus as well as a Fight of the Night bonus.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/TUF-22-Finale-Bonuses-Tony-Ferguson-Earns-36100K-for-Wild-Win-Over-Edson-Barboza-97075|title='TUF 22' Finale Bonuses: Tony Ferguson Earns $100K for Wild Win Over Edson Barboza|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2015-12-12|access-date=2015-12-12|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151215011036/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/TUF-22-Finale-Bonuses-Tony-Ferguson-Earns-36100K-for-Wild-Win-Over-Edson-Barboza-97075|archive-date=2015-12-15}}

A rematch with Michael Johnson was briefly scheduled for March 5, 2016, at UFC 196.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/tony-ferguson-vs-michael-johnson-added-to-ufc-197|title=Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson rematch added to UFC 197|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2016-01-21|access-date=2016-01-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123020543/http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/tony-ferguson-vs-michael-johnson-added-to-ufc-197|archive-date=2016-01-23}} On January 27, it was announced that Johnson withdrew from the bout due to injury. In turn, the bout with Nurmagomedov was rescheduled and expected take place on April 16, 2016, at UFC on Fox 19.{{cite news|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/1/26/10838404/khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-tony-ferguson-targeted-for-april-ufc-on-fox?_ga=1.211413789.94603769.1452949280|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson targeted for April UFC on Fox event|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Hunter A. Homistek|date=2016-01-26|access-date=2016-01-27|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202025321/http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/1/26/10838404/khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-tony-ferguson-targeted-for-april-ufc-on-fox?_ga=1.211413789.94603769.1452949280|archive-date=2016-02-02}} On April 5, Ferguson pulled out of the bout due to a lung issue.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-tony-ferguson-out-rashad-evans-vs-glover-teixeira-set-as-new-main-event-040516|title=Tony Ferguson out; Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira set as new main event|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2016-04-05|access-date=2016-04-05|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410083821/http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-tony-ferguson-out-rashad-evans-vs-glover-teixeira-set-as-new-main-event-040516|archive-date=2016-04-10}} He was replaced by promotional newcomer Darrell Horcher.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/4/7/11388238/mma-news-khabib-nurmagomedov-to-face-newcomer-darrell-horcher-ufc-on-fox-19|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov to face newcomer Darrell Horcher at UFC on FOX 19|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Mookie Alexander|date=2016-04-07|access-date=2016-04-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410065337/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/4/7/11388238/mma-news-khabib-nurmagomedov-to-face-newcomer-darrell-horcher-ufc-on-fox-19|archive-date=2016-04-10}}

Ferguson was expected to face Michael Chiesa on July 13, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 91.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/5/5/11605194/tony-ferguson-vs-michael-chiesa-in-the-works-for-ufcs-south-dakota|title=Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa in the works for UFC's South Dakota debut|last=Helwani|first=Ariel|date=2016-05-06|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=2016-05-06|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507122722/http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/5/5/11605194/tony-ferguson-vs-michael-chiesa-in-the-works-for-ufcs-south-dakota|archive-date=2016-05-07}} Chiesa pulled out of the fight on June 27, citing injury, and was replaced by promotional newcomer Lando Vannata.{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/06/michael-chiesa-out-at-ufc-fight-night-91-ufc-seeks-new-opponent-for-tony-ferguson|title=Michael Chiesa out at UFC Fight Night 91, UFC seeks new opponent for Tony Ferguson|author=John Morgan|website=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-06-27|access-date=2016-06-27|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628043035/http://mmajunkie.com/2016/06/michael-chiesa-out-at-ufc-fight-night-91-ufc-seeks-new-opponent-for-tony-ferguson|archive-date=2016-06-28}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Tony-Ferguson-to-Face-Newcomer-Landon-Vannata-at-UFC-Fight-Night-Sioux-Falls-107079|title=Tony Ferguson to face newcomer Landon Vannata at UFC Fight Night Sioux Falls|author=Tristen Critchfield|website=sherdog.com|date=2016-06-28|access-date=2016-06-28|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629033444/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Tony-Ferguson-to-Face-Newcomer-Landon-Vannata-at-UFC-Fight-Night-Sioux-Falls-107079|archive-date=2016-06-29}} Ferguson won his second straight fight via D'Arce choke and was awarded another Fight of the Night bonus.{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-fight-night-91-results-tony-ferguson-vs-lando-vannata|title=UFC Fight Night 91 results: Tony Ferguson gets stiff test, but taps Lando Vannata in second|author=Ben Fowlkes|website=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-07-13|access-date=2016-07-13|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717232150/http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-fight-night-91-results-tony-ferguson-vs-lando-vannata|archive-date=2016-07-17}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Sioux-Falls-Bonuses-Ferguson-Vannata-Garner-3650K-Apiece-for-Wild-Battle-108005|title=UFC Fight Night Sioux Falls bonuses: Ferguson, Vannata Garner $50K apiece for wild battle|author=Tristen Critchfield|website=sherdog.com|date=2016-07-14|access-date=2016-07-14|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715154353/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Sioux-Falls-Bonuses-Ferguson-Vannata-Garner-3650K-Apiece-for-Wild-Battle-108005|archive-date=2016-07-15}}

Ferguson fought former champion Rafael dos Anjos on November 5, 2016, at the Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale.{{cite news|url=https://champions.co/posts/4019663|title=Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson confirmed to headline Mexico City|publisher=champions.co|author=Amy Kaplan|date=2016-08-02|access-date=2015-08-02|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802191425/https://champions.co/posts/4019663|archive-date=2016-08-02}} He won the fight by unanimous decision. Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night, which gave Ferguson his sixth post-fight bonus in his past five fights.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/tony-ferguson-out-duels-rafael-dos-anjos-in-five-round-war-110616|title=Tony Ferguson outduels Rafael dos Anjos in five-round war|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|access-date=2016-11-06|date=2016-11-06|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108052038/http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/tony-ferguson-out-duels-rafael-dos-anjos-in-five-round-war-110616|archive-date=2016-11-08}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Bonuses-Ferguson-dos-Anjos-Lamas-Silva-de-Andrade-Receive-3650K-113227|title=UFC Fight Night bonuses: Ferguson, dos Anjos, Lamas, Silva de Andrade receive $50K|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|access-date=2016-11-05|date=2016-11-05|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107220504/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Bonuses-Ferguson-dos-Anjos-Lamas-Silva-de-Andrade-Receive-3650K-113227|archive-date=2016-11-07}}

The pairing with Nurmagomedov was scheduled for a third time at UFC 209, this time for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/01/its-official-khabib-nurmagomedov-tony-ferguson-meet-for-interim-155-title-in-ufc-209-co-main|title=It's official: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson meet for interim 155 title in UFC 209 co-main|date=2017-01-13|newspaper=MMAjunkie|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-15|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114183046/http://mmajunkie.com/2017/01/its-official-khabib-nurmagomedov-tony-ferguson-meet-for-interim-155-title-in-ufc-209-co-main|archive-date=2017-01-14}} Prior to the weigh-ins for the event, Nurmagomedov was hospitalized due to the ill effects of his weight cut, and the bout was cancelled yet again.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/khabib-nurmagomedov-hospitalized-after-weight-cut-ufc-209-title-fight-with-tony-ferguson-off|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov hospitalized after weight cut, UFC 209 title fight with Tony Ferguson off|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2017-03-03|access-date=2017-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303204256/http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/khabib-nurmagomedov-hospitalized-after-weight-cut-ufc-209-title-fight-with-tony-ferguson-off|archive-date=2017-03-03}}

Ferguson faced Kevin Lee on October 7, 2017, at UFC 216 for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. He won the bout by triangle choke submission in the third round.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/ufc-216-results-tony-ferguson-taps-resilient-kevin-lee-in-third-to-win-interim-lightweight-title|title=UFC 216 results: Tony Ferguson taps resilient Kevin Lee in 3rd to win interim lightweight title|date=2017-10-08|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-10-10|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010054210/http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/ufc-216-results-tony-ferguson-taps-resilient-kevin-lee-in-third-to-win-interim-lightweight-title|archive-date=2017-10-10}}{{Citation|last=UFC - Ultimate Fighting Championship|title=UFC 216: Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee Octagon Interviews|date=2017-10-07|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXuC_bg5hsU|access-date=2017-10-10|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011002554/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXuC_bg5hsU|archive-date=2017-10-11}}

A bout with Nurmagomedov had been scheduled for the fourth time on April 7, 2018, at UFC 223.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/01/tony-ferguson-khabib-nurmagomedov-ufc-223-brooklyn-dana-white-says|title=Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov a go for UFC 223, Dana White says|website=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2018-01-17|access-date=2018-01-17|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117223412/http://mmajunkie.com/2018/01/tony-ferguson-khabib-nurmagomedov-ufc-223-brooklyn-dana-white-says|archive-date=2018-01-17}} On April 1, 2018, Ferguson reportedly tore his fibular collateral ligament while walking on the set for a pre-fight media obligation and was forced to withdraw from the event.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/04/tony-ferguson-out-max-holloway-meets-khabib-nurmagomedov-at-ufc-223|title=Tony Ferguson out, Max Holloway now meets Khabib Nurmagomedov for undisputed lightweight title|date=2018-04-01|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-04-02|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402101739/http://mmajunkie.com/2018/04/tony-ferguson-out-max-holloway-meets-khabib-nurmagomedov-at-ufc-223|archive-date=2018-04-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/4/1/17187016/how-did-tony-ferguson-injure-his-knee-ufc-223|title=You won't believe how Tony Ferguson injured his knee and ended up off UFC 223|last=Harkness|first=Ryan|date=2018-04-01|website=MMAmania.com|access-date=2019-06-03}}

Ferguson faced Anthony Pettis on October 6, 2018, at UFC 229.{{cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/08/tony-ferguson-vs-anthony-pettis-ufc-229-las-vegas|title=Tony Ferguson to return vs. Anthony Pettis at UFC 229|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2018-08-23|access-date=2018-08-23}} He won the bout via corner stoppage after two rounds. Pettis' longtime cornerman and coach, Duke Roufus, informed the referee that he would not continue after suffering a broken hand.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/10/ufc-229-results-tony-fergusons-comeback-complete-anthony-pettis-corner-stops-crazy-brawl-after-two|title=UFC 229 results: Tony Ferguson's comeback complete; Anthony Pettis' corner stops crazy brawl|date=2018-10-07|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-10-07|language=en-US}} Their performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmanews.com/ufc-229-bonuses-live-gate-attendance/|title=UFC 229 Bonuses, Live Gate & Attendance Revealed • MMA News|date=2018-10-07|work=MMA News|access-date=2018-10-07|language=en-US}}

Ferguson next faced Donald Cerrone on June 8, 2019, at UFC 238.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/5/10/18566150/report-tony-ferguson-vs-donald-cerrone-set-for-ufc-238-on-june-8-in-chicago-mma-mcgregor-khabib|title=Ferguson Vs. Cerrone Set For UFC 238 Next Month|last=Hiergesell|first=Dan|date=2019-05-10|website=MMAmania.com|access-date=2019-05-11}} He won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage after Cerrone blew his nose between rounds 2 & 3 which caused his swollen right eye to completely close, rendering him unable to continue.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/06/ufc-238-results-donald-cowboy-cerrone-cut-tko-win-for-tony-ferguson|title=UFC 238 results: Donald Cerrone's eye shuts, leading to Tony Ferguson TKO win|date=2019-06-09|website=MMA Junkie|access-date=2019-06-09}} This fight earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/06/ufc-238-bonuses-tony-ferguson-cowboy-cerrone-valentina-shevchenko-henry-cejudo|title=UFC 238 bonuses: Tony Ferguson, 'Cowboy' Cerrone get a clear 'Fight of Night' winner|date=2019-06-09|website=MMA Junkie|access-date=2019-06-09}}

Ferguson was scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC Lightweight Championship on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249, however the fight was canceled after Nurmagomedov was unable to leave Russia due to restricted air travel as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/1/21203594/video-khabib-nurmagomedov-announces-hes-out-of-ufc-249-reaction|title = Video: Khabib Nurmagomedov announces he's out of UFC 249 reaction| date=April 2020 }} Ferguson then agreed to compete for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship against a late replacement in Justin Gaethje at the event.{{cite tweet |author=UFC |user=ufc |number=1247244643248422912 |date=April 6, 2020 |title=STRAP IN. 🏆 #UFC249 https://t.co/jXPNYAjX3h |language=en |access-date=January 3, 2021}} On April 9, UFC president Dana White announced that this event was postponed{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}} and the bout eventually took place on May 9, 2020.{{Cite web|title=REVISED – UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje Fight Card {{!}} MMAWeekly.com|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-249-khabib-vs-ferguson-fight-card|date=2020-04-27|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-03}} He was outstruck by Gaethje for all five rounds, eventually losing the fight via TKO in the fifth round.{{Cite web|title=UFC 249 Results: Justin Gaethje Wears Down Tony Ferguson, Wins Belt|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/05/10/ufc-249-results-justin-gaethje/|last=McDonagh|first=Joe|date=2020-05-10|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-10}} This fight earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.{{Cite web|title=UFC 249 Bonuses! Gaethje Nets $100K For Main Event TKO|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2020/5/10/21250629/ufc-249-official-bonus-winners-ferguson-gaethje-cejudo-cruz-mma-espn-ppv-results-knockout-ngannou|last=Hiergesell|first=Dan|date=2020-05-10|website=MMAmania.com|access-date=2020-05-10}}

Ferguson faced Charles Oliveira on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256.{{Cite web|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-11-20|title= Tony Ferguson booked to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 256|url= https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/ufc-256-tony-ferguson-vs-charles-oliveira-booked-dec-12|access-date=2020-11-20|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|language=en-US}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision after being dominated and controlled on the ground for most of the fight.{{Cite web|last=Meshew|first=Jed|date=2020-12-12|title=UFC 256 live blog: Tony Ferguson vs. Charles Oliveira|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/12/12/22171937/ufc-256-live-blog-tony-ferguson-vs-charles-oliveira|access-date=2020-12-13|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

Ferguson faced Beneil Dariush on May 15, 2021, at UFC 262.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-12|title=Tony Ferguson vs. Beneil Dariush targeted for UFC 262|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/tony-ferguson-vs-beneil-dariush-booked-ufc-262|access-date=2022-02-17|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision being once again controlled on the ground for the majority of the fight.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-16|title=UFC 262 results: Beneil Dariush dominates Tony Ferguson, extends streak to seven|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/ufc-262-results-beneil-dariush-dominates-tony-ferguson-winning-streak-seven-fights|access-date=2022-02-17|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}

Ferguson faced former Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler on May 7, 2022 at UFC 274.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Mookie |date=2022-03-09 |title=Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson added to UFC 274 |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2022/3/9/22969960/mma-news-michael-chandler-vs-tony-ferguson-ufc-274 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=Bloody Elbow |language=en}} Despite a strong first round, Ferguson lost the fight via knockout early in the second round.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-08 |title=UFC 274 results: Michael Chandler brutally knocks out Tony Ferguson with an insane front kick |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/05/ufc-274-results-michael-chandler-brutally-knocks-out-tony-ferguson-with-insane-front-kick |access-date=2022-05-08 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Ferguson was scheduled to return to the welterweight division to face Li Jingliang on September 10, 2022, in the co-main event of UFC 279.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-21 |title=Jingliang Li faces Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 |url=https://asianmma.com/jingliang-li-faces-tony-ferguson-at-ufc-279/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=Asian MMA |language=en}} However, Ferguson instead moved up to the main event to face Nate Diaz, after his original opponent Khamzat Chimaev was pulled from their fight due to missing weight.{{cite web |author=Nolan King |date=September 9, 2022 |title=UFC 279 matchup shuffle: Nate Diaz headlines vs. Tony Ferguson, Khamzat Chimaev faces Kevin Holland in co-main |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/09/ufc-279-news-khamzat-chimaev-out-kevin-holland-vs-nate-diaz |access-date=September 9, 2022 |work=MMA Junkie}} Ferguson lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2022-09-11 |title=UFC 279: Nate Diaz Chokes Out Tony Ferguson in Late Exchange |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/09/11/ufc-279-nate-diaz-vs-tony-ferguson/ |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Ferguson returned to the lightweight division to face Bobby Green at UFC 291 on July 29, 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=Tony Ferguson booked against Bobby Green at UFC 291 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/05/ufc-291-tony-ferguson-vs-bobby-green-booked |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} He lost the fight via technical submission due to an arm-triangle choke in the final seconds of the third round.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-07-29 |title=UFC 291: Bobby Green Surprises, Chokes Out Tony Ferguson |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/07/29/ufc-291-tony-ferguson-vs-bobby-green/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Ferguson faced Paddy Pimblett on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-09-22 |title=Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson, Stephen Thompson vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Set for UFC 296 |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/09/22/paddy-pimblett-tony-ferguson-stephen-thompson-shavkat-rakhmonov-ufc-296/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=16 December 2023 |title=UFC 296: Strong Start Sees Paddy Pimblett Drop Tony Ferguson, Hang On for Decision Win |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/12/16/ufc-296-strong-start-sees-paddy-pimblett-drop-tony-ferguson-hang-on-for-decision-win/ |access-date=16 December 2023 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Ferguson faced Michael Chiesa in a welterweight bout on August 3, 2024 at UFC on ABC 7.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-05-29 |title=Nick Diaz returns, Tony Ferguson moves to welterweight at UFC Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/5/29/24167047/nick-diaz-returns-tony-ferguson-moves-to-welterweight-at-ufc-abu-dhabi |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/08/03/ufc-abu-dhabi-tony-ferguson-lays-down-one-glove-semi-retires-following-loss-to-michael-chiesa/|title=UFC Abu Dhabi: Tony Ferguson Lays Down One Glove, Semi-Retires Following Loss to Michael Chiesa|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Dylan Rush|date=2024-08-03|access-date=2024-08-03}} With this eighth consecutive loss, Ferguson surpassed B.J. Penn and now holds the record for the longest losing streak in UFC history.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-news-records-longest-losing-streaks-skids-history-tony-ferguson-bj-penn|title=Tony Ferguson, B.J. Penn and the longest losing skids in UFC history|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2024-08-06|access-date=2024-08-07}}

On January 24, 2025, it was announced that Ferguson had parted ways with the UFC and signed with the Global Fight League.{{cite web |author1=Farah Hannoun |author2=Mike Bohn |title=Tony Ferguson parts ways with UFC, signs with Global Fight League |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/01/global-fight-league-gfl-tony-ferguson-signs-former-ufc-champion-mma |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |access-date=2025-01-24 |date=2025-01-24}}

Ferguson was drafted by the GFL's Team Los Angeles the same day his signing was announced.{{cite web | url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/01/31/dana-white-issues-surprising-response-to-gfl-drafting-tony-ferguson-and-several-other-ex-ufc-stars/ | title=Dana White issues surprising response to GFL drafting Tony Ferguson and several other ex-UFC stars | date=January 31, 2025 }} He was scheduled to face Dillon Danis on May 25, 2025 at GFL 2.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2025/3/27/24395507/gfl-2-fight-card-start-time-date-and-location-ferguson-vs-danis|title=GFL 2 fight card, start time, date and location - Ferguson vs. Danis|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Alexander Behunin|date=2025-03-27|access-date=2025-03-29}} However, the first two GFL events were postponed indefinitely.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/04/global-fight-league-inaugural-events-canceled-may-los-angeles|title=Global Fight League's inaugural back-to-back events in May canceled|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matthew Wells, Mike Bohn and Nolan King|date=2025-04-09|access-date=2025-04-10}}

Ferguson has two sons with his wife, Cristina Ferguson.{{cite web |last1=Raimondi |first1=Marc |title=Tony Ferguson's wife details UFC star's alleged 'frightening' behavior, taking of son in court filing |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/3/15/18267834/tony-fergusons-wife-details-ufc-stars-alleged-frightening-behavior-taking-of-son-in-court-filing |website=MMA Fighting |date=March 15, 2019 |access-date=6 May 2020}} In March 2019, Cristina filed a restraining order against Tony, alleging uncharacteristic behavior such as severe paranoia, not sleeping for days, tearing apart their home fireplace, and believing that a tracking chip was inserted into his leg during reconstructive knee surgery. She did not allege physical abuse, and filed the restraining order as a precautionary measure to get him help for his mental state.{{cite web |last1=Marrocco |first1=Steven |title=Tony Ferguson's wife files restraining order after multiple police visits to home |url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/03/ufc-tony-ferguson-wife-files-restraining-order-police-visit-home |website=MMAjunkie |publisher=USA Today Sports |access-date=15 March 2019|date=2019-03-15 }}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/tony-ferguson-wife-files-restraining-001716247.html|title= Tony Ferguson's wife files for restraining order, concerned for his well being|work=sports.yahoo.com|date=March 15, 2019|access-date=March 15, 2019}} By April 2019, she had dropped the order, and he began to resume MMA.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/4/23/18512814/tony-fergusons-wife-drops-restraining-order-case|title=Tony Ferguson's wife drops restraining order case|work=MMAFighting.com|date=April 23, 2019|access-date=April 23, 2019}}

In the early hours of May 7, 2023, Ferguson was arrested in Hollywood, California and charged with driving under the influence after allegedly crashing his pickup truck into two other vehicles outside of a nightclub, causing his truck to roll over in the process. He was taken into custody and booked into the LAPD Hollywood police station where his bail was set at $30,000.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/5/7/23714442/tony-ferguson-arrested-for-dui-after-allegedly-crashing-into-two-cars-flipping-truck-in-hollywood|title=Tony Ferguson arrested for DUI after allegedly crashing into two cars, flipping truck in Hollywood|work=MMAFighting.com|date=May 7, 2023|author=Mike Heck|access-date=May 7, 2023}} He was later released from custody on a personal recognizance bond.{{cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/tony-ferguson-released-police-recognizance-dui/|title=UFC star Tony Ferguson released from police custody on own recognizance following DUI charge|work=Low Kick MMA|author=Ross Markey|date=May 8, 2023|access-date=May 8, 2023}}

Ferguson is known for his unorthodox striking, exceptional cardio, sharp elbows, and proficiency in D'Arce chokes. During his peak, he achieved a 12-fight winning streak, finishing nine of his opponents. His aggressive fighting style, particularly his use of elbows, often left opponents bloodied and contributed to six "Fight of the Night" bonuses.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-29 |title=The End of Tony Ferguson's Career Takes Place on Saturday |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/ufc/the-end-of-tony-fergusons-career-takes-place-on-saturday |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Wrestling On Fannation |language=en-US}}

== Public appearance and cultural influences==

Ferguson is known as one of MMA's most eccentric personalities.{{cite web |last1=Portman |first1=Guy |title=Five Things You Might Not Know About Tony Ferguson |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Five-Things-You-Might-Not-Know-About-Tony-Ferguson-156089 |website=sherdog.com |access-date=17 April 2021}} He constructed his own custom training apparatus at his house in Big Bear Lake, California and regularly posts videos of his unique workouts on his personal Instagram page. These include using a Wing Chun dummy{{cite web |url= https://www.dragoninst.com/blog/wing-chun-in-mma/ |title= The Pros and Cons of Wing Chun in MMA |website= dragoninst}} smacking his arms and legs against metal poles to build bone strength, throwing baseballs off a pitcher's mound to build power for right-hand punches, swinging a hammer while balanced on a gym ball, and somersault jumps over tall stacks of gym mats.{{cite web |last1=Kiely |first1=Ben |title=Eight core-strength exercises only an absolute specimen would even attempt |url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/mma/eight-bodyweight-exercises-only-an-absolute-specimen-would-even-attempt-136854 |website=sportsjoe.ie |date=September 13, 2017 |access-date=17 April 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Dashti |first1=Issa |title=Tony Ferguson's training methods: Genius or Madness? |url=https://mmadive.com/tony-fergusons-training-methods-genius-or-madness/ |website=mmadive.com |access-date=17 April 2021}} A lot of people including fellow fighters have regularly commented on these unorthodox routines, and other fighters such as Belal Muhammad have even parodied Ferguson's training videos on their own personal social media pages or exaggerated them.{{cite tweet |last=Muhammad |first=Belal |user=bullyb170 |number=1215456954778378240 |date=January 9, 2020 |title=Exclusive LEAKED clip of Tony Ferguson training camp https://t.co/TDvmcBBbQL |language=en |access-date=January 3, 2021}} Ferguson has written on his Twitter account that he eschews sparring in training as he "finds it limits my creativity" when fighting.{{cite tweet |last=Ferguson |first=Tony |user=TonyFergusonXT |number=988932239646900224 |date=April 24, 2018 |title=Fact: There Has Been No Hard MMA Sparring In My Camps For Almost Three-Four Years. I Find It Limits The Amount Of Creativity That Goes Into My Flow. Plus, I Never Liked Hurting My Training Team- #TimeForChange Levels- SnapJitsu™️ https://t.co/TUmEgKQgOr |language=en |access-date=January 3, 2021}}

• National Collegiate Wrestling Association
• NCWA National Champion (2006)
• NCWA All-American (2006, 2007)
• North Central Conference Champion (2006, 2007)
• Michigan High School Athletic Association
• MHSAA Division IV State Champion (2002)
• MHSAA Division IV All-State (2000-2002)

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Interim UFC Lightweight Championship (One time)
• The Ultimate Fighter 13 winner
• Fight of the Night (Six times) vs. Edson Barboza, Lando Vannata, Rafael dos Anjos, Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone and Justin Gaethje
• Knockout of the Night (One time) {{small| vs. Ramsey Nijem}}
• Submission of the Night (One time) {{small| vs. Mike Rio}}
• Performance of the Night (Three times) {{small| vs. Edson Barboza, Josh Thomson and Gleison Tibau}}
• Tied (Khabib Nurmagomedov) for the second longest win streak in UFC Lightweight division history (12){{Cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=LW|title=Record Book | UFC}}
• Tied (Donald Cerrone, Drew Dober & Dustin Poirier) for fourth most finishes in UFC Lightweight division history (10)
• Second most D'Arce choke submission wins in UFC history (3) (behind Vicente Luque){{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-on-abc-7-pre-event-facts-tony-ferguson-longest-losind-skid-history|title=UFC on ABC 7 pre-event facts: Tony Ferguson needs win to avoid longest losing skid in octagon history|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2024-07-31|access-date=2024-07-31}}
• Seventh most significant strikes landed in UFC Lightweight division history (1221)
• Seventh most total strikes landed in UFC Lightweight division history (1404)
• Longest losing streak in UFC history (8)
• Tied (B.J. Penn) for the second longest winless streak in UFC history (8) (behind Sam Alvey){{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Fight-Facts-UFC-on-ABC-7-Sandhagen-vs-Nurmagomedov-194543|title=Fight Facts: UFC on ABC 7 'Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov'|author=Jay Pettry|publisher=sherdog.com|date=2024-08-05|access-date=2024-08-05}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2011: Ranked #3 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-newcomer-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Newcomer of the Year|date=January 3, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2015: Ranked #9 Fighter of the Year,{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/10-best-greatest-ufc-fighters-year|title=10 Best – Greatest UFC Fighters of the Year|date=December 23, 2015|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} Ranked #5 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Edson Barboza}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/10-best-top-ufc-submissions-2015|title=10 Best 2013 Top UFC submissions of 2015|date=December 23, 2015|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Ranked #3 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Edson Barboza}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/10-best-greatest-ufc-fights-2015|title=10 Best – Greatest UFC fights of 2015|date=December 25, 2015|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2016: Ranked #9 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Rafael dos Anjos}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-best-fights-2016|title=Top Ten - The Best Fights of 2016|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 22, 2016|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2018: Ranked #5 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Anthony Pettis}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/best-fights-2018|title=THE TEN BEST FIGHTS OF 2018|date=5 January 2019|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2019: Ranked #9 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Donald Cerrone}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-fights-2019|title=TEN BEST – THE FIGHTS OF 2019|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=3 January 2020|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2020: Ranked #6 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Justin Gaethje}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/2020-awards-10-best-fights|title=The 2020 Awards: 10 Best Fights|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 24, 2020|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• PureCombat
• PureCombat Welterweight Championship (One time)
• World MMA Awards
• 2018 Fight of the Year vs. Anthony Pettis at UFC 229{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/7/3/20681393/world-mma-awards-2019-results|title=World MMA Awards 2019 Results|date=July 4, 2019|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Bryan Tucker}}

{{MMArecordbox

|draws=

|nc=

|ko-wins=12

|sub-wins=8

|dec-wins=5

|ko-losses=2

|sub-losses=4

|dec-losses=5

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

|other-wins=

|other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–11

|Michael Chiesa

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov

|{{dts|2024|August|3}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:44

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{small|Welterweight bout.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–10

|Paddy Pimblett

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 296

|{{dts|2023|December|16}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–9

|Bobby Green

|Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke)

|UFC 291

|{{dts|2023|July|29}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|4:54

|Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–8

|Nate Diaz

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|UFC 279

|{{dts|2022|September|10}}

|align=center|4

|align=center|2:52

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Welterweight bout.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–7

|Michael Chandler

|KO (front kick)

|UFC 274

|{{dts|2022|May|07}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|0:17

|Phoenix, Arizona, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–6

|Beneil Dariush

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 262

|{{dts|2021|May|15}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Houston, Texas, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–5

|Charles Oliveira

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 256

|{{dts|2020|December|12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–4

|Justin Gaethje

|TKO (punch)

|UFC 249

|{{dts|2020|May|9}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|3:39

|Jacksonville, Florida, United States

|{{small|For the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 25–3

| Donald Cerrone

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| UFC 238

| {{dts|format=mdy|2019|June|8}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Chicago, Illinois, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 24–3

| Anthony Pettis

| TKO (corner stoppage)

| UFC 229

| {{dts|format=mdy|2018|October|6}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 23–3

| Kevin Lee

| Submission (triangle choke)

| UFC 216

| {{dts|format=mdy|2017|October|7}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 4:02

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Won the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Ferguson was stripped of the title on April 7, 2018 due to injury.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 22–3

| Rafael dos Anjos

| Decision (unanimous)

| The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale: dos Anjos vs. Ferguson

| {{dts|format=mdy|2016|November|5}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Mexico City, Mexico

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 21–3

| Lando Vannata

| Submission (brabo choke)

| UFC Fight Night: McDonald vs. Lineker

| {{dts|format=mdy|2016|July|13}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:22

| Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|20–3

|Edson Barboza

|Submission (brabo choke)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale

|{{dts|2015|December|11}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:54

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Ferguson was deducted one point in round one due to an illegal upkick. Performance of the Night. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|19–3

| Josh Thomson

|Decision (unanimous)

| UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee

| {{dts|2015|July|15}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

| San Diego, California, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–3

| Gleison Tibau

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 184

| {{dts|2015|February|28}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:37

| Los Angeles, California, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–3

|Abel Trujillo

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 181

|{{dts|2014|December|6}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:19

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–3

|Danny Castillo

|Decision (split)

|UFC 177

|{{dts|2014|August|30}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Sacramento, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–3

|Katsunori Kikuno

|KO (punch)

|UFC 173

|{{dts|2014|May|24}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 4:06

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 14–3

|Mike Rio

|Submission (brabo choke)

|UFC 166

|{{dts|2013|October|19}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 1:52

|Houston, Texas, United States

|{{small|Submission of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|13–3

|Michael Johnson

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller

|{{dts|2012|May|5}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 13–2

|Yves Edwards

|Decision (unanimous)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller Finale

|{{dts|2011|December|3}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 12–2

|Aaron Riley

|TKO (jaw injury)

|UFC 135

|{{dts|2011|September|24}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 5:00

|Denver, Colorado, United States

|{{small|Return to Lightweight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–2

|Ramsey Nijem

|KO (punches)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos Finale

|{{dts|2011|June|4}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:54

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Won The Ultimate Fighter 13 Welterweight Tournament. Knockout of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|10–2

|Brock Jardine

|TKO (punches)

|PureCombat 12: Champions for Children

|{{dts|2010|September|25}}

|align=center|4

|align=center|2:35

|Clovis, California, United States

|{{small|Won the vacant PureCombat Welterweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–2

|David Gardner

|TKO (punches)

|CA Fight Syndicate: Battle of the 805

|{{dts|2010|March|26}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|0:27

|Ventura, California, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (158 lb) bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|8–2

|Chris Kennedy

|TKO (doctor stoppage)

|National Fight Alliance MMA: Resurrection

|{{dts|2009|December|18}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:29

|Ventura, California, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|7–2

|Jamie Toney

|Submission (triangle choke)

|National Fight Alliance MMA: MMA at the Hyatt 3

|{{dts|2009|October|16}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:15

|Westlake Village, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–1

|James Fanshier

|Decision (unanimous)

|Rebel Fighter

|{{dts|2009|July|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Placerville, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|6–1

|Devin Benjamin

|TKO (punches and elbows)

|National Fight Alliance MMA: MMA at the Hyatt II

|{{dts|2009|May|28}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:51

|Westlake Village, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|5–1

|Daniel Hernandez

|TKO (punches)

|National Fight Alliance MMA: Riot at the Hyatt

|{{dts|2009|March|5}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:22

|Westlake Village, California, United States

| {{small|Return to Welterweight.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|4–1

|Karen Darabedyan

|Decision (unanimous)

|All Star Boxing: Caged in the Cannon

|{{dts|2009|February|6}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|3:00

|Montebello, California, United States

| {{small|Lightweight debut.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|4–0

|Frank Park

|Submission (neck crank)

|Long Beach Fight Night 3

|{{dts|2009|January|4}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:43

|Long Beach, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–0

|Joe Schilling

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Total Fighting Alliance 12

|{{dts|2008|September|13}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:12

|Long Beach, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Brandon Adams

|TKO (punches)

|Total Fighting Alliance 11: Pounding at the Pyramid

|{{dts|2008|July|12}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:18

|Long Beach, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Steve Avalos

|TKO (submission to punches)

|California Xtreme Fighting: Anarchy at the Arena

|{{dts|2008|April|12}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:25

|Upland, California, United States

|

|-

{{end}}

{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Tony-Ferguson-31239|title=Tony|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-11-08}}

{{MMA exhibition record box

|draws=

|nc=

|ko-wins=3

|sub-wins=

|dec-wins=

|ko-losses=

|sub-losses=

|dec-losses=

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

|other-wins=

|other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–0

|Chuck O'Neil

|TKO (punches)

|rowspan=3|The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos

|{{dts|2011|June|1}} (airdate)

|align=center|3

|align=center|3:10

|rowspan=3|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter 13 Semi-Final round.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Ryan McGillivray

|TKO (punches)

|{{dts|2011|May|25}} (airdate)

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:46

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter 13 Quarter-Final round.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Justin Edwards

|KO (upkick)

|{{dts|2011|May|4}} (airdate)

|align=center|1

| align=center|3:56

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter 13 Preliminary round.}}

{{end}}

• List of male mixed martial artists

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Sherdog|31239}}
• {{UFC|tony-ferguson}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach|ach}}

{{s-new}}

{{s-ttl|title=1st UFC Interim Lightweight Champion|years=October 7, 2017 - April 7, 2018
Stripped}}

{{s-vac|next=Dustin Poirier}}

{{end}}

{{UFC Lightweight Championship}}

{{The Ultimate Fighter}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferguson, Tony}}

Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists from California

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Wing Chun

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:American mixed martial artists of Mexican descent

Category:Sportspeople from Oxnard, California

Category:Grand Valley State University alumni

Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists

Category:Sportspeople from Muskegon, Michigan

Category:Martial artists from Ventura County, California

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:American Wing Chun practitioners

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu