This year isn’t going well for Tony Ferguson. After previously 12 winning streaks, is now on a two-fight losing.
Later this year, Ferguson lost by TKO to Justin Gaethje at the UFC 249. Last week he faced Charles Oliveira at the UFC 256, Charles Oliveira’s grappling was too much for Tony Ferguson to handle. Tony lost the fight by unanimous decision, and he is now on a 25-5 record.
In an Instagram post, Tony discussed how fighting is not the same for him, during the pandemic, and he needs to adjust better for the future. He also talked about his injured elbow, the armbar was really tight but the arm is aright…
Tony wrote on his Instagram:
My crew, no excuses, I felt flat. I went out and welcomed the attack instead of defending. The warm-up time in the back for @UFC hasn’t been the same since pre-COVID. Still, no excuses, times change & so do people. The time from the hotel to UFC Apex is much more condensed & the aggressive level we needed was not reached. My fault 100%.
After the fight, we were checked by doctors and went back to the hotel. I felt it was in order to hit pads/spar immediately because the fight was fresh in my mind & blood circulation in my arm was needed. I really needed to figure out what the f’n problem was from the fight, solution **pre-fight time management**.
Charles was looking to take my back or go for the armbar as soon as we hit the mat. Thus I didn’t worry about the mount, kid was slick but so am I. I was looking for the knockout standing and d’arce from the bottom position once we hit jits transitions. It was fun dighting against a wet blanket (AKA “Heavy Pressure Opponent”). Mark my words, that scenario won’t happen again. Period.
My arm is aright, the armbar was really tight. The thought of my son ArmandAnthony’s ability to be double-jointed in his elbow during that sequence and my mental capacity to endure pain got me through It. Mental toughness.
I’m beyond grateful and thankful for my talents. I have learned so much about myself this year and what my purpose in life is. My search for that epic word called “greatness” Isn’t Over. Understand crew, we are far from being retired, so a message to my Haters, *ShaBam*.
Shout out to my team I put together on three-weeks notice. We’re still green boys. Thanks for not deserting me. (team, we’re barely scratching the surface to what we can truly accomplish & for that I say amen). It was great making weight & being around my fight for the week. I can’t wait till we compete in front of a big loud crowd again, it’s not the same without you all.
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