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Tony Ferguson, the former interim UFC lightweight champion and one of the sport's most enduring figures, is about to embark on a journey that could redefine his legacy. And the question on everyone's mind is: does he have one more magical night left in him?
Daniel Cormier, a UFC legend in his own right, thinks Tony Ferguson may yet dazzle the world once more. After a daunting six-fight losing streak that has tested the resilience of even the toughest fighters, Ferguson is gearing up to face the surging Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 on December 16 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Ferguson's recent string of losses has been a tough pill to swallow for his fans and critics alike. The names on his list of tormentors read like a who's who of the lightweight division: Bobby Green, Nate Diaz, Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje. But amidst this adversity, there have been glimmers of the old "El Cucuy."
Cormier, ever the astute observer, recalls Ferguson's ability to stun Gaethje with a thunderous uppercut and drop Chandler in their memorable encounter. It's moments like these that make you wonder: can Ferguson turn back the clock and pull off another spectacular upset against the rising star Paddy Pimblett?
Cormier mused on his YouTube channel,
"Is it as simple as he just needs one? Imagine what happens for Tony Ferguson if he beats Paddy Pimblett. He said before the last fight – I sat in the fighter meeting with him and Tony Ferguson said, 'It's going to be a fight right now. Five more fights, I'm on the title.' So, it's not like he has lost that desire to fight. He has not lost the thought that he can be a world champion."
The notion of fighters summoning their greatness for one last hurrah isn't new. Cormier aptly points to the legendary George Foreman, who defied all odds to conquer Michael Moorer in a bout he had no business winning and Ferguson might just be on the cusp of that unforgettable night.
"Every great champion has one more night in him," Cormier emphasizes
Cormier has previously suggested that Ferguson retire, but he remains a fervent believer in the former champion's abilities.
"I think Tony Ferguson was so good," he reflects. "The way he would hit these guys, they would look like they were bludgeoned."
However, Cormier acknowledges that Ferguson seemed to lose a part of himself in the brutal war with Justin Gaethje, a fight that changed fighters forever.
As the MMA world eagerly awaits the clash between Ferguson and Pimblett, the question lingers in the air: can Tony Ferguson summon the ghosts of his glorious past and stage a comeback for the ages? Only time will tell, but in the unforgiving arena of the octagon, anything is possible.