Over the years, the UFC community has seen many talented fighters grow into popular MMA stars. One notable example is the former UFC interim lightweight champion, Tony ‘El Cucuy’ Ferguson. However, despite his impressive career in the UFC, he is now pursuing opportunities in other MMA promotions. Recently, the Global Fight League (GFL) shockingly announced Tony Ferguson as their latest signing.
‘El Cucuy’ made his UFC debut over a decade ago, back in 2011. Since then, Ferguson has dominated and defeated several formidable fighters in the promotion. However, his recent performance in the UFC stands in stark contrast to his initial outings. Notably, Ferguson has not won any of his last 8 UFC fights. Additionally, his departure from the promotion has sent shockwaves through the community.
A few hours ago, the emerging MMA league, Global Fight League (GFL), announced on their social media platforms that they had signed Tony Ferguson. This American MMA league has been actively seeking out notable UFC fighters in recent months. Alongside Ferguson, they have also signed several other UFC aluminees, such as Frank Mir, Luke Rockhold, and many more.
Following his recent defeat against Michael Chiesa, Ferguson hinted at the possibility of fully retiring from MMA. However, despite his ongoing record-breaking losing streak, El Cucuy has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to take that route. The situation intensified after Ferguson signed with the Global Fight League. As such, it has even sparked significant discussion within the community.
Fight fans react to Tony Ferguson signing with Global Fight League
Due to his impressive initial performances in the UFC, Tony Ferguson gained significant popularity within the promotion. Interestingly, even during a poor run of form later in his career, fight fans continued to respect the American fighter. As a result, many notable figures in the UFC community expressed uncertainty about Ferguson’s potential return to the promotion.
Tony Ferguson’s last UFC fight outing against Michael Chiesa (Image via MMA Fighting/Yahoo Sports)Interestingly, despite the announcement, Ferguson has not confirmed signing with the Global Fight League (GFL) as of now. However, that hasn’t stopped fight fans from sharing their reactions. Check out some reactions below.
Tony Ferguson has officially LEFT the UFC 💔
Newer MMA fans have never seen him win a fight, but he is still a legend and one of the greatest lightweights in MMA history
-Advertisement-We will never forget that 7 year undefeated run
Thank you Tony 🙏 pic.twitter.com/69TYX4RQHN
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) January 24, 2025
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“Man I can’t wait for UFC in 2025”
“Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira are taking over again”
Tony Ferguson fans:
pic.twitter.com/mCJQTVdUHk-Advertisement-— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) January 5, 2025
Tony ferguson left the ufc 😭
Why uncle @danawhite why?#UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/AXs8HUvLLz— Deady Kalesh🔞 (@Deadlykalesh) January 24, 2025
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Even with the record losing streak still my favorite fighter ever
Tony bless pic.twitter.com/D2CEeiX4dg
— P (@DKD2421) January 24, 2025
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Legends never die.
Sadly they do retire.
— Crypto King (@Cryptoking) January 24, 2025
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Sad day for a lot of us longtime Tony fans. We all believed he was going to turn it around and go on another 10-fight win streak and have one more chance at gold.
— Johnny Mariani (@johnny_mariani) January 24, 2025
Just shows that Father Time is still undefeated.
-Advertisement-— Jeff Moll (@bigjeffm) January 24, 2025
He’s a UFC legend. He had an incredible run, but all great things must come to an end.
— Zach “🅂🄲🄷🅄🅉” Schumaker (@_SchuZ_) January 24, 2025
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Tony’s legacy is eternal, his dominance defined an unforgettable era.
— Dr.Phoenix (@Dr_phoenix45) January 24, 2025
I don’t know how to feel about this. 😶
-Advertisement-— Papa Flameado (@PFlameado) January 24, 2025
Hard for fighters to hang em up. I feel bad for Tony.
— Jason Langhan (@Jlanghan) January 24, 2025
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While some fight fans were excited about Ferguson’s upcoming journey, most netizens were in disbelief that he had to leave the UFC. Additionally, many fans expressed their disappointment, feeling that ‘El Cucuy’ is deliberately prolonging his career despite a string of poor performances.
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