Tony Ferguson Shares Brock Lesnar’s Advice During UFC Career Challenges
Tony Ferguson, a prominent figure in the UFC lightweight division, has faced several challenges in his career. Despite a 12-fight winning streak, a future title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov never materialized due to injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ferguson’s unbeaten run ended in 2020 with a loss to Justin Gaethje for an interim title. Following this defeat, he experienced a difficult period, suffering eight consecutive losses in the UFC.
Brock Lesnar’s Advice to Tony Ferguson
Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar played a significant role in Ferguson’s career during their time on The Ultimate Fighter. Lesnar’s insights proved invaluable, especially during Ferguson’s struggles.
- Lesnar’s advice emphasized financial wisdom: “Save your money and pay your taxes”.
- He also suggested Ferguson consider retirement, which hit hard but was taken seriously.
“Why would I listen to anybody who’s not in my shoes?” Ferguson remarked about outside opinions on his career. He sought motivation and clarity about his future after 13 years in the UFC, even as he felt less joy in competing.
Finding a New Passion
Lesnar encouraged Ferguson to explore new interests. He told him to find a “second passion” and approach it with the same dedication he applied to fighting. This conversation inspired Ferguson to seek out opportunities beyond MMA, leading him to Misfits Boxing.
In August, Ferguson made a successful boxing debut, achieving a knockout victory and capturing the interim Misfits Boxing middleweight title, his first win since 2019. “I love this sport,” he said, reflecting on his renewed enthusiasm.
Looking Ahead
Ferguson is excited about his future. He has a second boxing match scheduled against Warren Spencer at Misfits Mania in Dubai. While he remains open to returning to MMA, he feels revitalized in this new chapter of his career.
- Ferguson emphasizes he will never retire from combat sports.
- He aims to stay active and embrace upcoming opportunities.
“I’m never retiring,” Ferguson stated firmly. His determination signals a commitment to continue competing, whether in boxing or potentially returning to MMA in the future.
