Wife of Tony Ferguson Issues Statement Regarding Restraining Order

Tony Ferguson's wife has put out a short statement regarding the restraining order she has sought against the former interim Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champ.

According to ESPN on Friday, Cristina Ferguson and her attorney released a statement explaining why she filed a restraining order. "Tony Ferguson is a good husband and good father to our son," she said in her statement. "The current legal proceedings are a part of a process to ensure that Tony will receive the help necessary to continue being the best possible, as well as to pursue his passion and career as a UFC champion fighter." She concluded her statement by asking for privacy, saying, "All positive well wishes are sincerely appreciated and I hope our privacy will be respected."

In California, potential victims can seek temporary restraining orders to protect themselves or other parties, and there does not need to be physical harm -- the threat or fear of impending harm can be still deemed "domestic violence." MMAJunkie reported Thursday that Ferguson's wife filed a temporary restraining order against him. The order was filed after a series of incidents where his wife called the police out of concern for Ferguson and his well-being.

In the incident reports provided to MMAJunkie.com, his family and the responding officers recorded repeated examples of Ferguson's unusual behavior. Those reports included he and his wife getting into arguments, Ferguson's father asking him to leave his house, Ferguson staying up for days at a time and smashing their fire place, Ferguson claiming there was a microchip implanted in his leg and a man living in his walls, and splashing his wife with "holy water." At one time, he also called the police to report that his wife had been missing overnight.

As stated previously, the reports were very clear to state that at no point during any of the incidents was Ferguson was violent, or that his wife was concerned for her own safety or that of their child. While the incidents repeated and he was encouraged to seek help, he reportedly did not pursue treatment. An investigation is set to take place on March 22, and the domestic violence hearing will take place on April 5. The temporary restraining order will be in place until that hearing.