After a competitive opening stanza with Michael Chandler, Ferguson succumbed to a highlight-reel front kick from his opponent that sent him face first to the canvas 17 seconds into Round 2. Although the former interim lightweight champion has lost four straight fights, UFC president Dana White came away impressed by “El Cucuy.”
“Everybody was asking me this week leading up to this fight: Is this a make or break for Tony Ferguson? And I said no. He’s still one of the top 10 guys in the world, and he looked damn good in that first round, but that was a vicious knockout,” White said at the UFC 274 post-fight press conference.
“I think what needs to happen now is Tony needs to take some time off after that knockout, and I don’t know. But it’s not like, ‘Oh my God, Tony got dominated and looks like he doesn’t even belong here.’ Tony looked damn good right up until he got caught, and you know in this game anybody can get caught with anything.”
Ferguson was transported to a hospital after the fight and released after his CT scans were negative. “The Ultimate Fighter 13” winner seemed to be in good spirits after the bout.
“Congratulations to [Michael Chandler on his victory at UFC 274. Had lots of fun in there. You fans are f---ing wild. I love this s—t,” Ferguson wrote on Twitter. “Feels good to be back and hungry again. We were just getting started. Best of luck in your next fight.”
Congratulations to @MikeChandlerMMA On his victory at UFC274. Had lots of fun in there, you fans are Fuckin’ wild I love this shit! Feels good to be back & hungry again. We were just getting started. Best Of Luck In Your Next Fight- Champ # ForTheLoveOfTheGame -CSO- pic.twitter.com/cp6trgSPoX
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) May 9, 2022