5 keys to victory for Tony Ferguson at UFC 274
Tony Ferguson is as close to a mythical fighter as the MMA community can speculate. 'El Cucuy' is undeniably an anomaly. Fascinating interviews, wild training methods, a broad uniqueness in his fights - Ferguson is the only one of his kind.
His fan base began to increase as he compiled a twelve-fight winning streak that saw many wars. Though he's riding a three-fight slump, his loyal fanbase has stuck around. Ferguson is one half of the most anticipated match that has never happened: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson. Although the fight never came to fruition, the media tours did, and Ferguson won over many fans with this publicity.
The 38-year-old will have to go through former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler to snap a three-fight losing streak. This will not be an easy task, but if Ferguson has proved anything in his career, it's that adversity is something he's repeatedly able to overcome.
Here are five keys to victory for Tony Ferguson:
#5. Avoid an early brawl
As seen time and time again, Michael Chandler hits very hard. With ten of his twenty-two victories coming by way of knockout, it's safe to say that he has a pension to deliver devastating blows.
Ferguson is quite the finisher in his own right. He's stopped 80% of his victories before the final horn. However, many of these stoppages were in the second or third round.
As the fight progresses, the odds should sway in favor of 'El Cucuy' getting the finish. He's as durable as can be and seems to thrive in the violence. If Ferguson can hold off on returning fire when Chandler is fresh and at his most dangerous, he'll find the fight will favor him more and more with the passing minutes.