"Not the Tony that we all like" - Former UFC title contender claims Tony Ferguson is "kind of going down" following loss to Paddy Pimblett

Tony Ferguson was not his old self against Paddy Pimblett according to a former title contender who also praised Pimblett on his performance at UFC 296.

Ferguson took on the 'The Baddy', who was returning to the UFC after a long absence due to an injury. However, 'El Cucuy' came up short against the up-and-coming fighter and registered yet another loss to his name.

While on the JAXXON PODCAST with Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, Gilbert Burns spoke about the fight and how Ferguson was not himself:

"Tony, unfortunately, is not the Tony that we all like. I’m still a fan of the guy and I think he’s a freaking legend, but he’s kind of going down now. But the guy showed up because Tony is like the old guy, the old shark if he smells that blood, if he sees it, he’s going to take it."

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Burns then went on to praise Pimblett for his performance against Ferguson, stating that he has a lot of potential. 'Durinho' claimed he has trained alongside Pimblett before and believes the Liverpudlian is a good fighter but someone who has not been tested yet.

Watch the podcast below (32:12):

Daniel Cormier urges Tony Ferguson to hang up the gloves following UFC 296 loss

Daniel Cormier urged Tony Ferguson to hang up his gloves after 'El Cucuy' lost his seventh consecutive fight in the octagon. During an episode of the DC & RC Show, the former two-division champion said:

"Tony Ferguson should retire. Nobody knows when someone is done until they know that they're done. Only Tony knows when it's time. But it seems as though he's the only one left that isn't sure. Everybody else feels pretty certain that that time has come for Tony Ferguson."

Watch a clip from the podcast below:

Like Cormier, a lot of UFC fans and fellow fighters believe it's time for 'El Cucuy' to retire from the sport. One of the most feared fighters in his prime, it could be hard for Ferguson to get another matchup following such an unprecedented skid.