Tony Ferguson returns to sparring after seven-year hiatus to break losing streak at UFC Abu Dhabi: "I've put in about 120 rounds or more"
Tony Ferguson seems to have made some significant changes to his training as he prepares to make a return to competition. Ferguson is known for his unorthodox methods. While avoiding sparring is something more and more fighters are starting to adapt, 'El Cucuy' was one of the first few fighters who did not spar in preparation for their fights.
The 40-year-old former interim UFC lightweight champion is considered one of the best fighters in the division's history. However, his professional MMA career suffered a sudden decline after a lopsided defeat to Justin Gaethje in May 2020.
Ferguson is currently on a seven-fight loss streak and he will attempt to get back in the win column with a victory over Michael Chiesa on this weekend's UFC Abu Dhabi card. During the media day interactions, Ferguson shed light on the changes he has made in his training style. He said:
"I had two surgeries. I think that was the kick to the sa* that I needed to be able to get my sh* together. Because I went back to sparring. I hadn't sparred in seven years. We have good training partners and I have put in about 120 rounds or more of sparring. I've put a lot of wrestling in. Good training partners, good vibes and a good team, the Beehive back home in Orange County."
Check out Tony Ferguson's comments below:
Tony Ferguson says he struggled to build the team, says he is finally "finding that happiness" in training
Tony Ferguson's downfall seems to have taken a toll on his team as well. Speaking further during the media day interactions, 'El Cucuy' said that his team had "broken up" over the last couple of years and explained how he rebuilt the team:
"It took a lot to be able to go [to the Beehive in Orange County] and ask and say, 'Hey, would you mind if I could come in and spar?' and then be invited. Because I've had part of teams and they've broken up. It was hard to put the band back together. It just didn't sound the same. I sound like a broken record saying this sh* all the time but finding that happiness in the training was really hard over the last couple of years and it's been cool." [0:25]
Ferguson last competed against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296. He lost the bout by unanimous decision. Against Michael Chiesa, Ferguson will be moving up to compete in the welterweight division.