UFC Abu Dhabi: Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa: Full video highlights and best moments
UFC Abu Dhabi's bout between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chiesa was defined by two men looking to justify their UFC roster spots. The Octagon vets clashed at welterweight, a division 'El Cucuy hasn't competed in since a 2022 submission loss to Nate Diaz.
Nevertheless, the former interim lightweight champ claimed to feel revitalized ahead of the fight, as his body wasn't drained by a large weight cut. Meanwhile, Chiesa hasn't enjoyed Ferguson's UFC success, never capturing championship gold, interim or otherwise.
What the two men did have in common coming into Saturday's clash was their losing streaks. Ferguson dropped seven straight fights to Chiesa's three consecutive defeats. After the embattled veterans touched gloves, each man fought like their professional lives hung in the air. However, Ferguson suffered his eighth consecutive setback after tapping to a rear-naked choke at 3:44 of round one.
UFC Abu Dhabi: Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa: Highlights
The Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa bout was quick and told a tale of two different game plans. The former interim lightweight champion was determined to outstrike his larger foe, who didn't care for the standup and wasted little time in pursuing a takedown.
'Maverick' secured the clinch, sinking in a body lock before attempting a suplex. While Ferguson defended well, Chiesa's physicality proved to be too much, and he simply dragged 'El Cucuy to the mat. From there, the larger man secured a body triangle and worked toward a choke.
While Ferguson is tough, often fighting through the pain of submissions, he winced as he tried to pry Chiesa's arms apart. He found some brief reprieve, but it was for naught, as the natural 170-pounder slid his forearm under Ferguson's neck and squeezed with every inch of experience he had.
Check out the Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson round-one finish:
Ultimately, Ferguson tapped, giving Chiesa the submission win. This setback marked 'El Cucuy's 8th consecutive loss in what appears to have been his final UFC fight. Ferguson removed his gloves post-match, laying one on the mat after explaining that he doesn't want to retire but won't fight anywhere else.