"This is my weight class" - When featherweight Conor McGregor received scary warning from prime Tony Ferguson
Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson are undoubtedly two of the biggest stars ever to grace the UFC octagon. Both MMA veterans have had incredibly successful runs in the promotion, with the Irishman even earning the lofty 'Champ-Champ' status after winning the featherweight and lightweight titles.
While McGregor's achievements in the UFC are undeniably extraordinary, Ferguson was once considered among the most dangerous 155-pound contenders in the promotion. The former interim lightweight champion went on an impressive 12-fight win streak between 2013 and 2019, during which he beat world-class opponents like Anthony Pettis, Edson Barboza, and Rafael Dos Anjos.
Before his fight against Barboza at The Ultimate Fighter 22 finale in December 2015, Tony Ferguson infamously sent a featherweight Conor McGregor a grave warning about trying to move up from the featherweight division and challenge for the lightweight title. 'The Notorious' was notably fresh off his record-breaking 13-second knockout victory against Jose Aldo in their title unification bout at UFC 194.
During an interview with Ariel Helwani before the TUF 22 finale, Tony Ferguson was asked for his thoughts on Conor McGregor wanting to move up to 155 pounds for a title shot. 'El Cucuy' replied:
"Tell that bitch to come up, and I'm going to sign on the dotted line. This is my weight class. You want to talk shit? I'll be the first one to sign on the dotted line. Mark my words, bro, you're going to get the real 'El Cucuy', and I don't even care."
Catch Ferguson's comments below (3:21):
When Conor McGregor vowed to "end" Tony Ferguson during their heated social media war
Last month, Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson went back and forth on social media and fired vicious shots at each other. While it's no secret that there's no love lost between them, the UFC never matched them up for a fight. However, it seems they haven't buried the hatchet yet and still hope to face each other someday.
McGregor and Ferguson have exchanged jabs online for several years now. During one of the Irishman's infamous rants on X (formerly Twitter) last month, he decided to take aim at 'El Cucuy' and vowed to finish him for good.
Their interaction began after 'The Notorious' quote-tweeted Ferguson's post reflecting on his six-fight losing slide. Seemingly hoping to send Ferguson into retirement, McGregor wrote:
"I’m gonna end you and badly. I’ve not forgot."
Not one to back down, Tony Ferguson commented:
"Ahh, there’s my b****. Took a few to get your attention. Remember when you used to work for me, and I fired your ass for not doing your job. When you’re done signing your legal issues, sign on the dotted line Coward-Champ."