Tony Ferguson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson in 2016
Born	Anthony Armand Padilla (1984-02-12) February 12, 1984 (age 41) Oxnard, California, U.S.
Nickname(s)	El Cucuy
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	170 lb (77 kg)
Division	Lightweight (2011–2021, 2023) Welterweight (2008–2011, 2022, 2024-present)
Reach	76+1⁄2 in (194 cm)
Fighting out of	Orange County, California, U.S. Oxnard, California, U.S.
Trainer	Strength and Conditioning: David Goggins Boxing: Rashad Holloway, Joseph Janik (Former) Muay Thai: Billy Fonua Jiu-Jitsu: Eddie Bravo, Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller (Former)
Rank	Black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu under Eddie Bravo
Wrestling	NCWA Wrestling
Years active	2008–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	36
Wins	25
By knockout	12
By submission	8
By decision	5
Losses	11
By knockout	2
By submission	4
By decision	5
University	Central Michigan University Grand Valley State College
Medal record Collegiate Wrestling Representing the Grand Valley State Lakers NCWA Championships Gold 2006 Grand Rapids 165 lb

Anthony Armand Ferguson Padilla (born February 12, 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He is a former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion. Tony started his professional career in 2008. He was part of the UFC from 2011 until early 2025. He trains in freestyle wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wing Chun.

Early Life and Sports

Tony Ferguson was born in Oxnard, California. He grew up mostly in Muskegon, Michigan. His family background is Mexican. His last name, Ferguson, comes from his Scottish American stepfather.

Tony was a talented athlete in high school. He played American football and baseball. He was also a top wrestling star. He won a state championship in wrestling in 2002.

After high school, Tony went to college. He wrestled successfully in college. He won a national wrestling championship in 2006.

Later, Tony moved back to California. He worked in marketing and as a bartender. One night, someone noticed his "cauliflower ear," which is common in wrestlers. This person invited Tony to help train young mixed martial artists. Soon after, Tony decided to become a professional MMA fighter.

Mixed Martial Arts Career

Starting His Career

Tony Ferguson began his professional MMA journey in 2007. He fought in smaller events in California. Early in his career, he beat kickboxing champion Joe Schilling.

The Ultimate Fighter Journey

Tony tried several times to join The Ultimate Fighter. This is a reality TV show by the UFC. In 2010, he was finally accepted. He had a strong record of 10 wins and 2 losses. He also won a welterweight championship.

Tony joined The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos. He was picked by Team Lesnar. Tony won his first fight by knockout. He then won his quarter-final and semi-final fights by TKO. This sent him to the final match.

Joining the UFC

Tony made his official UFC debut in June 2011. He fought Ramsey Nijem in the final of The Ultimate Fighter 13. Tony won by knockout in the first round. This victory earned him a UFC contract.

After this, Tony moved to the lightweight division. He continued to win his fights. He beat Aaron Riley and Yves Edwards. In 2012, he faced Michael Johnson and lost by decision.

Amazing Win Streak

After recovering from an arm injury, Tony returned in 2013. He started an incredible twelve-fight winning streak. He won his first fight back against Mike Rio by submission. This earned him a "Submission of the Night" award.

Tony kept winning against tough opponents. He beat Katsunori Kikuno by knockout. He also defeated Danny Castillo and Abel Trujillo. In 2015, he won against Gleison Tibau and Josh Thomson. These wins earned him "Performance of the Night" bonuses.

He then faced Edson Barboza in a thrilling fight. Tony won by submission in the second round. This fight earned him both "Performance of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" awards.

Tony was scheduled to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov multiple times. However, these fights were always canceled due to injuries or other issues.

In 2016, Tony defeated Lando Vannata by submission. He also beat former champion Rafael dos Anjos. Both fights earned him "Fight of the Night" honors.

Tony fought Kevin Lee in 2017. This fight was for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Tony won by submission in the third round. He became the interim champion.

He continued his winning streak by defeating Anthony Pettis in 2018. This was another exciting fight that earned "Fight of the Night." In 2019, he beat Donald Cerrone by TKO. This fight also received "Fight of the Night" honors.

Recent Fights

Tony's long winning streak ended in May 2020. He fought Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Tony lost the fight by TKO in the fifth round. This fight was still recognized as "Fight of the Night."

After this, Tony faced Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. He lost both fights by unanimous decision. In 2022, he was knocked out by Michael Chandler.

Tony then moved back to the welterweight division. He fought Nate Diaz in September 2022. Tony lost this fight by submission. He returned to lightweight in July 2023, losing to King Green. In December 2023, he lost to Paddy Pimblett.

In August 2024, Tony fought Michael Chiesa in a welterweight bout. He lost by submission. This marked his eighth loss in a row. This is the longest losing streak in UFC history.

Global Fight League

In January 2025, Tony Ferguson left the UFC. He signed with the Global Fight League (GFL). He was drafted by Team Los Angeles. He was scheduled to fight Dillon Danis in May 2025. However, the first GFL events were postponed.

Boxing Career

Tony Ferguson has also explored boxing. In January 2025, he was considered for a boxing match against English star KSI. Tony decided to focus on his GFL fight instead.

Ferguson vs Papi

Tony announced a boxing match for August 30, 2025. He will face Filipino boxer Salt Papi. This fight will headline an event called "Misfits 22 – Ring of Thrones." It will take place in Manchester, England.

Fighting Style

Tony Ferguson is known for his unique fighting style. He has unusual striking techniques and great stamina. He uses sharp elbows effectively. He is also very good at D'Arce chokes, a type of submission.

During his best years, Tony had a 12-fight winning streak. He often finished his opponents. His aggressive style and use of elbows frequently caused his opponents to bleed. This led to him winning six "Fight of the Night" bonuses.

Training and Personality

Tony Ferguson is known for his interesting personality. He built his own training area at his home in Big Bear Lake, California. He often shares videos of his unique workouts online.

His training includes hitting his arms and legs against metal poles. This helps build bone strength. He also throws baseballs to improve punching power. He swings a hammer while balancing on a gym ball. Many people, including other fighters, have commented on his unusual routines. Some have even made fun of them. Tony has said that he avoids sparring in training. He believes it limits his creativity in fights.

Achievements and Awards

Amateur Wrestling

• National Collegiate Wrestling Association
  • NCWA National Champion (2006)
• Michigan High School Athletic Association
  • MHSAA Division IV State Champion (2002)

Mixed Martial Arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Interim UFC Lightweight Championship (One time)
  • The Ultimate Fighter 13 winner
  • Fight of the Night (Six times)
  • Knockout of the Night (One time)
  • Submission of the Night (One time)
  • Performance of the Night (Three times)
  • Tied for the second longest win streak in UFC Lightweight division history (12)
  • Longest losing streak in UFC history (8)
• PureCombat
  • PureCombat Welterweight Championship (One time)
• World MMA Awards
  • 2018 Fight of the Year

Images for kids

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  Tony Ferguson in 2016

See also

In Spanish: Tony Ferguson para niños