Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson already has a UFC belt in his fight week hotel room, and he says the thought of adding another really doesn’t entice him all that much.
“I’ve got the belt in my room,” Ferguson said at a virtual media day session ahead of UFC 256. “I could go after another belt, but how much greed is that? I’ve got an ‘Ultimate Fighter’ trophy. I’ve got a Fighters Only award trophy. I’ve got a UFC belt. I’ve got medals, and I’m Lord of the Rings with all my championship rings. How much greed can you want? You want to be like Khabib (Nurmagomedov) and hold on to it?”
It’s an interesting take from Ferguson, but then again, “El Cucuy” has built a career on his unique flavor. And it’s true, while most fighters are constantly focused on securing a UFC title, Ferguson is already considered must-see TV by MMA fans for an all-action style that has seen him establish himself as a perennial contender at 155 pounds for most of his nine-year run in the UFC.
Ferguson came up short in a bid for a second interim belt when he was defeated by Justin Gaethje via fifth-round TKO in a thrilling “Fight of the Night” back in May.
Ferguson knows exactly what type of reputation he’s built along the way, and he’s content with where he stands – even rebranding his “champ (expletive) only” acronym for a new usage.
“I’m the CSO of the UFC,” Ferguson said. “CSO means ‘chief security officer.’ If you need something done, count on me. Reliable. I go out there and I make it happen. Name another (expletive) that’s out there in the top-five that does that (expletive). Top 15 or top 30. You’ve got to go lower in the bracket to have fighters that are barely making it to have that attitude.”
Saturday, Ferguson (25-4 MMA, 15-2 UFC) returns to action in the co-main event of UFC 256 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. He takes on Brazilian finisher Charles Oliveira (29-8 MMA, 17-8 UFC) in a meaningful battle in the 155-pound division, with Ferguson sitting at No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, and “Do Bronx” sitting at No. 6.
But Ferguson isn’t interested in discussing whether or not he’ll get another title shot with a victory. After all, he famously was 12-1 in the promotion before he was given his interim title shot, which he won, and then that belt was stripped from him due to injury.
He has yet to compete for an undisputed title despite his track record of success.
“Man, that title is a wet dream,” Ferguson said. “Like that Farmers Insurance commercial: ‘Oh, you almost got it. Keep it going. We’re just going to keep dangling it in front of you.’
“I don’t know what the problem is. I don’t know if it’s because I’m Mexican. I’m American with Mexican parts. Twelve-fight win streak. Eight years in the making, before women’s sports were even in. Conor (McGregor) was on welfare. … All these different things, and I still didn’t earn a title shot.”
Ferguson and Oliveira are almost certain to be in contention for another “Fight of the Night” bonus on Saturday night. After all, they are two of the most prolific bonus earners in the promotion’s history.
At 36, Ferguson knows exactly where he stands in the sport, and he promises to put on another show for his loyal fans. As for the belt, his message is clear.
“I don’t give a (expletive),” Ferguson said.
Chief security officer Tony Ferguson not concerned with ‘wet dream’ of UFC title
