Roach Coach Visits Snap City

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is looking to improve his stand-up skills for his inevitable return to the Octagon. The means to that end is training one-on-one with famed boxing coach Freddie Roach, as seen in multiple social media posts from both parties.

Ferguson, who turned 37 earlier this month, recently lost back-to-back fights for the first time in his storied mixed martial arts (MMA) career. After Justin Gaethje stole his top spot at the UFC 249 pay-per-view (PPV) event, fellow contender Charles Oliveira all but removed him from title contention at UFC 256.

“Right Where I Need To Be,” Ferguson said. “Thanks Coach Freddie & Wildcard Boxing Fam For Giving Me A Chance. Always Been A Wildcard At Heart. Fight Prep, Mitwork & Bagwork In The Box. Rest, Recover & Re-Strategize. The Energizer Is On Full Charge Crew. Excited To Train Again. Hands Feeling Accurate & Conditioning On Point, But Can ALWAYS Be Better!!!”

As of this writing, Ferguson (25-5) remains unbooked. “El Cucuy” is currently ranked No. 5 at 155 pounds, sandwiched between Michael Chandler (No. 5) and Conor McGregor (No. 6). Until the promotion figures out what to do with the lightweight title, currently held by the retired Khabib Nurmagomedov, it’s difficult to predict where any of them will end up.