Tony Ferguson has finally landed a fight. The former interim champion had called out the likes of Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. Earlier, lightweight champion of the world Khabib Nurmagomedov had urged Ferguson to take on Islam Makhachev. However, after much thought and speculation, it seems like Ferguson may finally have an opponent.
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El Cucuy will take on Charles Oliveira in what is expected to be a barn-burner. Ferguson will take on the submission specialist Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 256. It is an exciting match-up and one that is bound to get the attention of fight fans around the world. There are several reasons that makes this match-up an exciting one.
The return of El Cucuy
Tony Ferguson is coming off a TKO loss over Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. After 12 straight victories in the lightweight division, Ferguson failed to land a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov. In a surprising turn of events, Justin Gaethje stepped up to take on the El Cucuy in a short-notice bout.
The offer was expected by Tony Ferguson, who garnered huge praise for his decisionn to step in against someonne as dangerous as Justin Gaethje. Additionally, training for a grappler like Nurmgamedov to eventually take on a knockout artist in the form of Gaethje, Ferguson failed to live up to his expectations.
In what was an almost one sided battle, Gaethje picked up an impressive TKO win in the fifth round. In the process, he became the first fighter to get a stoppage win over Ferguson. Now, El Cucuy returns against rising contender Charles Oliveira.
Oliveira the submission specialist
Charles Oliveira has been in the UFC for a very long time. It won’t be wrong to say that he is as experienced as Tony Ferguson and is atrue veteran of the sport. With over 38 professional bouts to his name, Do Bronx has shared the Octagon against the likes of Paul Felder, Frankie Edgar, Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis,m Max Holloway among others.
Oliveira is currently on a seven fight win-streak. He is coming off an incredible submission win over former interim title challenger Kevin Lee. Oliveira has been in the UFC for over a decade now. He made his first appearance inside the Octagon back in 2010. He is just 31, and only getting better. Additionally, he holds the record for most submission wins in the history of UFC. Five of his last seven wins inside the Octagon have come via way of submission.
Tony Ferguson has what it takes to beat Charles Oliveira
Both the fighters are unorthodox striker. Ferguson and Oliveira are flashy and never step back from a dogfight. Needless to say, both Ferguson annd Oliveira’s submission game is widely regarded as the best in the business. However, Ferguson takes the edge in terms of striking.
While it’s going to be a fair fight on the ground, Ferguson has more experience and is more skilled in the stand-up game. Oliveira is currently ranked #6 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings. However, it will be the first time he will take on someone form the top-5.
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Tony Ferguson’s return is defeinitely going to be exciting. El Cucuy had stated that he has made huge changes to his game after the devastating loss at the hands of Justin Gaethje. Expect a much crisper and lethal version of the El Cucuy we have come to adore and respect.
Winner: Tony Ferguson (TKO – 3rd Round)
