UFC 291 is only a few sleeps away and fans around the world can hardly wait. Although fans have been treated well this year, UFC 291 could be the best card of the year. Stacked from top to bottom, let’s take a look at our focus for this one: Tony Ferguson vs. Bobby Green.
Notably, UFC 291 is one of the most hyped cards of the year simply due to the star power on the show. Headlining the event we have Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje for the BMF title. Not only that, but we also have a certified banger with Jan Blachowicz taking on Alex Pereira in the co-main event. Also on the main card is Stephen Thompson vs. Michel Pereira and Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland.
Tony Ferguson will fight Bobby Green at #UFC291 on July 29th. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2023 #UFCSaltLakeCity pic.twitter.com/tqi5Ck6Xzg
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) May 16, 2023
Turning our attention to the second fight from the bottom on the main card, we have Tony Ferguson and Bobby Green in what is likely to be a retirement fight for one if not both. Two legends of the game in their own right, both fighters have done a lot for the sport and are now, unfortunately, nearing the end of the road. As such, this fight along with being their last will also be a celebration of their careers.
Coming into this one, both fighters are on a winless streak whilst Tony has lost his last five, Green’s last fight against Jared Gordon ended in a no-contest after an accidental headbutt. Prior to that, Green suffered back-to-back losses to Drew Dober and lightweight champ Islam Makhachev.
UFC 291 Tony Ferguson vs. Bobby Green stats
| Stats | Tony Ferguson | Bobby Green |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 26 | 29 |
| Losses | 8 | 14 |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in | 5 ft 10 in |
| Division | Lightweight | Lightweight |
| Reach | 76.4 in | 71 in |
| Age | 39 | 36 |
Tony Ferguson vs. Bobby Green: Fight breakdown and prediction
Taking a look at the bigger picture, it is clear why Bobby Green is a huge favorite to win this fight. To put it simply, Tony’s fighting days are over. With many insisting that he should have called time on his career after the loss to Beneil Dariush, Tony decided to keep at it. In his next fight, he was met with a thunderous head kick KO by Michael Chandler at UFC 274.
However, another opportunity soon came calling with a move up to welterweight for a fight against Li Jingliang at UFC 279. However, a switch around saw Tony headline against Nate Diaz instead. Arguably, Tony looked even worse with many calling for his retirement, yet again. Now 39, it is clear that Tony’s fighting days are over and have been for quite some time.
Although there has been a lot of talk about retirement, it seems that Bobby Green is here to stay, for now. Despite having poor showings in recent times, there is still some fight left in Green. Arguably in better shape and showing better conditioning than Ferguson, it is no surprise that many are expecting Green to win this fight. As such, should he come in with a solid game plan, he could do well and find a finish relatively quickly.
Although he is the favored fighter, Green must not indulge in any distractions that Tony might throw his way. Whilst there are a few probably holding out hope for Tony to win and retire on a high, it is a very unlikely possibility. Despite that, fans will look to enjoy this fight, seeing as it is the last time they might see these fighters in the Octagon.
