American · Oxnard, California, USA · Born 12 February 1984Gritty, unorthodox lightweight famous for his win streak and never getting an undisputed title shot despite holding interim gold.
Tony Ferguson built one of the most feared reputations in the UFC's lightweight division through a series of dominant, gritty performances marked by an unorthodox, unpredictable style. His breakthrough came in 2016, defeating former champion Rafael dos Anjos, considered one of the best wins of his career. Ferguson's most significant achievement came at UFC 216 in 2017, where he submitted rising contender Kevin Lee with a third-round triangle choke to capture the UFC interim Lightweight Championship, setting up a hotly anticipated unification bout with champion Khabib Nurmagomedov — a fight that was repeatedly scheduled and cancelled over the following years without ever taking place. His win over Donald Cerrone at UFC 238 in 2019 extended his win streak to 12 fights, the longest active streak in the UFC at the time and a lightweight divisional record, built on victories over Cerrone, Lee, dos Anjos, Anthony Pettis and Nate Diaz among others. Ferguson's win streak ended in 2020 with a stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje, after which his form declined significantly, including further losses to Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush and Michael Chandler. Despite the later career skid, his 12-fight run remains one of the most celebrated stretches in modern UFC lightweight history.
Interim UFC Lightweight Champion known for a record 12-fight UFC win streak
How They Played
Unorthodox, high-output striker and grappler with unusual angles and relentless pace
Lasting Impact
Remembered as one of the most gifted and unpredictable lightweights never to win an undisputed UFC title
Career Honours
- Interim UFC Lightweight Championship 2017, won vs Kevin Lee, stripped without defending due to injury
- The Ultimate Fighter 13 winner 2011
American Athletes