Nearly 14 years. That’s how long Tony Ferguson fought under the UFC. His long winning streak was shattered by Justin Gaethje in 2020 (UFC 249) and since then, he has lost eight back-to-back fights. Considering his defeats and the fact that he is 40 years old, it looked like the promotion would be the place he would receive his ultimate farewell. But his fighting career isn’t done just yet. If anything, there is a twist.

“[Tony Ferguson] signs with the Global Fight League.” This was the post that sent the entire fighting community into shock on January 24. The legendary mixed martial artist has finally parted ways with the Ultimate Fighting Championship after 24 fights. While the fighting community seemed to believe that ‘El Cucuy’ should finally retire, Ferguson came up with a better idea, and that was to join the GFL. But he isn’t alone.

He is joined by names like Rashad Evans, Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, Antonio Carlos Junior, and even the controversial Dillon Danis. Other additions to the roster include Patricky Pitbull, Cat Zingano, Uriah Hall, and Chad Mendes. Now we have a new update from Ferguson.

Taking to Instagram, the fighter confirmed that he indeed signed up under the banner of GFL. He shared a graphic of himself that welcomed him to GFL. In the caption, ‘El Cucuy’ wrote, ” “Draft🦹‍♂️Day” Oh S—, Let’s Gooooo!!! ⚔️🕶️ -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # @globalfightleague 🥇.”

Needless to say, the fighting community is excited to witness Ferguson’s stint at the GFL. But many fight fans showered concern regarding his decision as well. Well, there was a time when Ferguson hinted that he wouldn’t quit fighting just because he was 40. During a conversation with Demetrious Johnson on his YouTube channel in October 2024, Ferguson said:

“We’re probably going to take the rest of the season, figure some things out, and we’re coming back hard either January or February… F–k no, I’m not retiring, I’m too old to retire.” He claimed that he was still able to compete.

The GFL seems like the perfect choice for the former UFC champion. Before Justin Gaethje stopped him with punches in 2020, ‘El Cucuy’ went on an 11-fight win streak. But UFC 249 was when the legend’s downfall began. And GFL has been giving fighters who are way past their primes another opportunity to fight for glory.

The GFL, founded by Darren Owen, wishes to start its events in April. So ahead of the draft, it has signed some really big former UFC names like Tyron Woodley, Paige VanZant, and Luke Rockhold. That being said, Tony Ferguson’s affiliation with the UFC still tried to hold him close to the Octagon.

Tony Ferguson left only one glove in the Octagon

The last fight Ferguson fought in the Octagon was against Michael Chiesa, at Abu Dhabi. And that fight ended with ‘El Cucuy’ losing because of a rear naked choke. Following his defeat at Abu Dhabi, Ferguson said:

“I don’t want to retire. I really don’t want to. But I love the UFC and I don’t want to go anywhere else. So, I’m not going to leave both gloves on the floor. I’m going to leave one, and I’m going to keep the other one just in case.”

The GFL is all set to launch in April 2025 and has promised the fighters a 50% revenue share. The contract also offers health insurance and retirement funds. These are indeed the innovations that almost every other fight promotion lacks. No wonder Ferguson chose to enroll himself under the GFL.

With Ferguson on the roster, we can certainly expect the revival of the old UFC magic. But we are still left with one question: Would Ferguson be able to dominate the cage at the age of 40? Well, guess we will have to wait and watch! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.