Tony Ferguson is one of the most unique characters in all of MMA. The former UFC interim lightweight champion differs from the rest of the pack with his training methods, fighting style, and also the way he carries himself. Not all fighters carry a baseball with them wherever they go. But Ferguson does.
Ferguson has been a decorated athlete since his college days. He had played multiple sports for his institution. American Football, baseball, and wrestling were the sports he had flourished most during those days. Maybe that is one of the reasons behind him carrying his baseball.
The gesture confuses a lot of people as the real motive behind his action is not so well known. But one can guess his background in playing baseball has to do something with that.
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Tony Ferguson and his baseball: what’s the motive behind his bizarre action?
From press conferences to face-offs or even weigh-ins, the baseball is always there with ‘El Cucuy’. So, naturally, it has risen curiosity in the mind of people to know the real motive. Ferguson was set to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249. During the press conference of the event, he was asked actually why he carried his baseball.
‘In case he runs,‘ was Ferguson’s blunt response. It’s hard to imagine him using it on an opposition. But once again, with ‘El Cucuy’, nothing is off the charts. Ferguson is the type of guy to have his own solution to problems. So, maybe he has some sort of plan that others can’t quite understand.
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Ferguson eventually faced Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 after Nurmagomedov couldn’t travel to the United States due to travel restrictions at Russia regarding coronavirus. At the face-off of the pay-per-view, Gaethje said to the handful present in the room, “Carnage will ensue, my friends.’ ‘Let’s play ball,‘ was what ‘El Cucuy‘ had to say.
Ferguson fights Beneil Dariush in a very important fight in his career. He is currently on a 2-fight skid for the first time in his illustrious career. Yet another setback will probably put an end to his aspirations of capturing the undisputed UFC gold. But, the pressure can also bring out the best in him as he thrives under these conditions. If his baseball has any involvement during the event, remains to be seen.
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