UFC Throwback – Tony Ferguson Becomes the Ultimate Fighter

UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson will be in the co-main event this weekend at UFC 256. ‘El Cucuy’ will step into the octagon for the second time in 2020. Ferguson was part of the UFC 249 main event when the promotion first started to resume events after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

With Ferguson set to return this weekend, we look back at how Tony Ferguson won The Ultimate Fighter tournament in Season 13. The season would feature the men’s Welterweight and Middleweight division. However, all fighters would be competing in the welterweight division.

Tony Ferguson, part of Team Lesnar

In 2010, Ferguson was accepted to compete in the Ultimate Fighter Season 13, Team Lesnar vs Team dos Santos. The Ultimate Fighter was one of the flagship products of the UFC at that time. With the star power of Brock Lesnar pushing the season, a lot of eyes were on the fighters being featured.

Ferguson entered the house with a record of 10-2 and you could tell there was something special about ‘El Cucuy’. Ferguson would be the third pick for Brock Lesnar’s team.

His first fight in the house would be against Justin Edwards. Ferguson would win by knockout in the first round. Ferguson would then go on to record back-to-back wins as he progressed to the finals. ‘El Cucuy’ beat Ryan McGillivray in the quarterfinals and Chuck O’Neil in the semifinals.

Tony would be matched up in the finals of the Ultimate Fighter against Ramsey Nijem. Part of Team Santos, Nijem was the fourth pick by former heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos. Being crowned the Ultimate fighter was a dream for Ferguson, and he was not going to let anyone get in his way.

Tony Ferguson vs Ramsey Nijem

Ferguson has spent countless hours getting ready for this very moment, to win a UFC contract and become the next Ultimate Fighter. Both El Cucuy and Nijem put on impressive performances on the show and were both well-deserved finalists.

The Ultimate Fighter Season 13 Finale took place at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. ‘El Cucuy’ showcased his unorthodox standup style and relentless energy that would help him become one of the greatest lightweights in the world.

Nijem started strong on the feet, but ‘El Cucuy’ would take the fight to the ground and work from Ramsey’s half-guard. Nijem would ultimately get back to his feet, but had to again deal with being taken down by Ferguson. While things were improving on the feet, Ferguson would land a strong left hook, sending Nijem to the canvas before being pulled off by the official.

Tony Ferguson would win the fight in 3:54 of the first round to become season 13’s The Ultimate Fighter. This however was just the start of big things for ‘El Cucuy’. Ferguson after his loss to Michael Johnson would put together an impressive 12 fight win streak.

Ferguson now returns against Charles Oliveira this weekend at UFC 256. ‘El Cucuy’ will once again look to challenge for the UFC lightweight title and a win against the ever-dangerous Oliveira will be a statement.

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