Tony Ferguson has vowed he is just getting started despite suffering a brutal stoppage defeat by Michael Chandler at UFC 274.
The No.7-ranked lightweight contender made his return to the octagon after almost a year out against Chandler in Phoenix. But he was knocked out in brutal fashion by his rival, who left him out cold with an explosive kick which saw Ferguson defeated for the fourth consecutive outing.
Ferguson has now issued his first statement since the devastating loss, writing on Instagram : "Congratulations to Michael Chandler on his victory at UFC 274. Had lots of fun in there, you fans are f****** wild! I love this s***! Feels good to be back & hungry again. We were just getting started. Best of luck in your next fight champ. For the love of the game. -CSO-."
The pair exchanged heated verbal jabs throughout the build-up as they prepared for their crossroads clash. A hostile build-up translated into an all-action encounter with Chandler suffering a nasty cut in the opening round.
However he closed the show in spectacular style with a savage kick which caught Ferguson flush on the chin and sent him sprawling to the canvas. Ferguson was helped to his feet and promptly taken to hospital as a precaution.
After receiving medical check-ups, he was subsequently released with his opponent saluting his victory during post-fight interview. "We don't really train that much, it just happened," said Chandler. "He's so long but he does keep his hands out on the side so there is a lane up the middle. We were going to go fake shot-uppercut a lot too but it turns out he was tagging me in the first round.
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"What the fans at home will never, ever feel is when you're down and you have a round like I just did - it wasn't that decisive and Tony Ferguson showed up - you've got to pull something from inside of you. God came through and here we are. I'm ready to come back, the main event; there is not one MMA fan who doesn't want to see me rematch you Charles or rematch you Justin Gaethje.
"If the UFC have a momentary lapse and give the title shot to someone else, I've got one dude on my mind. Conor McGregor, I am the most entertaining lightweight on the planet. I want you at your baddest and I want you at your best; you and me at 170lb."
Chandler is now in contention to fight for the vacant 155lb belt with Oliveira forced to vacate his title after missing weight for last weekend's main event. The Brazilian went on to choke out Justin Gaethje in the opening round and will challenge for his old belt in his next fight.
