Tony Ferguson has vowed not to retire from MMA, telling fans who have told him to hang up the gloves to "shut the f*** up" in an Instagram post.
The former UFC interim lightweight champion has lost his last five fights since a 2019 win over Donald Cerrone, with his most recent submission defeat to Nate Diaz at welterweight causing many to express concern. He was viciously knocked out by Michael Chandler back in May, and has been facing top contenders such as Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje.
However, Diaz is far from title contention and was planning to leave the UFC regardless of the result in his hastily-arranged clash with Ferguson. The pair had been due to face Khamzat Chimaev and Li Jingliang respectively, but had their bouts moved due to Chimaev missing weight.
And in a recent Instagram post, Ferguson told fans: "F** all that noise. Short notice fight, 24-hour opponent switch, new weight class. Pretty sure any man with balls of steel would take care of business for the fans and the company, some of you need to STFU [shut the f*** up] and just enjoy the show."
He has recently signed a new deal with the promotion, and even after taking five losses could still find himself being offered further fights in the promotion. However, fans are keen for him to stop after being brutalised by Chandler and again stopped by a much lower level of opponent in Diaz.
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"Bro pls take some time off. Rest," one fan wrote after Ferguson shared footage of himself training just days after his latest defeat. Another added: "We all love you legend! But it's time to hang up the gloves and live a healthy life with the family." Others sent messages such as "Tony I am sorry to say but please retire we just can't see you keep losing."
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has also called for Ferguson to hang up the gloves. Speaking on his podcast Believe You Me, the Brit said: "Props to Tony. Losing four [Ferguson has lost five] in a row, he's under a lot of pressure. The man was an interim champion for f**k's sake. He's loved by everyone. He's a fan favourite. Always had exciting fights. But it looks like the ship has sailed on his best days and I say that with respect."
Diaz was keen not to give a take either way after the fight, telling reporters that he respects his opponent after the bout."He put on enough wars to do whatever the f*** he wants," Diaz said. "It's respect. And I like anybody who could have a career that long. Especially in the UFC with the toughest fighters in the world. That's the hardest job in the world. That guy should be a 100 millionaire."
