Title: MMA Superstar Inks Deal with Emerging Combat League

UFC boss Dana White expressed his desire for Tony Ferguson to retire, but it seems the fan favorite has other plans. Reports are surrounding Ferguson's decision to join forces with a different organization.

, and Administrator

2025 January 26 . 3:45 PM

2 min read

Title: MMA Superstar Inks Deal with Emerging Combat League

Dana White, UFC president, hinted at Tony Ferguson wrapping up his UFC career. Contrary to White's wishes, Ferguson decided against retiring and, rather, signed with the budding Global Fight League (GFL). This was revealed via the GFL's Instagram account.

Kevin Lee, Ferguson's 2017 interim lightweight title conqueror, has also joined the GFL ranks. The plan is for these two to square off once more, subject to ironing out a few details.

Ferguson currently endures an UFC record-breaking eight-fight losing streak. Only five of these losses have been by knockout, adding a grim twist to his career statistics. With a professional tally of 36 matches, Ferguson boasts a 25-11 record.

Although he's now stuck in a worrisome slump, Ferguson previously displayed unparalleled dominance in the UFC. From 2013 to 2019, he unleashed a 12-fight winning streak, overcoming opponents like Yves Edwards, Danny Castillo, and Kevin Lee.

Unfortunately, Khabib Nurmagomedov, a legendary competitor in Ferguson's weight class, was never his dance partner during his UFC tenure. Their highly anticipated battle was canceled five times.

The GFL has announced a host of signings lately, but some of these fighters still hold contracts with other promotions. For now, it seems Ferguson is not among the restricted. Moreover, his mysterious Instagram post and Lee's discussions with the GFL both hint at a fresh start for the struggling fighter.

The GFL's debut draft is scheduled for January 24. Ferguson is expected to feature in the pool of eligible fighters. Keep an eye on coverage and updates from the event.

Moving on, the UFC makes its way to Saudi Arabia, where an exciting match-up list awaits us:

Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov – Middleweight (185 lbs)
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page - Middleweight (185 lbs)
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik - Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira - Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Ikram Aliskerov vs. André Muniz - Middleweight (185 lbs)
Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli - Featherweight (145 lbs)
Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen - Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadžović - Lightweight (155 lbs)
Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis - Lightweight (155 lbs)
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva - Flyweight (125 lbs)
Bogdan Grad vs. L. Alexander - Featherweight (145 lbs)
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues - Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Bolaji Oki - Lightweight (155 lbs)

Tony Ferguson, despite UFC president Dana White hinting at his retirement, decided against it and joined the Global Fight League (GFL). This move was confirmed through the GFL's Instagram account.

Given his UFC record-breaking eight-fight losing streak, Ferguson's signing with the GFL comes as a fresh start for the struggling fighter.

Interestingly, Ferguson's expected participation in the GFL's debut draft, scheduled for January 24, could potentially see him square off against his 2017 interim lightweight title conqueror, Kevin Lee.

The UFC's upcoming event in Saudi Arabia features an exciting match-up list, but it appears Tony Ferguson, now with the GFL, won't be part of it.