Tony Ferguson

By FCF Staff

Tony Ferguson reportedly found out about UFC 249 being cancelled in the midst of an interview, but “El Cucuy” remains focused on reclaiming a championship belt.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, and various restrictions governments have enacted on travel and public gatherings, UFC 249 was impacted multiple times. Most recently it was announced that Ferguson was going to fight Justin Gaethje for an interim lightweight title on April 18th, instead of champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is stranded in Russia.

It was reported that UFC 249 was going to take place at the Tachi Palace Resort and Casino, which is located on tribal lands in California. But, after various officials spoke out against the UFC doing so, the UFC’s broadcast partner, ESPN, requested the promotion not move forward with the event.

Ferguson was talking to the Orange County Register while news of UFC 249 being cancelled broke. The former interim champ said this.

“Ummmm … you know what? I’m sure it’s for a good reason. Let’s be real. I gotta keep the faith,” Ferguson said. “I gotta keep this … (expletive) … keep this small circle close, bro, and just keep focusing on what we can control, which is our heart rate and our breathing.”

“Dude, I’m just gonna keep collecting trophies and doing my same sh-t,” Ferguson said before pausing and getting emotional. “Every single time I wake up in the morning, when I do my work, say my prayers and I do (stuff), I hug my little boy … whew … kiss my wife. I just … keep doing what I’m doing. What am I gonna do?”

“…I’m gonna try my best. I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna try my best. If I fall, I’ll get back up.”

The 36-year-old Ferguson (25-3) has won 12 straight fights and is coming off a TKO win (due to doctor stoppage) over Donald Cerrone in June.