The evolution of Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson

In order for a fighter to succeed in their career they must be willing to evolve and be open to constantly improving. Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson is that type of fighter. Originally scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov as the co-main event of The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale on December 11 in a fight that would have determined who would challenge for the UFC lightweight title next before the Russian fighter withdrew with an injury. Now Ferguson has a different challenger in Edson Barbosa who presents a different type of fight. The change in opponent is something he is well aware of but his objective is to win regardless of who is in the octagon that night.

Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson speaks with BoxeoMundial about his next fight on December 11 in Las Vegas. c/o Gabriela Ochoa

“I was pretty pissed. Just preparing and all the man hours aside from the paperwork. Crunching the numbers and seeing what he does from round one through three. Just the immense amount of time we put into the camp. If you see me in the octagon in only takes one punch for me to get pissed, so you can imagine what having a new opponent did for me,” said Ferguson.

The fight was important because of the ranking at stake. Nurmagomedov is ranked number three in the UFC lightweight division. A victory over him would have left no doubt that Ferguson was next to fight for the title.

“I think the only thing I was letdown with is because he was number three in the world. Everybody wants to go based on numbers obviously but this is my realm this is what I do, this is how I make my money. I go in there and I kick ass. Of course I want the better number but unfortunately I don’t have that. What I have is Edson Barbosa which is a top rank opponent. Very crafty and very tricky but he’s not better than me,” said Ferguson.

A different opponent can mean a change to the game plan. This is something Ferguson is well aware of as he looks at Barbosa as his opponent. If he is to keep his winning streak alive, it will require that he be ready and make the adjustment.

“I was preparing for a bear but now I’m preparing for a cheetah but I’m El Cucuy so I’m all of the above. With that being said we did a lot of weights in preparing for Khabib because I’m not a stranger when it comes to wrestling. Two years out he didn’t want to go three rounds with me so now he doesn’t want five rounds. I take it all with a grain of salt because I know I’m doing something right,” said Ferguson.

While he may not reveal all his secrets, Ferguson does admit that he trains differently for every opponent because of the challenge ahead. Every fighter brings something new as far their strengths.

“I change my game plan according to my opponent. I change my game plan according to my body and new skill set I have. It’s awesome because every fight camp I pick something else up, something new. You guys actually have the opportunity to see something new the deeper I go into a fight. I sharpen those tools, I get the practice, I get the mat time to be able to do that. So the next fight what do you think happens? Boom Sucka! You guys are done. I’m not trying to be Ronda Rousey or McGregor, I don’t talk or need to finish people in 20 seconds. I just need to make sure everything I practice is done inside that octagon,” said Ferguson.

The lightweight division is stacked and Ferguson will be an interested observer of the fight between Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Rafael Dos Anjos in December. The winner will be in the sights of Ferguson who vows to become champion.

“I belong at the top of the division. I don’t have to sugarcoat it. Cerrone has seen me in the back training and preparing for the fight day. Dos Anjos is following me on periscope, he’s the guy that’s liking all my posts on twitter. This is a profession and a game. There’s going to be sand thrown in people’s direction. It’s funny, it’s a funny game. One minute you can be at the top and you’re the best and everyone loves you. The next you can be in the (sic) part and everyone scatters like roaches. I’ve seen it,” said Ferguson.

He manages to stay grounded throughout his career and this is something he is able to do because of his family and his culture. Something he takes pride in daily.

“My family is what does it. I thought when I won the contract and 100 grand that was it but it gave me a career. I take my time and do it with pride. My Latino blood gives me everything that I have and everything my ancestors have put into me. How to harvest things and put everything I have into something. That’s what you’re seeing, work that I have planted years and years ago. Way before I ever started fighting. You’re talking about wrestling back in school and college and universities. I’m not just a fighter, I went to school and I’m very educated but I love doing what I do,” said Ferguson.