What became of Tony ‘Cucuy’ Ferguson and his descent into hell: “We called 112. He said there was someone inside his walls”

Tony Ferguson’s story is one of brilliance and heartbreak. The Californian fighter of Mexican descent once showcased one of the most dominant competitive levels in MMA history, securing an incredible 12 consecutive victories in the UFC.

However, in recent years, he seemingly lost any compelling reason to continue stepping into the octagon. His last win dates back to June 2019 (against Donald Cerrone) and after eight straight defeats, Ferguson has officially parted ways with UFC to sign with the newly launched mixed martial arts promotion, Global Fight League (GFL).

This ambitious new league is set to debut this year with a team-based tournament format, where fighters will represent various cities, including Miami, London, and Dubai.

Ferguson was last in action in August last year. His welterweight bout against Michael Chiesa in Abu Dhabi was over in the first round via submission.

“I don’t want to retire. Truly, I don’t. But I love the UFC, and I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Ferguson said afterwards. “So I won’t put down both gloves. I’ll wear one, and I’ll keep the other just in case.”

Ferguson keeps coming back for more

It was the eighth straight loss for El Cucuy, defeated by Justin Gaethje in a brutal fight, overwhelmed by Michael Chandler, outclassed by Nate Diaz, then finished off by Bobby Green—such has been the free fall of a fighter beloved like no other and understood by so few. Ferguson, however, has returned every act of admiration with unwavering gratitude toward the fans who cheered him on during his finest moments.

The image of a once-great legend battling against the inevitable toll of time and physical damage left MMA fans with a bittersweet mix of empathy and sorrow. For Ferguson, this decline resonated deeply, inspiring a viral phrase among his supporters: “I hope you win the war you don’t talk about with anyone.”

Yet Ferguson refused to bow out. “I’ll win five fights in a row and then go for the championship,” the Californian declared just days before his sixth consecutive loss, to Bobby Green—a streak that began in the aftermath of the pandemic. His determination, though admirable, continues to evoke both admiration and concern among those who have followed his storied career.

The aftermath of a violent career

Ferguson’s eccentricity, evident in his unconventional training methods, has been compounded by the severe physical toll of his 15-year professional MMA career. The accumulation of brutal knockouts and repeated blows has tragically led to numerous psychotic episodes, during which he lost all sense of reality, resulting in several deeply disturbing incidents.

One anonymous report described a particularly alarming episode: “Tony hadn’t slept for three days and was destroying the house. He tore apart the fireplace and believed someone had implanted a chip in his leg.” This occurred after Ferguson’s wife left their home with their child.

Another neighbor reported to emergency services that Ferguson claimed there was someone inside his walls. Hours later, his wife informed police that his coach was unable to convince him to leave the house for medical help.

Cristina Ferguson, Tony’s wife, has emphasized that he has never shown aggression toward her or anyone close to him. However, his recurring episodes of paranoid schizophrenia—diagnosed following these events—pose a significant danger to Ferguson himself and have created traumatic experiences for those around him, according to his family.

In 2018, California police recorded over six incidents involving Tony Ferguson that required intervention, with the fighter at the center of each case. These episodes highlighted the growing concerns surrounding Ferguson’s mental health and personal struggles, which have overshadowed his once-legendary MMA career.

The fight that never was: Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov

For years, many MMA fans firmly believed that no one could defeat Khabib Nurmagomedov, a belief that ultimately proved true. However, during the peak of the Dagestani champion’s dominance, a small but hopeful faction of fans would counter with a single name: “El Cucuy” Ferguson.

Known for his awkward yet highly creative fighting style, Ferguson was widely considered the most unpredictable and dangerous challenge for Khabib during his reign of lightweight supremacy. While Khabib dominated the division with an iron grip, Ferguson’s unique skill set presented a tantalizing question: Could he have been the one to crack the code?

Despite the anticipation, fate intervened. Over the course of their careers, the matchup was scheduled and canceled five times due to injuries, illnesses, and various circumstances. As a result, one of the most highly anticipated fights in UFC history never materialized, leaving fans to forever wonder if Ferguson could have changed the trajectory of the sport—one that owes him an immeasurable debt for his contributions.

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