Tony Ferguson kicks Charles Oliveira of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 256 event at UFC APEX on December 12, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
UFC lightweight contender Charles Oliveira sends out his words of appreciation to Tony Ferguson on his illustrious career, following his loss at UFC 274
Michael Chandler shocked the world when he knocked out Tony Ferguson cold in the second round of their lightweight bout at UFC 274. This was Ferguson’s fourth consecutive loss in a row, and many have suggested that Tony should either lace his gloves, or reflect upon his past few losses and take some time off.
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, and currently ranked number one contender has first-hand experience of the toughness and stoutness of Tony Ferguson. The pair met at UFC 256, and Charles had Tony in all sorts of trouble when he put him in an armbar, that almost snapped his arm in half. But the ‘El Cucuy’ refused to tap and went the distance with the Brazilian.
They have shared a beautiful comradery since that fight, and Tony has only spoken in good light about the former champion. Following the shocking defeat, words of encouragement and appreciation started pouring toward Tony, along with some jeering and jibing.
Oliveira posted a tweet in support of Tony during these tough times, reminding him of his beautiful legacy, and inviting him to train at his facility in Brazil. He wrote, ‘ We’re among big dogs, up&downs are part of our jorneys. I admire you a lot @tonyfergusonxt. You’ve the history inside the Octagon. Head up “El Cucuy”! If you wish, let’s train together in ChuteBoxe’s hedquarter in São Paulo for your nxt fight. You’re a brother!’
Charles Oliveria is the true embodiment of what a switch in mindset can do to your career. With 16 submissions and 19 finishes, Oliveira has the record for being the most dangerous finisher inside the octagon, but ‘Do Bronx’ wasn’t always this threatening.
Even former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier took notice of it, and asked President Dana White what happened to Charles? It is safe to say that Charles is operating entirely different than he was, there’s a change in his demeanor, personality, his mindset, and approach to the actual fight itself. He is one of the few complete fighters in the octagon today.
With this victory, Charles is in a comfortable position to fight for the belt again. While Islam Makhachev seems like the viable option, Dana White has been adamant and hellbound on setting him up against Beneil Dariush first. While Oliveira called out Conor Mcgregor inside the octagon, it is rather unlikely that fight materializes since Conor is still recovering. A rematch with Chandler is on the cards if the fight against Makhachev falls apart.
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