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Tony Ferguson is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC. Not long ago, he was on a 12-fight win streak set to receive a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Instead, he has now lost three in a row, making his next fight an incredibly important one.
While three straight losses would indicate Ferguson's level may have dipped, he has faced elite competition in each bout. His losses come to the division's current champion, Charles Oliveira, as well as the No.1 and No.3-ranked fighters, which is hardly something to scoff at.
With that being said, 'El Cucuy' can't keep losing and it is very important for his career that he bounces back soon. There are obviously no easy fights in the UFC but there are certain fights that make more sense than others given where Ferguson is in his career.
In an ideal world, his next fight should be against someone who is in a position similar to his own. An opponent who is a big name, has had their own struggles recently and not a rising star.
Here are 5 fights that could be next for Tony Ferguson:
#5. Tony Ferguson vs. Gregor Gillespie
While Tony Ferguson vs. Gregor Gillespie may not be at the top of most UFC fans' wishlist, it may be the fight we end up getting.
Gillespie recently took to social media to voice his frustration that a fight with 'El Cucuy' is yet to materialize, suggesting that while the UFC want the bout, Ferguson doesn't seem as keen.
The fact the UFC appears to want the fight to happen is a big factor in it taking place. On paper, it also makes a lot of sense in the lightweight division, with the two men ranked No.7 and No.10 respectively.
However, Ferguson is a much bigger name than Gillespie. Given he is also higher ranked, you can see why he might feel he has little to gain from a potential fight with 'The Gift'.
While this one remains possible, it seems as though a fighter whose at a more similar place in their career would present a better option.
#4. Tony Ferguson vs. Dan Hooker
There may not be much talk of a potential fight between Tony Ferguson and Dan Hooker at the moment, but Hooker does appear to be exactly the type of opponent 'El Cucuy' should face next.
'Hangman' has lost three of his last four bouts but remains a big name and is just one spot behind Ferguson at No.8 in the lightweight rankings.
Both men have struggled to pick up wins recently, so pairing them up makes a lot of sense in that respect. They are also both ranked high enough that neither man would drop too far down as a result of a loss.
While Hooker has teased a move to featherweight, you'd imagine a fight with Ferguson would change his mind. The bout itself has the potential to be something very special given the unique offense these two possess.
#3. Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chandler
Ferguson calling out Michael Chandler is what initiated Gregor Gillespie's outburst.
'El Cucuy' called out Chandler and there appears to be legitimate interest in a potential bout from both parties, with the only sticking point appearing to be the date.
At least on paper, this fight makes a lot of sense for both men. Despite being ranked in the top-10, both fighters have now suffered consecutive losses and need a big win to regain momentum.
The UFC are also likely to be interested in this bout. UFC brass likely would want to make the fight because regardless of which man ends up victorious, it would ensure a popular lightweight contender would be headed back into the title conversation.
#2. Tony Ferguson vs. Stephen Thompson
Tony Ferguson has consistently said that he is open to fighting not just at 155lbs but also at 170lbs.
Given he is now on a three-fight skid in the lightweight division, perhaps now is the time to make the jump. On that note, who is better for the No.7-ranked lightweight to face than the man currently ranked No.7 at welterweight?
Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson has had his own struggles as of late and is currently on a two-fight losing streak. Putting together a high-profile bout between the two popular fighters entering their late 30s seems like an option that would be appealing to all parties.
The added intrigue that would come with 'El Cucuy' moving up a weight division would only add to the mystique of a bout with 'Wonderboy'.
Seeing if he could re-invent himself at 170 lbs would be just one of many storylines as this fight would allow one of these two popular fighters to get back to winning ways.
#1. Tony Ferguson vs. Conor McGregor
There is no bigger fight out there for Tony Ferguson than Conor McGregor.
With 'The Notorious' gearing up for another run at the lightweight title, it would make sense for him to fight an opponent like 'El Cucuy' in an attempt to re-establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the 155lb division.
Should Ferguson get approached about the possibility of putting this fight together, he would surely jump at it for a number of factors. For one, it is well documented the massive payday fighters receive when they face McGregor. On top of that, should 'El Cucuy' pick up the win, he would immediately re-enter the title picture.
There are obviously a lot of things that would have to fall into place for this bout to happen. The main issue is Ferguson wants to return to action quickly and McGregor will not be ready to compete until the summer.
However, if there is a possibility of this one happening, Ferguson will surely jump at the opportunity.
