The UFC 229 co-main event was quite possibly the most intriguing fight on the card as Tony Ferguson and Anthony Pettis faced off in a fight that could well decide who fights for the UFC lightweight title next.
Former champion Pettis has been going through somewhat of a revival after three successive defeats following his title loss.
It's Showtime! @ShowtimePettis #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/NzePDd2r2i
— UFC (@ufc) October 7, 2018
Ferguson on the other hand was interim-champion until a freak accident forced him out of a main event fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 back in April.
Here comes 'El Cucuy'@TonyFergusonXT #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/tK2ozr4Jsy
— UFC (@ufc) October 7, 2018
Astonishingly, El Cucuy’s return to the Octagon comes only six months after knee surgery that was supposed to sideline him for up to a year.
With both men eyeing up another crack at UFC gold, this fight was bound to throw up something crazy.
Pettis, a kicking specialist, came out of the blocks firing immediately targeting Ferguson’s knee, a move that seemed to hurt him early on.
Ferguson seemed hurt, but as round one continued it was clear he had shrugged it off. An entertaining opening round came to an end as both fighters showed off their unique skill sets.
The second round started in explosive fashion as Pettis hurt Ferguson straight off the bat. It looked like the fight could have been over but Ferguson weathered the storm.
The crowd rose to their fight as the two unorthodox scrappers put on a fight for the ages.
WHAT. A. FIGHT.#UFC229 pic.twitter.com/cHG6COY3SJ
— UFC (@ufc) October 7, 2018
Round two will go down as the round of the year, indeed the fight will be go down as one of the best fights of 2018.
However, it came to an anti-climatic end as Pettis’ long-time coach Duke Roufus pulled him from the fight after breaking his hand, declaring Ferguson the victor.
Ferguson brought to tears after earning the win. What a moment. #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/b9zSbtyQih
— UFC (@ufc) October 7, 2018
After the fight, Ferguson called out Conor McGregor in a foul mouthed rant. Grabbing the microphone of Joe Rogan, El Cucuy screamed;
“Where you at, McNuggets, you f*cking piece of sh*t?
“I’m gonna kick you ass, If khabib don’t do it I will
“Son of a bitch, Ill give you a proper ass-whooping anyway”
A clear statement of intent from Tony Ferguson who will be watching the main event closely knowing he is probably the next in line to challenge the winner.
