Tony Ferguson Signs with Global Fight League Amid UFC Uncertainty

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Tony Ferguson, the former UFC interim lightweight champion, appears to have joined the Global Fight League (GFL), sparking speculation about his future in mixed martial arts. The announcement came via a social media post from GFL on Friday, which featured a graphic of Ferguson alongside the caption: “@tonyfergusonxt signs with the Global Fight League. #MMA #GFL #USA.”

Ferguson, 40, has not officially confirmed the signing, and the UFC has yet to release him from his contract. The fan-favorite fighter, known as “El Cucuy,” is currently on an eight-fight losing streak, with his most recent bout taking place in August 2024. His potential move to GFL marks a significant shift for the veteran, who once dominated the UFC with a historic 12-fight winning streak.

The announcement has left fans and analysts puzzled. “When was he released???” one fan commented on GFL’s Instagram post. Another wrote, “What is going on???” while a third exclaimed, “WHATTTTTTT.” Some skeptics dismissed the news as “fake,” while others expressed excitement about Ferguson’s potential return to competition.

GFL, a rising MMA promotion, has been aggressively recruiting former UFC stars. Its roster already includes notable names like Luke Rockhold, Benson Henderson, Anthony Pettis, Andrei Arlovski, Frank Mir, Fabricio Werdum, and Junior dos Santos. Ferguson would be the organization’s biggest signing to date, adding star power to its growing lineup.

However, GFL has faced criticism for prematurely announcing signings. Earlier this week, OKTAGON MMA refuted claims that two of its fighters, Andreas Michailidis and Mateusz Duczmal, had joined GFL, stating they remain under exclusive contracts. This has led some fans to question the legitimacy of Ferguson’s signing until official confirmation is provided.

Ferguson’s potential departure from the UFC would mark the end of an era for one of the sport’s most iconic figures. Known for his unorthodox fighting style and relentless cardio, Ferguson held the interim UFC lightweight title in 2017 and was a perennial contender in the division. His rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov, which never materialized in the octagon, remains one of the most talked-about “what if” scenarios in MMA history.

As fans await further details, the MMA world is left to speculate whether Ferguson’s move to GFL signals a fresh start or the final chapter of a storied career.