Tony Ferguson says he’s been ‘antagonized, provoked, and threatened’

Tony Ferguson is one of the most interesting and eccentric characters in MMA. So much so that, within the MMA community, fans have something of a running joke about him.

The format is simple: “Tony Ferguson is the type of guy ______.” You simply finish the sentence yourself.

Early on Tuesday morning, Ferguson himself took a stab at this recurring joke format — only he wasn’t trying to be funny.

Instead, he used it as a way to discuss his recent mistreatment.

“I’m the type of guy that has been antagonized, provoked, and threatened to take & not take fights or certain opportunities to benefit monetarily otherwise my family would be have been hurt. -Champ Shit Only” – Tony Ferguson on Twitter.

Tony Ferguson, of course, is far and away the top contender in the stacked UFC lightweight division and he has been for some time. Unfortunately, he’s been left out in the cold.

With UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov sitting out until November, the UFC attempted to shepherd — or perhaps “threaten” — Ferguson into an interim lightweight title fight. Ferguson, who previously held the interim lightweight belt and still didn’t get a shot at the undisputed title, elected to hold out. The UFC then booked an interim title bout between streaking contender Dustin Poirier and UFC featherweight champ Max Holloway.

In the midst of this complicated lightweight contendership situation, Tony Ferguson seems to have begun hinting at a move to the welterweight division, though it’s completely clear what his plan is at this stage.

Ferguson last fought in October, in the co-main event of the stacked UFC 229 card, where he defeated former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis by corner stoppage in an absolutely thrilling fight.

Stay tuned for more updates on the dangerous lightweight contender as details emerge.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 3/12/2019.