Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson has opened up about his controversial training partnership with David Goggins. He clarified that his decision to work with the former Navy SEAL went far deeper than simply preparing for his bout against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296.
Speaking with Bloody Elbow ahead of his boxing debut for Misfits Boxing at Manchester’s AO Arena, Ferguson revealed the personal motivations behind what many viewed as an unconventional training approach during one of the most challenging periods of his career.
“I’m the only one who had the balls to be able to go through hell week,” Ferguson stated emphatically. “I’ll back up chief any f**king day, I got his six any f**king time and it doesn’t matter what anybody says about him.”
The collaboration between Ferguson and Goggins made headlines when the MMA veteran became the first and only athlete to successfully complete Goggins’ notorious ‘hell week’ program. It is a grueling regimen featuring hours of intense cardiovascular work and countless push-ups designed to break down mental barriers.
However, Ferguson insists the partnership transcended typical athletic preparation. “I took that side quest because I needed it, it wasn’t for the UFC it was to bring the man out of me again,” he explained. “It was to be able to say ‘You know what Tony? I know what kind of person you are’. I’m the same f**king guy. I did need it and he put me back to where I needed to be.”
The timing of Ferguson’s decision to work with Goggins came during a particularly difficult stretch in his career, as he was experiencing a lengthy losing streak heading into the Pimblett matchup. Critics questioned whether Goggins’ unconventional methods were suitable for MMA preparation, especially when Ferguson ultimately suffered another defeat.
But Ferguson remains unwavering in his support for the experience, describing intimate conversations that helped him rediscover his identity as a competitor. “I went through that, I had heart-to-hearts with him and he was the one. People were like ‘oh the training wasn’t right’,” Ferguson reflected.
The former champion also highlighted the unique nature of Goggins’ approach, noting how it differed from traditional athletic training programs. “I always wanted to be the big bodybuilder type of dude,” Ferguson said, flexing his muscles. “But he was like ‘dude, you don’t need to be that, you’re a strong motherf**ker because I put you through the ringer and you were able to get through it’.”
Ferguson took particular pride in completing what others couldn’t, referencing how even elite athletes like Israel Adesanya struggled with Goggins’ demanding regimen. “Nobody else could get through it. You saw [Israel Adesanya] go through it? He lasted, what, a day?” Ferguson noted, while being careful to clarify his respect for other competitors.
The unpredictable nature of Goggins’ training philosophy also resonated with Ferguson, who appreciated the personalized approach. “Goggins didn’t have a pamphlet with numbers and s**t like that. He goes off of everybody,” Ferguson observed.
The experience, according to Ferguson, served as a necessary journey of self-discovery during a pivotal moment in his career.
“You need people like me out there, you need people like Goggins out there to f**king be able to pull the logs and the boats. I am the f**king BOAT. Best of All Time, motherf**ker. GOATs come and go, but BOATs stay afloat.”
