In a recent revelation from the Hype FC show in Thailand, Tony Ferguson shared an intriguing wrestling tale involving former UFC champion Jon Jones from their college days. Ferguson disclosed that he competed against Jones in a wrestling match at the Cliff King National Duels, ultimately losing by a single point.
The unexpected matchup occurred under unique circumstances. Ferguson explained that he stepped up to fill a vacancy in the 184-pound weight class after another wrestler was injured. Despite typically competing at 165 pounds, Ferguson moved up two weight classes and weighed in at 175 pounds.
Competing against wrestlers cutting weight from 200 to 185 pounds, Ferguson demonstrated remarkable adaptability. He not only participated but performed exceptionally well, securing third place at nationals that year.
“I lost by one point,” Ferguson emphasized, highlighting how close he came to defeating Jones. The near-victory has been a point of friendly banter between the two athletes over the years.
Ferguson recounted a playful interaction where Jones once grabbed his glasses, leading to a lighthearted exchange about wrestling. When Jones suggested he wouldn’t return the glasses, Ferguson’s competitive spirit emerged, challenging him to a wrestling match.
Tony Ferguson, the former UFC interim lightweight champion, has announced his return to combat sports—this time in a boxing ring. After suffering an unprecedented eight-bout losing streak and being released from the UFC, the 41-year-old veteran refuses to retire. Instead, Ferguson is preparing for his professional boxing debut, scheduled for August 30, though his opponent has not yet been revealed. With 36 professional bouts behind him, including a legendary 12-bout win streak, Ferguson is stepping into a new chapter of his fighting career after a previously planned boxing match with Dillon Danis was canceled.
