Former UFC veteran Josh Thomson has expressed his concerns about Tony Ferguson's ongoing MMA career. Particularly in light of his six-fight
Former UFC veteran Josh Thomson has expressed his concerns about Tony Ferguson’s ongoing MMA career. Particularly in light of his six-fight losing streak. Thomson believes that Ferguson’s recent losses, including defeats to Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira. This could be taking a significant toll on his health and well-being potentially even shortening his life by as much as 10 years.
Thomson shared his thoughts on his podcast, “Weighing In,” where he drew from his own experience. He had fought Ferguson in 2015 and experienced lasting negative effects from their battle. Thomson believes that the damage taken in certain fights can drastically change a fighter’s physical and mental condition and he suspects that Ferguson’s encounters with Gaethje and Oliveira might have already had a similar impact.
“It’s 10 years off his life,” Thomson commented on the podcast. He added, “At that age, the damage he took in that Gaethje fight changes you. It changes your body. It changes the way you think.”
Thomson also recounted his own post-fight experience after facing Ferguson. When he found himself shivering uncontrollably in the shower due to the physical trauma he had endured. He explained that such incidents can leave a fighter forever altered. Affecting their performance and mindset in subsequent bouts.
The former UFC fighter suggested that Ferguson’s motivations for continuing to fight might stem from an unfulfilled desire to face Khabib Nurmagomedov. During Ferguson’s impressive 12-fight win streak, he was scheduled to fight Nurmagomedov multiple times but each matchup was canceled for various reasons. Thomson believes that Ferguson may still be chasing a marquee fight of similar magnitude and that this desire to secure a significant showdown is what’s driving him to continue competing.
Thomson urged Ferguson to reflect on his future especially given that he has young children. He emphasized the importance of considering the long-term consequences of his fighting career on his life and family. Thomson pointed out that with his children potentially not entering college until he’s in his 60s. Ferguson needs to consider what he’ll do once his fighting career concludes.
While Thomson respects Ferguson’s right to make his own decisions about retirement. He hopes that Ferguson will prioritize his health, well-being, and family when making those choices. Thomson’s comments underline the complex factors fighters must weigh when deciding whether to continue competing or step away from the sport.
The perspective offered by someone like Josh Thomson who has been through similar experiences. This serves as a reminder of the multifaceted considerations that come into play for fighters approaching pivotal junctures in their careers.
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