Michael Chiesa Submits Tony Ferguson in UFC Abu Dhabi Welterweight Bout

Q: After dropping his gloves in 2024, what shocking combat sports path did Tony Ferguson take instead of retiring?

Instead of retiring, Tony Ferguson took the unexpected route of continuing in crossover combat sports, especially boxing and wrestling. After the Michael Chiesa loss in Abu Dhabi in August 2024 — when he dropped his gloves in the Octagon — Ferguson was released by the UFC rather than stepping away completely. He then stayed active outside MMA, competing in professional boxing and Misfits Boxing, where he scored wins including a knockout over Salt Papi and a decision over Warren Spencer. He also moved into wrestling, taking a match against UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan under RAF rules. Ferguson even pushed for another MMA-style return by calling out Mike Perry for a future bout. So the shock was that, rather than retiring after the glove-drop moment, Ferguson kept fighting across multiple combat sports and actively sought new matchups.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 15

Michael Chiesa beat Tony Ferguson by submission in a welterweight fight at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Arena hosted the bout on Aug. 3, 2024, with the result confirmed by event imagery showing Ferguson's glove on the Octagon mat after the finish.
The win adds another result to Chiesa's UFC record, while Ferguson absorbed another defeat in the promotion's welterweight division.