UFC’s Jon Anik Suggests Veteran Joe Lauzon as Tony Ferguson’s Next Opponent
If Tony Ferguson gets another shot in the UFC, Jon Anik believes a veteran matchup could be the perfect opportunity. Ferguson, who has now lost a UFC-record eight consecutive fights, faced another tough defeat last Saturday at UFC on ABC 7, succumbing to a first-round submission by Michael Chiesa. Despite UFC CEO Dana White’s suggestion that Ferguson should retire, Ferguson remains determined to continue his career in the octagon.
“El Cucuy” expressed his hope to stay in the UFC after the loss. He ceremoniously laid down one glove but stated his intention to continue fighting. Anik, the UFC’s lead commentator, believes that Joe Lauzon would be an ideal opponent for Ferguson’s potential comeback fight.
“I was Googling Joe Lauzon to make sure that he never fought Tony Ferguson because, as I sit here and think about opponents that might make sense for Tony to try to realize some sort of success, Joe Lauzon still has fights left on his contract and, for whatever reason, hasn’t competed, but I think that fight makes some sense,” Anik told Submission Radio.
Lauzon, 40, last fought in 2019, securing a TKO victory over Jonathan Pearce, which broke a three-fight losing streak. Despite being semi-retired, Lauzon has shown interest in fighting again if the matchup is right. Last year, he even campaigned to fight at UFC 292 in Boston, although the UFC didn’t take up his offer.
Anik, reflecting on Ferguson’s career, hopes that the former interim lightweight champion will be honored appropriately, regardless of his recent struggles. Ferguson’s previous 12-fight winning streak, which included an interim lightweight title, stands as a testament to his impact on the sport.
“The rainbow-colored nature of Tony Ferguson’s Wikipedia page, bro,” Anik remarked. “I mean, it is indeed crazy to see 12 green stripes followed by eight red stripes. I do hope that we just put Tony Ferguson in the Hall of Fame.”
