UFC 238: Tony Ferguson vows to 'rope' and tie up' Cowboy and resume pursuit of LW title
TONY FERGUSON is relishing his showdown with Donald Cerrone this weekend, which he believes is a mere detour on his path to a lightweight title shot.
Ferguson locks horns with the in-form Cerrone early on Sunday morning at UFC 238 in Chicago.
The bout will be the Californian's first since his UFC 229 victory over Anthony Pettis, a win many thought would land him the next crack at the 155lb strap.
Ferguson was offered the chance to fight for the interim lightweight crown in April but was unable to do so due to his well-documented personal issues.
His road back to title contention now features a huge speed bump in the form of the in-form Cerrone, who has won his last three on the bounce.
And the former interim lightweight champion - who was controversially stripped of the belt in April 2018 - is looking forward to locking horns with his fellow fan-favourite, whose run of good form has coincided with the birth of his son Dacson.
“I had my title stripped from me and it’s just one of those things that I need to get back,” said Ferguson.
“In order to be the champ, you have to beat everybody. And I’m running out of a***s to kick.”
Ferguson, 35, has won his last 11 on the bounce and goes into his first outing of 2019 full of confidence.
This is my s**t, this is my mat. I’m going to go out there and rope this ‘Cowboy’ up and tie him up
He said: “My record speaks for itself. He’s got his baby boy, but nothing is going to change. I’m going to go out there and give the fans what they want.”
Ferguson has the utmost respect for the UFC veteran but doesn’t plan on giving him an inch come fight night
“This is my s**t, this is my mat," Ferguson said. "I’m going to go out there and rope this ‘Cowboy’ up and tie him up.”
Cerrone himself has eyes on the lightweight crown, which he wants to win before calling time on his Hall-of-Fame career.
“Being a parent, it’s definitely changed my outlook on life. “The last thing I need in my legacy is to get this belt. And I’m going to get it.”
Like many others, Cerrone is expecting a war with ‘El Cucuy’ but is confident he’ll snap the TUF alumni’s unprecedented win streak.
He said: “I’m better everywhere. I’ve seen everything, I’ve been in the fire and I’ve been in the trenches.
“Tony, I think you’re durable, super tough and set a high pace. But I also set a high pace. Bring this s**t on.”