Tony Ferguson Reacts to News UFC 249 Has Been Canceled, Live, During Interview

To say Tony Ferguson has had to deal with a lot in recent weeks, on account of how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted UFC 249, is putting it mildly. But, when the renowned fighter found out that the card has in fact, been cancelled, “El Cucuy” vowed to to push forward.

Ferguson found out UFC 249 is done in the midst of an interview

The former interim lightweight champ was originally booked to fight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov on April 18th, in Brooklyn, New York. But, due to a ban on public gatherings in the state, due to the pandemic, the card had to be relocated.

In recent weeks, there was endless speculation about if and when the card would go down. Then, it was learned Nurmagomedov wouldn’t be able to attend the card, due to travel ban that’s been enacted in Russia where he’s located.

Earlier this week, the UFC announced that Ferguson would fight Justin Gaethje, for an interim belt. It was revealed the UFC was planning to hold the event on tribal land at the Tachi Palace Resort and Casino in California.

The California State Athletic Commission said it would not regulate the card, since officials advised against any type of combat sports event taking place. On Thursday, word came that the UFC’s broadcasting partner, ESPN, asked the UFC to cancel the card.

As it turns out, Ferguson was talking with The Orange County Register, as news of UFC 249 being cancelled broke.

“Ummmm … you know what? I’m sure it’s for a good reason. Let’s be real. I gotta keep the faith,” Ferguson said.

“I gotta keep this … (expletive) … keep this small circle close, bro, and just keep focusing on what we can control, which is our heart rate and our breathing.”

“Dude, I’m just gonna keep collecting trophies and doing my same sh-t,” Ferguson said before pausing and getting emotional.

“Every single time I wake up in the morning, when I do my work, say my prayers and I do (stuff), I hug my little boy … whew … kiss my wife. I just … keep doing what I’m doing. What am I gonna do?”

In addition, Ferguson also said this.

“The constant is things are always gonna change. The variable is how am I gonna react to it?” Ferguson said. “So we could throw that variable, baby, and we make that the constant.

Which is why I’m gonna keep smiling, I’m gonna keep training, and you know what? I’m gonna put on some muscle. Dude, I’m skinny. I’m gonna put on some muscle.

“I’m gonna try my best. I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna try my best. If I fall, I’ll get back up.”

So what’s next for Ferguson?

Clearly Ferguson remains as motivated as ever, despite all the hurdles the pandemic has thrown at his championship aspirations in recent weeks.

The question now, is, when and who will Ferguson fight next? You would think the UFC will look at rebooking him to face Nurmagomedov down the line, when the pandemic has slowed.

Yes, even though four bookings for the two to fight have been cancelled to date…