Dana White isn’t closing the book on Tony Ferguson being a top contender yet. But, following ‘El Cucuy’s’ one-sided loss to Charles Oliveira, the UFC President has acknowledged that ‘El Cucuy’s’ powers could be in decline.

White says it’s “possible” Ferguson’s prime is behind him

Ferguson returned to the Octagon last night for the first time since he was stopped by Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May. After that defeat, there was a lot of speculation about whether Ferguson’s decision to do two weight cuts (he proceeded with one for the original fight date for UFC 249), impacted his performance.

So, leading up to UFC 256, the consensus seemed to be that while Oliveira would pose a serious threat to Ferguson, the latter would likely emerge with the win.

Well, not only did Ferguson lose the bout, he was badly outscored by Oliveira’s wrestling and top game. After 15 minutes, Oliveira had out struck the renowned fighter by a 86 to 26 margin.

Oliveira won the fight via 30-26 scores from all three judges.

Due to how the fight played out, and because Ferguson will turn 37 in February, debate on whether ‘El Cucuy’s’ prime has come to an end, is likely making the rounds. White was asked to weigh-in on this question during the post-fight presser, and he said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I thought we were going to see the old Tony,” White said. “I thought that the last fight he was affected by weight cutting and we were going to see (the old Tony).

Ten out of 10 people tap to that armbar (against Oliveira). The fact he even made it through the armbar is unbelievable and just a testament to how tough and durable and crazy Tony Ferguson is.”

“Of course that’s possible (he’s past his prime), but Tony needs to go home and spend the holidays with his family and take some time off and think about what he wants to do next year and we’ll see what’s next for him,” White said.

“But yes, every time you fight in this business, that’s always possible.”

Thoughts?

So, there’s a few things to look at and consider here.

First off, Ferguson is clearly as tough and determined as ever. The rugged veteran kept battling until the final horn, even though his left arm was very likely compromised (as White alluded to).

Now, terms of trying to determine whether Ferguson’s best years are behind him, it’s complicated.

Oliveira has been on a ridiculous roll, and his game appears to be better than ever. You can say the same for Gaethje, so it’s not like Ferguson’s dropped fights to aging fighters who are in decline.

You also have to wonder if Ferguson needs to reconsider not having a head coach, and whether he might benefit from training at one of the super gyms.

But, at the end of the day, Ferguson is closer to 40 now than 30. That doesn’t mean he’s no longer an elite fighter, but age and declining reflexes do play a more decisive factor in the smaller weight classes.

Ferguson isn’t that long removed from a 12 fight winning streak. But, his last two wins came against Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis, who are not the forces they once were.

Prior to those wins, Ferguson subbed Kevin Lee to win the interim belt, but that was over three years ago when he was 33.

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