Michael Bisping Believes We’re Seeing “Rapid Decline” of Tony Ferguson

One of the big questions to emerge out of UFC 256, is whether Tony Ferguson’s best days are behind him. Well, while Ferguson has scoffed at the idea he was dominated by Charles Oliveira, Michael Bisping’s wondering if ‘El Cucuy’s’ toughness has taken its toll.

Bisping is concerned about the “rapid decline” of Ferguson

Leading up to UFC 256, the narrative seemed to be that although Oliveira could catch Ferguson, the latter would likely win. Even though Ferguson was coming off a one-sided, stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje in May.

If you saw the event you know, however, that Ferguson had few, if any, notable moments against Oliveira. Although Ferguson showed a ton of heart again, and he refused to tap to a nasty looking armbar, Oliveira controlled the fight with his grappling.

Due to how one-sided the bout was, and because Ferguson’s about to turn 37, there’s been a lot of talk about his future. Case in point, during a recent episode of the “Believe You Me” podcast, Bisping had this to say about Ferguson (quote via MMA Fighting).

“I just think the real story of what we’re seeing here is the rapid decline of Tony Ferguson because the human body can only take so much and Tony has been such a warrior for the UFC,” Bisping said.

“I’ve got nothing bad to say about Tony Ferguson—and what I’m about to say, if I’m Tony, could be perceived as that way and that’s not what I’m trying to do—I have nothing but respect for Tony Ferguson.

He is a true fighter. He’s an absolute warrior. He’s put on some sensational performances inside the octagon, but he’s also taken a lot of damage and often because he’s so f*cking tough he’s able to outlast his opponents, he takes this amount of damage, and then he puts the hurt on them and he gets the win.

And it’s always in spectacular fashion, that’s why he gets so many bonuses.

“But my point and my theory is that you can only take so much. The human body has an expiry date.

Okay, he’s not getting flatlined, he’s not getting knocked out, but he’s taking a lot of damage, he’s starting to slow down, he’s not looking quite as snappy, he’s not quite as explosive, and of course, he just lost two fights.”

Valid concern?

Now, given that Ferguson’s recent losses have come against two of the best lightweights in the game, some may scrutinize the use of  the term “rapid” here. 

But, you do have to wonder if Bisping is onto something. Ferguson has been in plenty of wars, and he is closer now to 40 than 30.