We got 10 minutes of the fight we wanted between Tony Ferguson and Donald Cerrone at UFC 238, but an eye injury to Cerrone prevented a third round.
Tony Ferguson has not lost since 2012 and is riding a ridiculous 11-fight win streak into UFC 238. What is even more ridiculous is the fact that he has yet to receive a title shot. He did win the interim lightweight belt in 2017, but “El Cucuy” never had the chance to unify the belt after a knee injury. Ferguson is coming off a Fight of the Year victory over Anthony Pettis in October, but has been through some personal issues since then.
Donald Cerrone is a living legend. He holds the UFC record for most finishes, wins, and is tied with Jim Miller for most fights. And he’s not done yet. He last received a title shot in 2015, losing in the first round and sparking a move up to welterweight. “Cowboy” went 6-4 at 170 before moving back down to lightweight and entering the title discussion with huge wins over Alex Hernandez and Al Iaquinta in 2019.
While both fighters were going back and forth, it was more with range-finding strikes. About 90 seconds in, the punches started having more behind them. Ferguson landed a spinning elbow, but Cowboy was landing combinations at will. Kicks started to come into play from both fighters, with Cerrone landing a body kick followed by two by Ferguson. Cerrone’s left hand was landing at will. The round ended with a wild exchange that came after a Cerrone high kick.
THE FIGHT THEY PROMISED!
FIVE MINUTES DOWN! #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/t2U6xb0Hmj
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019
Ferguson came out pushing the pace in the second round. Ferguson was going to the body with kicks, but Cerrone wasn’t going away, still landing his combinations. Twice in the round, spinning back elbows landed for Ferguson. He threw a third, but Cowboy ducked under and scored a takedown, albeit brief. Ferguson was controlling this second round after a great first from Cowboy. Cerrone landed a head kick, but Ferguson really came into his own in this round. However, a late shot landed for Ferguson after the bell. In between rounds, Cerrone blew his broken nose and his eye closed shut. That was enough in the opinion of the doctor and the fight was stopped.
All class.
All toughness. #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/gegkmxgcUL
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019
Tony Ferguson def. Donald Cerrone by TKO (Doctor’s Stoppage) in Round 2 (5:00)
