Tony Ferguson’s the type of guy to get a contract extension off a five-fight losing streak, to borrow an old meme. That said, “El Cucuy” was badly in need of a win when he took on Bobby Green at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City on Saturday night.
A heavily pro-Ferguson crowd welcomed to former interim lightweight champ, whose awkward style was an interesting counter to Green’s equally awkward style.
Opting to mix things up early, however, it was Ferguson pursuing a takedown attempt in the opening half of the round. That got Green thinking; he answered back, catching Tony with a punch. Ferguson’s left hand, however, rocked Green, who briefly went down and popped back up — only to poke Ferguson in the eye.
That led to a break, as the cageside physician took a look at Ferguson. He was able to fight on, and things got back underway — with Green having recovered. Ferguson’s angles and movement, however, continued to give “King” Green fits. Green would land a body kick, and fire his 1-2. Towards the end of the round, Green connected a couple of times, which had him a little more vocal, in true Bobby Green fashion.
Early in the second, Ferguson looked to take the fight down, eventually throwing up a triangle only for Green to smash away with hammer fists. Ferguson was very active off his back, and Green’s corner hollered at him to back off. He did, briefly, but got back on top to deliver more hammer fists. Setting into Ferguson’s guard, Green began dropping elbows and even more big hammer fists, opening up and bloodying Ferguson.
Green himself did not escape unscathed, cut by Ferguson despite having top position. Green eventually backed off and let Ferguson up, working his jab. They finished the second round trading, both men landing.
Ferguson slipped early in round three. Green went right after him, but Ferguson got back up. Ferguson landed a low kick, and jabbed the body. Green took a big swing on an overhand, but didn’t connect. Ferguson was still fresh, and perhaps a little fresher than Green himself.
The exchanges continued as the round wore on. Green led with his jab, but found more success with his left hand. Ferguson fired low kicks. He walked Green down, keeping the pressure on. Ferguson slipped off a high kick, but Green let him up. Through the first three and a half minutes, the final frame was Ferguson’s best. A right hand landed for Ferguson. A spinning back fist missed for El Cucuy. A right hand landed for Tony, who then tried an imanari roll into a leg lock, only to allow Green to get on top. Green wrapped up an arm-triangle choke, and Ferguson was stuck. He flailed, turned, arched his back, but could not escape – and with just seconds left in the fight, went out!
A stunning end to a highly entertaining fight, with Green crediting Ferguson’s toughness following the victory.
Official Result: Bobby Green def. Tony Ferguson by technical submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 3, 4:54
