Tony Ferguson Says Hes Fcking Not Getting Cut Responds To Former UFC Referee John McCarthy
El Cucuy aint going anywhere. At least according to El Cucuy. Tony Ferguson hopped on Instagram Live to fire back at Big John McCarthy after the former UFC ref suggested the promotion might cut the veteran lightweight following his loss to Charles Oliveira.
Ferguson dropped unanimous decision to Oliveira at UFC 256. Second straight loss after the brutal beating Justin Gaethje put on him at 249. McCarthy said on his Weighing In podcast that Ferguson might be among 60 fighters UFC planned to release before year end.
“Question for John McCarthy and the punk” Ferguson said, referring to co-host Josh Thomson. “No, Im not f***ing getting cut. Josh – come on dog. You got your ass kicked. Dont start that s***. The fans love me okay? They want to see me fight again.”
McCarthys Logic Was This
The former ref wasnt being purely malicious. His argument centered on practical math. Ferguson is 36, on losing streak, unlikely to ever challenge for title again. Why would UFC keep him around if hes not in championship contention?
“Is Tony Ferguson going to be fighting for the title? That aint going to happen” McCarthy explained. “He would have to win somewhere between four or five fights in a row against top talent and thats probably not going to happen.”
McCarthy suggested Ferguson might become gatekeeper who beats young prospects without serving promotions broader interests. That role doesnt justify his salary tier.
Fan Favorite Factor Though
Heres where McCarthys analysis misses something. Ferguson remains one of the most popular fighters on roster. His 12-fight winning streak before Gaethje loss made him a legend in lightweight division. Fans still want to see him compete.
UFC doesnt just look at title implications. They consider marketability, storylines, what fighters can draw. Ferguson sells tickets and generates buzz even in defeat. That has value beyond W-L records.
Whats Actually Next
Dana White indicated Ferguson would likely fight again despite consecutive losses. Promotion seems reluctant to cut someone with Fergusons name recognition and fan following.
Whether Ferguson can recapture anything resembling prime performance remains uncertain. Gaethje fight appeared to take something out of him. But writing off El Cucuy has been premature many times before. McCarthy made reasonable business argument. Ferguson made clear he disagrees. Well see whos right.
