Tony Ferguson Snubs Modern Greats for Old-School “Mount Rushmore”
Former UFC lightweight interim champion Tony Ferguson has revealed the four fighters he believes have had the greatest impact on the UFC, opting for old-school pioneers over modern day greats.
Ferguson, known as ‘El Cucuy’ had a long and storied career with the UFC, famously going on a 12-fight win streak, and winning the interim lightweight title in the process in 2017 against Kevin Lee. Despite never capturing the full undisputed title, he beat some credible names during his run, including Anthony Pettis and Rafael Dos Anjos.
Having recently transitioned to the viral crossover boxing scene with KSI’s Misfits Boxing promotion, the 42 year old veteran took time to look back at the historical figures who shaped the octagon.
Royce Gracie
Known for popularizing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the UFC, the Brazilian legend is one of the forefathers in the premier mixed martial arts promotion.
Succeeding in UFC 1, 2 and 4, Gracie became a household name at the very start of the UFC, when there were no specialised weight classes or divisions, so he regularly imposed his will on men far larger than him.
Gracie was one of the first men ever to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame back in 2003 along with Ken Shamrock whom he famously beat at UFC 1.
Don Frye
Another UFC staple who captured hearts during the early days of the UFC, known as “The Predator,” Frye rose to prominence in 1996 when he succeeded at UFC 8, famously beating three men in one day.
Known for his well-rounded game, Frye was one of the most complete fighters in the early phase of the UFC.
Many fighters in the late nineties had a specialized skillset, whereas Frye was competent in wrestling, grappling, and striking, having learned how to box and gained serious experience during collegiate wrestling at Oklahoma and Arizona State, as well as education in judo.
Frye quickly became a dominant force during his peak, winning the Ultimate Ultimate tournament in 1996.
Randy Couture
A stalwart who cemented his legacy in the UFC, “The Natural” represented a time in the fight promotion when MMA started to get recognised as a mainstream sport. Debuting in the UFC in 1997, Couture was already 33 when taking up mixed martial arts.
Having competed at light heavyweight and heavyweight, Couture famously conquered both divisions and beat the likes of Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, and Kevin Randleman. Known for his efficient technique and clean wrestling, Couture became a five-time champion in two weight classes, and retired aged 47 in 2011.
Brock Lesnar
Known for his huge size, speed, and athleticism, Lesnar was a freak of nature—a generational athlete who excelled in any sporting endeavour he took on.
Most known during his time at WWE, Lesnar also had a decorated collegiate wrestling career where he became an NCAA champion while at the University of Minnesota.
Like Couture, Lesnar also entered the UFC relatively late, stepping into the octagon at 30 years old. However, due to the hype and fanfare he brought from being a WWE superstar, Lesnar was immediately catapulted into the title picture after his debut in 2008.
He won the UFC belt in only his third fight against Couture in the same year. Despite the short UFC reign, Lesnar fought the toughest heavyweights in the world, beating Frank Mir, Couture, and Shane Carwin, before losses to Cain Velasquez and Alistair Overeem signalled the end of his time in the Octagon.
The TUF Connection
The personal connection between Ferguson and Lesnar is widely known, as Lesnar coached him on The Ultimate Fighter in 2011, a show where UFC veterans train upcoming prospects to fight each other to win a contract with the promotion. Ferguson went on to win the show and launch a storied career in the UFC.
