Charles Oliveira has shared his thoughts on how the UFC should approach Tony Ferguson’s potential return to the Octagon. Ferguson, currently on an eight-fight losing streak, was defeated by Oliveira in 2020.
During an interview with MMA Fighting, Oliveira expressed how difficult it was to see Ferguson suffer another loss, this time to Michael Chiesa via first-round submission in August. Following the fight, Ferguson hinted at retirement but later changed his stance, stating he still wanted to compete.
Oliveira’s Perspective
“He deserves all the respect in the world just for continuing to fight. He deserves a standing ovation for everything he’s accomplished in the UFC,” Oliveira said. “But I think the UFC should give him some help by matching him up with someone [closer to his age] so they can put on a great show, and we can all applaud them.”
Oliveira continued, “The guy doesn’t want to retire, he’s still here. So why not match him with someone who shares the same vibe and experience? That would be amazing. But putting him up against these young, hungry fighters seeking to make a name off him—it’s complicated. It sucks. He’s older now, and pitting him against kids? That’s tough for him.”
During Ferguson’s current skid, he has been finished by Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz, and Bobby Green. He has also dropped decisions to Beneil Dariush and Paddy Pimblett. His last victory came over Donald Cerrone in June 2019.
