UFC 238: Tony Ferguson overcomes personal problems and returns with victory over Donald Cerrone

T. Ferguson (left) defeats D. Cerrone (right) in his return to the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc

The former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.), Tony Ferguson, returned to the octagon with victory after more than eight months away from MMA. In a busy duel against Donald Cerrone, 'El Cucuy' managed to emerge victorious, after a medical interruption, in the event that took place this Saturday (8), at UFC 238, in Chicago (USA). With the triumph, Tony puts himself in the position to face the winner between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Dustin poirier, who face each other to unify the lightweight title, in September.

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During the two highly contested rounds, Tony and Cerrone gave the audience what they expected to see. The athletes showed a lot of desire and fought on their feet, with ample chances of a knockout for both parties.

The crowd was excited. However, at the end of the second round, doctors noticed swelling in Donald's right eye, which prevented him from seeing. After being evaluated, the professionals vetoed the athlete's return to combat, and Tony was crowned the winner.

Donald hadn't been defeated in three fights and, after the result, he moved away from his dream of fighting for the division title.

Ferguson, in turn, won his 12th consecutive victory and practically guarantees a place as a challenger for the belt. The athlete, who faced psychological and marital problems at the beginning of the year, is now back, awaiting the result of the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Dustin poirier, which takes place on September 7th, at UFC 242.

The fight

The clash started with Cerrone throwing a low kick at Tony. The athletes continued exchanging good blows in the center of the octagon looking for a knockout. Ferguson managed to land two good punches on Donald's face, who continued walking towards his opponent. As expected, the fighters did not retreat and continued attacking each other. 'El Cucuy' moved his head a lot trying to confuse Cerrone, who threw punches and kicks trying to hit his opponent's face. Two minutes before the end of the round, Ferguson already had a cut on his right eyebrow. The fight seemed quite balanced with good chances for both sides. With just a few seconds left to end the stage, the 'Cowboy' managed a good combination of blows, shaking Tony, but there was no more time.

Upon his return, Ferguson quickly threw a kick at Donald's waist, which caused him to bend his legs, but soon recovered. More aggressive at this stage, Tony relied on kicks to try to get closer to his opponent. Without being cornered, Cerrone threw blows on the counterattack, reaching Tony on some occasions. Halfway through the round, Donald had a nose bleed and began to receive several blows to the area. Even at a disadvantage, the 'Cowboy' didn't back down, which favored Tony, who was better in the fight. After two minutes, Cerrone managed to take down his opponent, who managed to get up quickly. Sharp in combinations of blows, Donald managed to hit 'El Cucuy', raising the crowd. Ferguson, however, did not accuse the blows and, as always, showed a lot of courage. In the end, an elbow to Cerrone's chin shook the athlete, who was almost knocked out, however, Tony hit Cerrone after the horn had sounded.

Donald, before returning for the third round, had a badly injured face. The athlete's right eye was practically closed and the doctor had to intervene. Thinking about the athlete's physical integrity, the fight was ended and Tony won the duel.

Petr Yan beats Jimmie Rivera and completes seven fights without defeat

P. Yan (right) wins a good victory over J. Rivera (left) in the UFC 238. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil

PUBLICITY:

Rooster fighters (up to 61,2kg.) Jimmie rivera e Petr yan They fought a very strategic fight. After three rounds of open fighting, with ample chances of a knockout, the result was decided by the judges, who elected the Russian as the winner of the fight. After the result, Petr recorded his seventh consecutive victory.

The athletes showed a lot of movement at the beginning of the fight. After much study in the center of the octagon, Yan took the initiative in the duel, delivering a good low kick and a straight shot at Rivera. Always waiting for a moment to connect his shot, the Russian tried to press the North American against the bars. Jimmie, however, was sharp at dodging. At the end of the round, the Russian managed to land a good left punch on Rivera, who fell to the ground, but there was no more time.

Rivera returned more aggressive in the next stage. Early on, the American managed to land a good direct shot on Petr's face, which shook him, but soon managed to recover. The combat began to become more tense for both sides. With a very sharp exchange of blows, the fighters were looking for a knockout the entire time. Once again, in the final stretch, Jimmie was surprised by a counter blow that exploded in the North American's face, sending the athlete to the ground. Rivera was saved again by the horn.

Rivera, in the last round, would have to attack Yan if he wanted to win. The athlete then started throwing blows and looking for a knockout at any cost. The Russian, however, tried to manage the fight and try to play only on his opponent's counterattack. With just under two minutes left in the fight, Yan scored an illegal blow to the eye and the fight was stopped. After returning, Jimmie continued chasing his opponent, who managed to get away from his opponent well, until there was no more time.

UFC 238 results

MAIN CARD 

Bantamweight: Henry Cejudo derrotou Marlon moraes by knockout at 4:51 of R3

Fly weight: Valentina Shevchenko derrotou Jessica Eye by knockout at – fight for the belt

Lightweight: Tony Ferguson derrotou Donald Cerrone by technical knockout (medical interruption) 5m from R2

Bantamweight: Petr yan derrotou Jimmie rivera in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28 30-27 29-28)

Heavyweight: Blagoy Ivanov derrotou Tai tuivasa unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 30-27 and 30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD 

Straw weight: Tatiana Suarez placeholder image derrotou Nina ansaroff in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bantamweight: aljamain sterling derrotou Peter Munhoz by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Straw weight: Alexa grasso derrotou Karolina Kowalkiewicz by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Feather weight: Calvin kattar defeated Ricardo Lamas by knockout at 4:06 of R1

Straw weight: yan xiaonan derrotou Angela Hill in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight: Darren stewart defeated Bevon Lewis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Bantamweight: Eddie Wineland defeated Grigory Popov by knockout at 4:47 of R2.

Fly weight: Katlyn chookagian derrotou Joanne calderwood in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)