Executioner at UFC 249, Justin Gaethje provokes Tony Ferguson: 'He was never an elite lightweight'

J. Gaethje beat T. Ferguson in the UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.) Justin gaethje don't believe that Tony Ferguson has already been one of the best in the division in the past. For him, the fighters were already entering the fight against the 'Bicho Papão' for fear of creating space and were already at a disadvantage. Furthermore, the North American also considers it difficult to overcome his former opponent after all the damage he suffered in the fights.

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“The guys went there, fought in desperation and refused to create space. I don't know why (Anthony) Pettis and (Donald) Cerrone weren't able to do what I did. But I think it was obvious all along,” said Gaethje, in an interview with 'ESPN' North-American.

After defeating him in UFC 249 to win the interim belt in the category, Justin gaethje broke a 12-game winning streak Tony Ferguson. He considers that the absence of publicity in the arena contributed to his performance at the time.

“The fans weren't in the arena and that helped me stay focused and concentrate on what was happening in the octagon. That's a big factor when you're fighting Tony. I don't think he's finished, but I also don't think he's an elite lightweight. Never was. The skills were only really functional because of the way people fought against him”, declared the North American.

Tony Ferguson, at 36 years old, has already beaten names like Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone e Rafael dos Anjos, in real 'wars' in the Octagon. However, Justin gaethje believe that 'The cucuy' – as the fighter is called – will have difficulty being competitive in the future.

“I was impressed with (Charles) from the Bronx, but Tony wasn’t the same person. No one will be the same person after being punched in the face so many times. You fight with less confidence, which makes you very dangerous. Now, your lack of confidence will be a crucial factor in the next fights,” he concluded.

Currently, Justin gaethje e Tony Ferguson are among the Top-5 in the lightweight division. The North American remains first in the ranking, even though he was finished by Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2020. 'Bicho Papão' occupies fifth place and comes from two consecutive defeats – against Gaethje himself – and the Brazilian Charles of the Bronx.