UFC 238: Ferguson vs Cerrone Preview

UFC 238: Ferguson vs Cerrone Preview

By Rubi R Hasmi

We are just days away from UFC 238, and in my opinion the best fight on the card – Tony Ferguson vs Donald Cerrone.

It is the highly anticipated comeback of Ferguson, who is returning after sorting out his widely-publicised personal problems. The last time he graced the octagon was against Anthony Pettis, and it was a fight of the year candidate for the ten minutes it lasted.

Cerrone is equally as exciting and is looking to replace “El Cucuy” at number two in the rankings, after taking Al Iaquinta’s spot in the top five.

Cerrone has been one of the most active fighters since joining the UFC in 2011, and taking this fight a month after his last is just Cowboy being Cowboy.

On a three-fight win streak, now is the time to make a run at the title. No one deserves a shot more than the man he’ll stand across from.

Ferguson is on an eleven-fight win streak and was interim champion before being stripped due to injury. Harsh considering that he was fulfilling media obligations for the UFC at the time of the freak accident.

Many believe the well-rounded skill set of Ferguson, make him the only legitimate threat to Khabib. But that fight is “jinxed”, claimed UFC president Dana White, who vowed to never book it again, after it failed to materialise for the fourth time.

Cerrone has also called Khabib out on more than one occasion, after Conor McGregor failed to agree terms to fight him. However, it is rumoured that Khabib will return from suspension at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, where interim champ Dustin Poirier will be waiting in the wings. It all depends on the outcome of that unification bout.

The lightweight division has never been as competitive, or as popular. All of the top five ranked fighters have a big fan following and offer intriguing match ups with one another. Former champ McGregor often teases a return with his social media posts, and has enough influence to walk straight back into the title picture. That is evident from the rankings, as he is still listed in the top three after announcing his retirement.

But whatever his sway is with the top brass, all eyes will be on Ferguson vs Cerrone come June 8th.

Cerrone is just one year older than Ferguson, but has had over twenty more professional fights. Is that experience invaluable or has it taken too much of a toll?

Ferguson is relentless with his forward pressure and creative unorthodox striking, making it a difficult style to adapt to. His cardio is amongst the best in the game and Cerrone will have to slow the pace down to suit him.

‘Cowboy’ is the underdog but that’s where he thrives, and whilst he is more than capable on the ground, he holds the advantage if he keeps it a straight kickboxing fight at distance. Whoever emerges victorious, is surely next in line for a shot at the gold.