Tony Ferguson's Next Opponent Has Been Announced

The former interim UFC Lightweight Champion, Tony Ferguson, is ready to make his return to MMA with a new fight promotion now that his contract with the UFC has been fulfilled. While many fans believe Ferguson should retire now that he's been on an eight-fight losing streak, Ferguson has decided to step back into the cage to face off against a controversial figure within the combat sports community.

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At 41 years of age, Ferguson hinted at his MMA comeback on New Year’s Day (2025), ignoring any concerns expressed by many fans on Social Media. Following his latest loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC Saudi Arabia in August, Ferguson left his gloves in the Octagon.

According to him, the gesture was potentially signaling the end of his time with the UFC.

Watch the full post-fight Octagon interview to hear it from Ferguson.

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UFC CEO Dana White had consistently urged Ferguson to consider retirement during his challenging losing streak. However, after his departure from the UFC, Ferguson is still set on continuing his professional MMA fighting career.

Global Fight League 2025 Draft

In January 2025, the GFL held their first Draft  where their roster of fighters was announced. Fighters including Tony Ferguson, Tyron Woodley, Dillon Danis, Luke Rockhold, and Paige VanZant were all part of the lineup.

The Global Fight League officially announced Ferguson's return to MMA, staging a matchup against former Bellator fighter Dillon Danis, although the specific date and location are yet to be determined.

Since its first announcement, this Lightweight mixed martial arts bout has been highly anticipated, especially after Danis expressed interest in the fight on his social media platforms.

Danis Trained with Conor McGregor

Dillon Danis weighs in at his 2023 boxing match with Logan Paul.
Dillon Danis at the ceremonial weigh-in on October 13, 2023 before for his bout with Logan Paul.

Danis, who previously trained alongside Conor McGregor, will also be making his own return to MMA concurrently with his boxing comeback. In the boxing arena, Danis is scheduled to face KSI in an upcoming boxing match at Misfits Boxing Series 21 on March 29th in Manchester.

Dilon Danis First MMA Appearance Since June 2019

This fight will be Danis's first MMA appearance since he fought Max Humphrey, with Danis winning by armbar submission. The matchup between Ferguson and Danis only adds to an already exciting lineup of fights that the GFL has been announcing (including a rematch between former UFC middleweight champions Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold, which will take place at a yet-to-be-disclosed GFL event).

Is Ferguson vs. Danis a Good Matchup?

Regardless of your opinion of Tony Ferguson's MMA career, you cannot deny his heart and will to continue fighting. Aside from that, what are your thoughts about the matchup? Does Ferguson have anyhing to gain by fighting Danis, or should Ferguson retire and hang up his gloves?