Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Only two years ago, Tony Ferguson was on the cusp of achieving his greatest success in the UFC.
After plowing through 12 consecutive opponents, Ferguson had won 25 of his 28 pro fights. His next opponent was the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249, and Ferguson was ready to climb to heights previously unexplored by winning the undisputed lightweight championship and forever breaking Nurmagomedov’s pristine record.