Michael Chiesa secured a decisive victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC on ABC 7, held at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Chiesa (17-7 MMA, 12-7 UFC) managed to finish Ferguson (25-11 MMA, 15-9 UFC) with a rear-naked choke at 3:44 of the first round, marking a significant moment in the welterweight bout on the main card.

Fight Highlights

The fight began with Ferguson taking an aggressive stance, landing a leg kick as his first strike. Chiesa responded with a body kick followed by a solid jab. Ferguson then connected with a combination and continued to pressure Chiesa, landing another leg kick. However, Chiesa managed to take Ferguson down and swiftly transitioned to secure a rear-naked choke, forcing Ferguson to tap out.

Ferguson’s Struggles Continue

This loss marks Ferguson’s eighth consecutive defeat, setting a new UFC record. Post-fight, Ferguson hinted at retirement by placing one of his gloves in the octagon but stopped short of a full commitment, keeping the other glove as a possible indication of future fights. As he left the arena, Ferguson mentioned to a UFC camera that he still had more to work on and wasn’t ready to retire completely.

It's not a goodbye, but it's a see ya later.. @TonyFergusonXT is leaving only ONE glove in the Octagon tonight. The other will go home with him after #UFCAbuDhabi #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/YCRjeXqMfv

— UFC (@ufc) August 3, 2024

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Significance of the Match

Both fighters entered the match with a lot on the line. Ferguson, known for his previous 12-fight winning streak, has struggled significantly in recent years. Chiesa, also looking to bounce back from a series of losses, saw this bout as an opportunity to revive his career. Ferguson’s last victory came years ago, and his recent performance has led many, including UFC President Dana White, to suggest it might be time for him to retire. Chiesa, on the other hand, has faced tough competition and was looking to prove himself once more in the welterweight division.

Thank you @TonyFergusonXT !

We love you, all respect… The decision is up to you

An honor to share the Octagon with you back in 2020#UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/O4EVHMRTcW

— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) August 3, 2024

UFC Abu Dhabi – Match Card and Results

Main Card
Start at 3:00 PM ET on August 3, available via ESPN+

• Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov defeats Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (50–45, 49–46, 49–46)
• Middleweight: Sharabutdin Magomedov defeats Michal Oleksiejczuk via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)
• Bantamweight: Deiveson Figueiredo defeats Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 30–27)
• Welterweight: Michael Chiesa defeats Tony Ferguson via submission (rear-naked choke), 1st round, 3:44
• Strawweight (Women): Mackenzie Dern defeats Loopy Godinez via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)
• Lightweight: Joel Álvarez defeats Elves Brener via TKO (knees and punches), 3rd round, 3:36

Preliminary Card
Start at 12:00 PM ET on August 3, available via ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass

• Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov defeats Alonzo Menifield via KO (punches), 2nd round, 3:18
• Lightweight: Kauê Fernandes defeats Mohammad Yahya via TKO (punches), 1st round, 4:45
• Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev defeats Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)
• Lightweight: Guram Kutateladze defeats Jordan Vucenic via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)
• Strawweight (Women): Sam Hughes defeats Viktoriia Dudakova via split decision (27–30, 29–28, 29–28)
• Lightweight: Jai Herbert defeats Rolando Bedoya via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)
• Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas defeats Denis Tiuliulin via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 30–27)

For more details and additional results from UFC Abu Dhabi, you can visit MMAnytt.se