‘I’m not done yet’ – Tony Ferguson targeting MMA return in 2026 as part of ambitious four-sport plan

Tony Ferguson has revealed he will be involved in four different sports next year as he relishes being active again.

UFC legend Ferguson contests his second professional boxing bout on December 20, but plans to make an MMA return in 2026 on top of competing in freestyle wrestling and jiu-jitsu grappling.

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‘El Cucuy’ faces Warren Spencer in Dubai at Misfits Mania: The Fight Before Christmas, just four months after his successful debut victory against influencer Salt Papi.

The 41-year-old is thriving in the final chapter of his career, comparing the latter stages of it to when he won The Ultimate Fighter in 2011.

As Ferguson approached the end of his UFC stint, fights were few and far between compared to what he was used to.

However, speaking to talkSPORT.com, the former interim UFC lightweight champion said he’s enjoying the opportunity to fight more regularly.

Tony Ferguson: Look at Bruce Willis — this doesn’t last forever!

“When I take these fights, I’m giving my best effort,” Ferguson said.

“Sometimes I get out of bed, after not the best camps, but that’s life, and you move on through it. This is how it f***ing goes.”

Ferguson has been to war with some of the best fighters on the planet, including Paddy Pimblett, Nate Diaz, Justin Gaethje, and Edson Barboza.

He was even praised by David Goggins for his mental toughness during a ‘Hell Week’ with the ultra-endurance athlete ahead of his Pimblett bout.

Ferguson knows he won’t be around forever, so he’s using the resources at his disposal to make the most of what is to come.

“Look at the actors, look at Bruce Willis,” Ferguson added.

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“Anybody who’s ever watched Die Hard movies or anything with Bruce Willis, they’re like big huge fans. 

“Bruce is not making movies anymore. He’s with family, living life and doing his thing.

“This only lasts for so long, guys — you’ve got to realise that, so all the hate and all the love and everything that you got, we take that, we love.

“I mean, I love it so much because I’ve had both. From dealing with people like Khabib [Nurmagomedov] and McNuggets [Conor McGregor], to all the s***.

“It’s been a blessing, it’s been a f***ing amazing ride, [but] I’m not over yet with this s***.

“[In] 2026, I’m gonna be doing some freestyle wrestling. I’m gonna be doing some heavy jiu-jitsu grappling, boxing, obviously, and I’m gonna be getting back to MMA.

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“That’s four sports. I’m usually playing three in a year. Usually, that’s what I miss. MMA, I was only doing one.

“All about being an athlete. The busier I am, the more structure I am, the better I am, the better everything feels and looks, man, especially my hairline!”

After leaving the UFC, Ferguson signed with the Global Fight League (GFL), but his scheduled fight with Dillon Danis was cancelled when the promotion collapsed.

Ferguson, however, has been adamant that fans have not seen the end of the GFL, and the promotion could host the return of ‘El Cucuy’ to his beloved sport.

Real American Freestyle (RAF) would also no doubt welcome Ferguson for a freestyle wrestling bout.

The league co-founded by the late Hulk Hogan has already signed a plethora of current and former UFC stars, including Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal, Colby Covington, Luke Rockhold, and Chad Mendes.

As for grappling, Ferguson could find himself competing at the Hype Fighting League.

Hype is hosting its inaugural event in Yerevan, Armenia, on December 30, featuring a grappling match between UFC lightweight star Arman Tsarukyan and Sharabutdin Magomedov.

Watch MF Mania – The Fight Before Christmas, exclusively on Rumble Premium on December 20