Ahead of his clash against derailed hype-train Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296, Tony Ferguson enlisted the service of retired Navy SEAL, ultra-distance athlete, and motivational meme source: David Goggins.
But their budding friendship won’t exactly be limited to fight camp (or “Hell Week,” as the fellas have dubbed it). At least not according to veteran UFC colour commentator and MMA pundit Jon Anik.
“It looks like David Goggins is probably going to be in that corner for Tony Ferguson,” Anik told MMA Fighting earlier this week.
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“What exactly has the preparation held? You know, I know, like, for me, that my body feels different at 45 than 35, even if I’m still exercising the same way.
Anik continued: “Will he answer with veracity? I don’t know. How does his body feel really at this stage in his career, how is his body recovering, you know? I’m excited to see him try to have one final moment.”
Currently, it’s unclear whether Goggins’ contributions will actually impact the former interim lightweight champion’s performance inside the Octagon — especially when you consider the latter’s brutal six-fight losing streak in the face of his athletic/competitive decline.
One thing is for certain: “El Cucuy” is approaching the end of his storied career.
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A career that’s soared to the heights of an epic 12-bout win streak, the interim throne, the adoration of millions; and dipped to the tragic lows of being fed to a new generation of hungry lions for pay-per-view buys — from the recently-crowned BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje to the explosive Michael Chandler.
Tony Ferguson faces Paddy Pimblett this weekend (potentially with David Goggins in his corner) at UFC 296: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington — the promotion’s final pay-per-view card of 2023. Hosted at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena, the main event kicks off on December 12th at 2 PM [AEDT].
Hopefully, the ageing division boogeyman can manage to notch another W before he lays the four-ounce gloves down for retirement.
