Ferguson defeats Cerrone through controversial TKO
Marc RaimondiESPN
CHICAGO — It wasn’t the ending of what was turning right into a basic battle that anybody actually needed.
Tony Ferguson defeated Donald Cerrone by TKO on the finish of the second spherical Saturday at UFC 238 when it was dominated by ringside medical doctors that Cerrone couldn’t proceed. Cerrone’s proper eye was swollen shut after a dominant second spherical by Ferguson. It was a back-and-forth, bloody battle up till that time between two of the most effective lightweights and hottest fighters on the earth.
On the finish of the second spherical at United Middle, Ferguson landed a proper hand on Cerrone’s face after the bell. Referee Dan Miragliotta dominated after watching replay that, although the punch landed, it did not hit Cerrone within the eye, however the nostril. Due to this fact, Miragliotta stated it was not a foul that straight precipitated the end and Ferguson would win by TKO. Had Miragliotta dominated the foul precipitated the end, it could have been a disqualification or no contest.
“The punch had nothing to do with it,” Cerrone stated afterward. “That was the combat I believe everyone needed. I do not give up, I do not again down. I simply wish to hold preventing.”
Cerrone gained the primary spherical, bloodying Ferguson with onerous jabs and proper fingers. Within the second, Ferguson took over with the physique kicks he landed within the first spherical start so as to add up. Ferguson landed a barrage of jabs and straight rights to bust up Cerone’s nostril and depart him bloody. Ferguson additionally smashed Cerrone with a spinning again elbow.
The tip of the spherical and the way in which it completed marred what was turning into one of many yr’s greatest fights.
“It isn’t how I needed the combat to go,” Ferguson stated. “It is actually emotional in right here.”
Ferguson (25-Three) is the beautiful clear No. 1 contender to the light-weight title after the victory. However the 35-year-old “El Cucuy” stated he could be OK with a Cerrone rematch subsequent.
“We will throw it again, I do not thoughts doing that,” Ferguson stated. “I actually do not. He is a hell of a f—ing fighter.”
Cerrone (36-11, 1 NC) had his three-fight successful streak snapped with the defeat.