Li Jingliang believes Tony Ferguson is still a very high-level fighter despite his recent losing streak.
Ferguson has lost four in a row and is set to move up to welterweight to face Jingliang in the co-main event of UFC 279. It’s a fight that caught many by surprise as many thought it was a quick turnaround for Ferguson after being brutally knocked out back in May.
Although Ferguson has lost four fights in a row, Jingliang knows “El Cucuy” is still dangerous and thinks fans need to give him the respect he deserves.
Li Jingliang Talks About Facing Ferguson at UFC 279
“For the people who say it like that – Tony Ferguson four losses in a row, never fought at welterweight – you forget who he is,” Jingliang told MMA Junkie through an interpreter.
“He is Tony Ferguson. You forgot all those people whose face got cut by Tony Ferguson. Amazing fighters were choked by him. You should give credit to him. I believe if you fight against him, you would know how hard to deal with a guy like ‘El Cucuy’ is. You shouldn’t forget those fighters like Tony, who is a pioneer in the sport. You should give him respect.”
Although Jingliang says Ferguson is still a very good fighter, he was surprised by the fight booking, but he is excited to get the chance to share the Octagon with the fan favorite.
“I’m surprised,” Jingliang said. “Yes and no, surprised but not, because he is Tony Ferguson, ‘El Cucuy.’ That’s why we call him people’s champ. Tony Ferguson always gives us surprise.”
Despite being surprised by the fight booking, Jingliang is looking forward to the fight as he believes it will be a very fun fight for the fans.
“I don’t think it’s the wrong decision for Tony Ferguson,” Jingliang said. “There are a lot of legends. What are we are looking for in this game? This sport is a surprise. It’s going to be a great, great exciting fight. I’m unorthodox, as well. I know Tony Ferguson; his style is weird. It makes no sense to us, but anything can happen in the Octagon. He has his style; I have my style with my fists. That solves all the problems.”
