The losing streak continued for Tony Ferguson at Saturday's UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, and it might have marked his farewell.
The former interim UFC lightweight champion entered 2020 riding the second-longest winning run in the 155-pound division's history. At that point, he was touted as a threat to the great Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Now, Ferguson is on a different kind of streak. An eight-fight losing skid.
Since having his unbeaten period brought to a crashing halt by Justin Gaethje, "El Cucuy" has lost a further seven outings, the most recent of which came on August 3 in the Middle East.
After dismissing calls for him to retire after a decision defeat to Paddy Pimblett last December, Ferguson returned to action up at welterweight to face Michael Chiesa at the Etihad Arena.
Despite once again touting his improvements in recent months, the longtime fan favorite didn't reach the first horn, with "Maverick" locking in a rear-naked choke for the tap in round one.
The result has left Ferguson with an unwanted record, having lost the most consecutive fights in UFC history.
Finally, it would appear that the taste of defeat has the 40-year-old considering calling it quits, as he told Daniel Cormier post-fight that he is pondering retirement. For now, he's hung up just the one glove, with the other pending discussion with his family.
MMA Fans React To Chiesa Submitting Ferguson At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi
Unsurprisingly, the MMA community quickly flocked to social media with their takes on Ferguson's latest setback, as well as his half-retirement inside the Octagon in Abu Dhabi.