Tony Ferguson may not have a bout booked inside the UFC octagon yet, but he could soon be hitting the mats for a grappling showdown. According to ‘El Cucuy’ himself, the UFC offered him the opportunity to face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a grappling match at an upcoming UFC Fight Pass Invitational event.
“Was offered a grappling match against good ol’e Charlie Olives AKA Chuck for @UFCFightPass Invitational,” Ferguson wrote on his Instagram stories.
With UFC Fight Pass Invitational 7 scheduled for May 15th, Ferguson was likely offered a spot on a future card that has yet to be announced.
The potential grappling match would serve as a rematch from their December 2020 bout at UFC 256, where Oliveira earned a unanimous decision victory over Ferguson, handing him the second loss of his current seven-losses skid.
Despite his recent struggles, the 39-year-old Ferguson remains convinced he can still compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts. Following his latest loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296, Ferguson has refused calls to retire from fans, media and even UFC President Dana White.
As for Oliveira, he is coming off a split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 last month. The defeat will likely push ‘Do Bronx’ back down the lightweight rankings from his #2 spot, potentially paving the way for a title fight between Dustin Poirier and champion Islam Makhachev. However, Oliveira has also teased a potential move up to the welterweight division.
A grappling match between Ferguson and Oliveira could give fans a fascinating look at two elite submission artists going head-to-head on the mats.
Despite his famed UFC streak many question Ferguson’s BJJ chops because of his devotion to the 10th planet system. While 10th planet founder Eddie Bravo is as legit as they come, the school affiliation has failed to prove their dominance in Nogi grappling with the most notable stars being ADCC bronze medalist Geo Martinez and brother Richie.
