Tony Ferguson parts ways with UFC, signs with Global Fight League

After nearly 14 years in the UFC, Tony Ferguson is moving on.

The former interim UFC lightweight champion and winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series Ferguson (25-11 MMA, 15-9 UFC) has parted ways with the UFC following a lengthy tenure, and has already found a potential new home.

Multiple sources have informed MMA Junkie that after agreeing to his UFC split, Ferguson has inked a deal with Global Fight League ahead of its inaugural draft. The promotion also announced Ferguson’s draft eligibility Friday.

GFL, the new team-format MMA promotion launches its draft Friday at 8 p.m. ET and is set to debut in 2025. Ferguson already has an interested party as former foe Kevin Lee (19-8) called him out. Lee has also signed with GFL, and wants an opportunity to avenge his submission loss to Ferguson in their interim lightweight title fight in October 2017.

Ferguson, 40, is coming off a UFC-record eighth-straight loss when he was submitted by Michael Chiesa this past August at UFC on ABC 7. UFC CEO Dana White urged Ferguson to hang up his gloves, but “El Cucuy” insists he still has some fight left in him. Ferguson was once owner of one of the longest winning streaks in company history when he won 12 straight.

Ferguson now is eligible for Friday’s GFL draft. If he is selected by one of the teams, he will be under contract to the GFL. If not, he will be a free agent.