“Not How This Game Is Played” – Chael Sonnen Gives A Reality Check To Tony Ferguson Over UFC Return Tease

Chael Sonnen and Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson once dominated the 155-pound division with twelve consecutive wins. However, it has been five years since the former interim lightweight champion last won a fight. Despite this, Ferguson refuses to retire and is planning his return to the octagon in 2025, which has sparked a reaction from Chael Sonnen.

After Tony Ferguson lost to Michael Chiesa in the first round at UFC Abu Dhabi last year, he left one glove in the Octagon, leading to retirement speculation. Despite suffering his eighth consecutive loss in a rematch against Chiesa, Ferguson did not retire and instead hinted at continuing his career. Fans were hopeful he’d reconsider, but Ferguson posted on social media in the New Year saying, “Fight News Coming Soon.”

Sonnen weighed in on the situation in a recent YouTube video, speculating that the UFC may have released Ferguson after fulfilling his contract and could be fighting elsewhere. “If you sign somewhere, particularly if you were a name like Tony Ferguson, and that was going to be something interesting,” Sonnen said while he acknowledged Ferguson’s unorthodox approach.

Is the very first thing they would tell you is ‘do not tell anybody. We are going to roll this out in our way.’ Which is where Tony coming out and screaming ‘I have news, oh I can’t tell you’ just generally is not how this game is played,” he added. Sonnen criticized Ferguson’s method of announcing his return, noting that promoters typically advise high-profile fighters to keep the news under wraps until an official reveal.

Chael Sonnen Anticipates Jon Jones’ Retirement in 2025

After Jon Jones’ return against Stipe Miocic, fans are buzzing about a possible heavyweight title fight with Tom Aspinall. Despite planning to retire after his victory, Jones is now set for one more fight. UFC veteran Chael Sonnen predicts that Jones will retire in 2025, with Aspinall as his final opponent. Sonnen shared his bold prediction during a conversation with Daniel Cormier on their “Good Guy/Bad Guy” show. Jones stated that his fight with Aspinall would mark the end of his career, regardless of the outcome.

“I’m actually very confident in the prediction and that is that Jon Jones retires. I will tell you that Jon Jones is going to fight Tom Aspinall. When that fight is done, win or lose, I do believe it will be Jon’s final appearance,” Sonnen said.

The fight between Jones and Aspinall has not yet been confirmed, as Dana White is still finalizing the details. Jones has reportedly demanded a hefty payout, suggesting the outcome may not be his main concern. Fans await the official announcement.