Tony Ferguson drops out of UFC lightweight rankings

Tony Ferguson, a long-time lightweight contender and former interim UFC lightweight champion, has officially slid out of the UFC's top-15 rankings.

For the first time in more than seven years, Ferguson, 38, a former interim lightweight champion, has dropped out of the rankings. Drew Dober, who defeated Bobby Green in a bonus-winning knockout this past Saturday at UFC Fight Night 216, took his place.

Ferguson entered the UFC lightweight rankings after defeating Gleison Tibau via submission on February 28, 2015. Ferguson was ranked No. 11 before his subsequent fight with Josh Thomson, which he won by unanimous decision later that year.

Ferguson had held the division record for most consecutive victories at lightweight before losing to Gaethje in 2020. The Oxnard native had a remarkable run of 12 straight victories between 2013 and 2019 - including an interim title victory.

Ferguson (25-8 MMA, 15-6 UFC) has gone downhill since then, and he is currently on a five-fight losing streak. Prior to winning the title, he lost by unanimous one-sided decisions to top lightweight contenders Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. Then, in his UFC 274 match against previous 155-pound title challenger Michael Chandler, he was brutally knocked out with a front kick.

Ferguson was looking for new life by stepping back up to welterweight in his most recent outing this past September at UFC 279, but he was submitted by Nate Diaz in the main event.