UFC Fight Night 91 Results: Tony Ferguson Hands Landon Vannata His First Loss in Instant Classic

Third-ranked lightweight Tony Ferguson extended his winning streak to eight consecutive fights on Wednesday when he submitted Octagon newcomer Landon Vannata in the UFC Fight Night 91 co-main event.

Vannata accepted the bout on short notice when Ferguson’s original opponent, Michael Chiesa, was forced out of the fight due to injury.  Ferguson emerged the winner by D’Arce choke, but was tested by the 24-year-old Jackson-Winkeljohn trained Vannata.

The opening round was one of the most action-packed  of the year.  Ferguson knocked Vanuata down with a stiff jab in the early going, but was wobbled by a spinning back fist seconds later.  Vanuata delivered a head kick toward the end of the round that had Ferguson in all sorts of trouble.  Ferguson staggered around trying to regain his balance while Vanuata looked to finish.  Ferguson isolated a leg and worked to secure a heel hook.  Vanuata defended the submission attempt, and Ferguson survived the round.

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Vannata slowed in the second frame and began taking damage.  Ferguson repeatedly landed his jab.  Vannata, ducked down and Ferguson quickly applied a guillotine choke.  Vannata worked to defend it but found himself trapped in a D’Arce choke unable to escape.  He was forced to tap out, suffering the first loss of his career.

“A lot of respect to Lando,” said Ferguson after the win. “This is what I wanted. I wanted a firefight. I wanted to get hit a couple of times. I didn’t fight my last fight. I got injured, which sucked. I kind of missed that feeling of getting hit in the face.”

Ferguson is on an eight-fight winning streak and poised for a title shot.  He said he’d fight whoever signs the contract, but wants a crack at newly crowned champion Eddie Alvarez.

“Whoever signs on the dotted line,” he said about whom he wants to face next. “A lot of these guys don’t want to fight me, but they don’t have a choice when I’m right there next to them.

“We’ll see who’s next. Give me that title shot. Eddie Alvarez, I know you want to fight me. If you want an easy fight, go ahead and get Conor (McGregor), but I’m right here at your front doorstep, and I’m ready to sign on the dotted line.”

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