TONY FERGUSON's recent skid was not the reason for his return to welterweight. It was also due to a drastic overhaul in his training.
Former interim lightweight champion will be competing in the 170lb weight division early Sunday morning at UFC 279 in Las Vegas.
Tony Ferguson is back in action at the co-main event UFC 279 this Saturday
Ferguson will compete at welterweight in his second appearance of the year, the first time in 11 years
Ferguson is back at welterweight after a four-fight skid
Cristina Cucuy is the one El Cucuy attributes his recent mental shift.
Ferguson's return at 155lbs, where he won season 13 Ultimate Fighter, follows a four-fight losing streak.
It also comes from Cristina's guilt at being held responsible.
SunSport spoke with Ferguson, who said: "It is different now. It's not about looking after everyone, but looking after your home base.
My wife called me out. She asked me, "When are you going start training 100 percent?" When will you stop sandbagging '"
Cristina called Ferguson out for not giving all he had. Ferguson is grateful. He stated that he was sorry for not giving his all. I was like, "Thank you." She replied, "Thank you." '"
Ferguson has not only changed weight classes but also established JacksonWinkMMA in Albuquerque (New Mexico).
This move has provided the 38-year old, mysteriously talented man with renewed motivation and optimism for his Hall of Fame career.
He stated that he wasn't burning out but that putting things together when they don't fit together was like an invention where you have all the tools but none of them are working.
"So, you need to find the right tools to solve that problem. I have done that.
"I have done all the research, done the homework and assembled an incredible team of astronauts who are highly knowledgeable about the sport.
"And it's cool almost to be able crack a cold with these guys, be able understand and come up these plays, man like you're playing Madden Football, and being able go out and make it happen.
"And they believe also in me, which is another. It's not that the other people didn't do it, but it's a new start.
"I believe that at 170lbs, with my new team and fresh start, going into battle with a very tough opponent and coming out victorious is going to be a game changer.
"Not for everyone, but for me. To get to the place I want. I will always be a man, no matter what happens.
"But, getting that victory and doing that with all you did in practice is the sweet moment.
"Nobody except you and your team knows this." That's exactly where I am right now."
Tony Ferguson is eternally grateful to Cristina for holding him "accountable".
Ferguson's rock through his mixed martial arts career was Cristina
Ferguson was called to the news and was forced to change his training. He set up JacksonWinkMMA.
Ferguson is thrilled and incredibly confident in his new team.
Ferguson feels stronger mentally and physically after not having to do the difficult cut to 155lbs.
He stated that he was more than ready for the fight. Since the [Michael] Chandler fight, I have been lifting like crazy and it has worked out really, really well.
"I am holding on to really good weight, I'm around 180ish, and everything is really functional, men. It's amazing how much I feel stronger and faster now.
El Cucuy has not closed the door to El Cucuy's exciting and stacked lightweight division.
He stated, "I'm still there. It's just a test at 170lbs.
Tony Ferguson will take on Li Jingliang at the co-main event for UFC 279
"I don’t mind changing my body weight. It's okay for my bodyweight and all other things.
"And I have a full f ****ing crew of astronauts that if you are in the middle space and need to figure it all out, I have the perfect team."
China's Li Jingliang will be the gatekeeper to Ferguson's return as welterweight. He has won four of his seven previous knockout victories.
Ferguson looks forward to comparing himself with The Leech's fan-friendly and exciting style.
Returning to victory against Jingliang, No. 14, will help silence those who think Ferguson is done for.
He stated that he was 14-2 and has mostly knockouts at 170lbs. It would be great to have the opportunity to test my chances to see what happens.
"Li Jingliang at UFC 279 will have to go home with a lot of pain because I'm going out with my hand raised in victory."
