The original plan for Tony Ferguson was to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov on December 11th, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale. Khabib pulled out with an injury, and was replaced by Edson Barboza. We've yet to see Ferguson actually fight Khabib, but if it happens, it has a ways to go to match the pure craziness that was "El Cucuy" against Barboza.
There was flashy striking, spinning shit thrown, violent connections, plenty of blood, a grueling pace, and that was just the 1st round. Round 2 saw Ferguson defeat the Brazilian with his signature d'arce choke, capping off what was quietly one of the best fights of 2015. You can watch the full video for yourself at the top of the page.
Here's Dallas Winston's play-by-play of the 2nd (and final) round:
R2: They trade heavy left kicks to the body. Ferguson lands a lead uppercut elbow and it pops a cut on Barboza's head but he's countered with a left hook that also seems to open a cut on Ferguson. Barboza catches a front kick and sweeps out Ferguson's support leg, falling into his open guard. Barboza, gushing blood onto Ferguson's chest, takes a few elbows to the head from the equally bloodied Ferguson from his back. Barboza cracks him with a straight right.
Ferguson wades forward and wings a spinning back elbow that Barboza blocks, though it lands with major impact. Barboza, who might be slowing down a little, shoots a takedown that Ferguson counters with the front headlock, then he moves to his signature transition into a D'arce choke. Barboza taps.
Tony Ferguson defeats Edson Barboza by submission (D'arce choke) R2 2:54
And here's the Bloody Elbow community's reaction to the finish:
Ferguson will fight Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. The night's main card airs live on Fox Sports 1 on Saturday, November 5th, from Mexico City, Mexico. You better believe that's must-see TV.