Tony Ferguson has shown off his battered and bruised face after suffering a broken eye socket in his defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 on Saturday night.
Held amid strict hygiene guidelines in a near-empty arena in Jacksonville, Florida, the main event was a thrilling bout that saw defending-champion Ferguson battered by Gaethje for almost 25 minutes before the punishment finally became too much.
Gaethje's fifth-round TKO victory brings Ferguson's dominant 12-fight win-streak to an exhilarating end while also diminishing any hopes of the superfight between Ferguson and reigning lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov taking place any time soon.
Ferguson was immediately taken to hospital for treatment and it has since emerged that the legendary UFC fighter sustained damage to his eye.
But despite the loss, Ferguson seemed in good spirits as he posted a selfie with wife Cristina to celebrate Mother's Day in the US.
He captioned his Instagram : "Love You Babygirl. Thanks For Taking Care Of Me #Happy Mother’s Day Toots."
Ferguson also posted a video dancing in hospital, saying: "When You’re About To Get Discharged From The Hospital #LetMeOut."
Speaking moments after his shock defeat, Ferguson wished he had been left unconscious rather than the referee stopping the fight with him on his feet.
"It’s been a long f****** camp, we’ve been preparing since November," said the beaten fighter.
"Obviously it didn’t happen with Khabib and Justin was the only one who would sign on the dotted line.
"Justin’s a tough son of a b****. I’d rather have been finished than somebody step in."
Gaethje's win has now put him next in line to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed lightweight crown.
After an interim belt was placed around his waist following the victory, he tossed it aside and said: "I'll wait for the real one."
