Tony Ferguson was up to his old tricks as he barely gave anything away during his face-off with Michael Chandler before hilariously pretending to ankle pick his opponent.

The Americans will meet in a lightweight contest on Saturday on the main card of UFC 274 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fan favourite Ferguson, 38, finds himself on a three-fight losing skid against Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariush - two of which came in the span of 12 months.

Chandler, a former Bellator MMA lightweight champion and UFC title challenger, is also coming off two consecutive losses last year, firstly against Oliveira and then Gaethje.

So there's arguably a lot at stake for both men with their careers - and legacies - potentially on the line tomorrow night.

But that didn't stop Ferguson from playing a prank on Chandler during their face off on stage in front of the fans.

After an intense staredown, Chandler put his hand on Ferguson's shoulder in an apparent show of respect.

However, Ferguson barely flinched as they stood almost nose to nose before they both turned to face the crowd.

Tony Ferguson is the former interim UFC lightweight champion

But as Chandler raised his arms high above his head, Ferguson faked an ankle pick much to the delight of those in attendance at the Footprint Center.

Chandler clearly saw the funny side as he let out a short burst of laughter before walking off the stage.

WATCH: Tony Ferguson hilariously pretends to ankle pick Michael Chander during last night's press conference

Check out the video below...

Ferguson, meanwhile, admits he has 'a lot to prove' when he takes on Chandler tomorrow night.

Speaking to Sport Illustrated, he said, “I still have a lot to prove.

"There is a lot that’s driving me. Coming out of a great camp, I’m feeling strong, the weight is good.

"I feel really confident – not overconfident – that I can bring the pressure on this kid.”

And of his rival, he said: “I respect his grit, his tenacity.

"But what I don’t like about him is that he talks about himself in the third person. And he’s already looking past me. That’s dangerous.

“Everyone on this side, we’re making sure we are focused. My focus is Mike Chandler."

Asked for a prediction by Sport Illustrated's Justin Barrasson earlier this week, Fergyson said: “I’m not here to lose.

“I’m here to win. I’m not taking any performance-decreasing drugs. I’m not that guy.

“I’m not going to be a slow starter, that’s for sure. Right now, I’m worried about UFC 274 and Mike Chandler. And when I beat Michael, the only thing I’m going to be worried about is my victory dance.”