The MMA world is lighting up right now and Tony Ferguson’s bout against Nate Diaz at UFC 279 is being discussed by fans all around the globe.A last-minute opponent change after a hectic weigh-in on the Friday meant that Ferguson was chosen to contest Diaz in the main event. The California-born star seized the opportunity and to Diaz’s delight, the replacement fight was made and went ahead.Prior to his fight at the weekend, Ferguson paid a wholesome tribute backstage to former UFC fighter Brock Lesnar and the clip is doing the rounds on social media as fans enjoy the sweet and sentimental moment.The footage, initially shared to Twitter by former UFC champion BJ Penn, shows Ferguson honouring his ex-coach by first pointing to him but secondly giving his poster a double fist bump.The tribute was silent, but incredibly heartfelt. Both acts show the tremendous respect he has for the current WWE Superstar.Almost immediately, the clip went viral and began to receive a lot of attention from both WWE and UFC fans.
Video: Tony Ferguson shows respect to Brock Lesnar
What people might forget is that Brock Lesnar was once Ferguson’s coach on The Ultimate Fighter, so the pair share a closer bond than people would expect.
Ferguson surged to immense fame following him winning The Ultimate Fighter 13 and so has plenty to thank Lesnar for.
UFC 279 results
Unfortunately for Ferguson, Diaz came out the victor on Saturday night. Despite this, fans are still are praising him for his courage and touch of class as he was seen paying gratitude to Lesnar.
"Real recognises real. A lot of people forget Brock did help coach him on TUF," one fan wrote online in reply to the video.
"Gotta love that respect from Tony," another wrote.
"That is tear jerking," and "That s*** lowkey hit me right in the heart" were two more reactions to the moment caught backstage.
Brock Lesnar back to the UFC?
Albeit unlikely, fans are urging The Beast to return to action inside the Octagon. However, it isn’t unlikely that both parties may be planning something for when Ferguson retires from the sport.
Tony Ferguson showed his respect for Brock Lesnar backstage at UFC 279
The man from South Dakota has officially had nine fights in which he boasts a 5-3 (1) record – his most recent fight against Mark Hunt ending in a no contest after he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.
Lesnar is described as a legend of the UFC, providing joy, one of the biggest PPV events and a lot of new fans to the sport. Will he ever make a return?