After eight losses in MMA, Tony Ferguson debuts with a knockout and defeats an influencer in boxing. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
After almost six years of bitter fasting, Tony Ferguson felt the taste of victory again. In the co-main event of Misfits Boxing 22, held this Saturday (31) at the AO Arena, in Manchester (ING), the former UFC interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) overcame Filipino influencer Salt Papi by technical knockout in the third round in his professional boxing debut.
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The victory marked the end of an uncomfortable streak of eight consecutive defeats in MMA and represented a symbolic new beginning for 'El Cucuy' at 41 years old.
The American, who competed in the Ultimate between 2011 and 2024, was thrilled with the triumph and even punched the ring at the height of happiness.
Tony Ferguson ends his drought and makes his professional boxing debut with a victory
More experienced in boxing and with a positive track record in influencer fights, Salt Papi started off better. In the first round, the Filipino used his movement and jabs to control the distance and rock Ferguson with clean strikes, including straight shots that buckled the veteran's legs. Despite this, Tony resisted well and responded with combinations to the body.
In the second round, Ferguson picked up the pace. Showing greater volume, he landed a good right hook and began applying pressure with jabs to the body and a double jab to the face. Still, Papi remained active on the counter, landing an uppercut that once again made 'El Cucuy' feel the effects. The round was more even, but with a slight technical advantage for the influencer.
The third round, however, was the former UFC fighter's moment of redemption. Ferguson went on the attack from the opening seconds, backing Salt Papi against the ropes and unleashing a devastating barrage of about 15 consecutive strikes, which the referee stopped.
— fightvide0s (@fightvidsz) August 30, 2025
Tony Ferguson was emotional after snapping his 8-fight losing streak over 6 years pic.twitter.com/kUUNoOu5Hh
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) August 30, 2025
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