Tony Ferguson is back—and this time, it’s not inside the UFC octagon. The former interim lightweight champion makes his boxing debut this Saturday night at MF & DAZN X Series 22 in Manchester, where he faces crossover star Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante. After leaving the UFC on the back of a painful eight-fight skid, Ferguson is determined to remind the fight world why he was once considered one of the most dangerous men at lightweight. Salt Papi may bring a 6-1 boxing record into the ring, but Ferguson insists he’s ready to turn back the clock and shock fans in his new combat sports chapter.
Why Ferguson is Switching to Boxing
For years, Ferguson was known as one of the UFC’s wildest and most creative fighters—his elbows, submissions, and relentless pace made him must-watch TV. But after his decline in MMA, the 39-year-old has chosen boxing as the stage for his redemption. Stripped of grappling and kicks, Ferguson wants to prove he still has the speed, toughness, and striking to compete with a new generation of fighters. Training with seasoned boxers, he’s focused on sharpening his punches, movement, and timing. “We’re here to fight, to loosen up, and get everything crispy,” he said, showing flashes of the old El Cucuy mindset that fans once loved.
WILD 🤯@TonyFergusonXT makes his MFB debut vs Salt Papi THIS Saturday 🔥
Get your PPV ➡️ https://t.co/ZNa7AZT7vd@MF_DAZNXSeries | @PrimeHydrate pic.twitter.com/WZNzqXiedL
— Misfits Boxing (@MisfitsBoxing) August 27, 2025
Salt Papi: The Fan Favourite
Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante may not have Ferguson’s UFC credentials, but he has built a cult following in Misfits Boxing thanks to his charisma and unique style. With six wins and just one loss, Papi’s boxing résumé is far stronger than Ferguson’s—and that experience could prove decisive on fight night. Still, Ferguson has studied his opponent closely, convinced he can find openings and spoil the party. It’s a classic storyline: a decorated MMA veteran trying to silence the doubters against a rising star in crossover boxing.
Ferguson’s Do-or-Die Mindset
For Ferguson, this fight is about more than a single win. It’s about redemption. He hasn’t tasted victory since June 2019, when he stopped Donald Cerrone, and fans have wondered if the fire still burns inside him. Ahead of Saturday, Ferguson made it clear: “When I get in the ring, I’m going to get my hand raised.” That determination, mixed with his trademark toughness, suggests he’s approaching this bout as a last chance to reinvent himself.
Looking Back on El Cucuy’s Legacy
At his peak, Ferguson was untouchable—racking up a 12-fight win streak and earning an interim UFC title along the way. His wild performances against Edson Barboza, Kevin Lee, and Anthony Pettis cemented him as one of the most entertaining fighters of his generation. But since his crushing loss to Justin Gaethje in 2020, his career spiralled into an eight-fight losing streak. Now, with the octagon behind him, Ferguson is banking on boxing to reignite his career and give fans something to cheer for again.
Why MF & DAZN X Series 22 Matters
Saturday’s event in Manchester isn’t just another Misfits card—it’s a crossroads for both fighters. For Salt Papi, beating Ferguson would be the biggest win of his career and a chance to cement his name as more than an entertainer. For Ferguson, it’s survival—prove he can hang in a new sport or risk fading into the shadows of combat sports history. With the bright lights of Misfits Boxing and a global audience watching, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Key Details
- Event: MF & DAZN X Series 22
- Date & Location: Saturday, Manchester, England
- Fight: Tony Ferguson vs Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante
- Salt Papi’s Record: 6-1 boxing record
- Ferguson’s Form: Eight straight UFC losses, no win since 2019
- Career Highlight: Former UFC interim lightweight champion, 12-fight win streak
FAQs
When is Tony Ferguson’s boxing debut?
Ferguson makes his debut this Saturday at MF & DAZN X Series 22 in Manchester, England.
Who is Ferguson fighting?
He will face Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante, a Misfits Boxing fan favourite with a 6-1 record.
What’s at stake for Ferguson?
A win could revive his career and open doors for more boxing fights. A loss may confirm his decline as a competitive fighter.
Why did he leave the UFC?
After dominating with a 12-fight win streak, Ferguson hit a rough patch, losing eight in a row, which led to his UFC exit.
What makes this fight interesting?
It’s a clash of worlds—an MMA legend chasing redemption versus a crossover star proving he belongs in the ring.
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