Tony Ferguson clinches victory over Salt Papi, ending a long losing streak at Misfits Boxing 22

Tony Ferguson’s Comeback Victory

On August 30, 2025, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, Tony Ferguson marked a significant return to the win column after a prolonged absence from victory in combat sports. The former interim lightweight champion added a new title to his accolades by defeating Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante via a third-round TKO during the Misfits Boxing 22 event. This triumph not only halted a losing streak that stretched back to 2019 but also earned him the Misfits Boxing interim middleweight championship.

Significance of the Victory

Ferguson’s win came as a surprise to many, given the context of his recent performances. He expressed the importance of this victory, saying,

“One win changes everything.”

The fight concluded with the referee stepping in to stop the action, which has reignited discussions about Ferguson’s potential within the sport.

Post-Fight Engagement

After the match, Ferguson did not shy away from the spotlight, as he engaged with Dillon Danis, who had also made headlines earlier in the night with a stunning 15-second submission of Warren Spencer to claim the first Misfits MMA title. The two fighters hinted at the possibility of a future match-up that would elevate the stakes even further, with Ferguson calling out Danis for a title fight.

“We’ve got to do it for the belt now. You had the UFC belt, now you come for my belt. Congrats on the win,”

Ferguson remarked, showcasing an eagerness to further his career in this new boxing venture.

Looking Ahead

This night not only marks a significant moment for Ferguson, who is now eyeing a comeback in the realm of mixed martial arts as well, but also adds to the excitement surrounding the Misfits Boxing events, which continue to challenge traditional fight formats and attract a diverse array of combatants.