Misfits 22: Former UFC Fighter Tony Ferguson Set To Face Salt Papi
In one of the most unexpected matchups in crossover combat sports history, former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is set to face YouTube boxing star Salt Papi in the main event of Misfits 22, scheduled for August 30, 2025, at the Manchester Arena. This fight represents a new chapter not just for Ferguson, but for Misfits Boxing—a brand that continues to blur the lines between traditional combat athletes and viral personalities.
The Fall and Reinvention of El Cucuy
Tony Ferguson, once known as one of the most unorthodox and dangerous fighters in MMA, enters this bout on a quest for redemption. After a rough stretch in the UFC that saw him lose eight straight fights, including to top-tier opponents like Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler, Ferguson was released in 2024. But rather than retire, “El Cucuy” has chosen to reinvent himself in the influencer boxing space. For Ferguson, this isn’t just a money grab—it’s a reintroduction to combat sports, albeit in a very different arena.
While he’s never boxed professionally, Ferguson’s unorthodox striking style and elite cardio could translate well under Misfits rules. He’s reportedly been working with boxing-specific coaches, focusing on distance control and footwork—areas often underutilized in his MMA run. Whether that translates against a vastly different kind of opponent remains to be seen.
Salt Papi’s Moment of Truth
Salt Papi, born Busta Breezie and known for his viral TikTok presence, has made a legitimate name for himself within the influencer boxing scene. With a 4–2 boxing record that includes knockout wins and a respectable showing against pro-level opposition like Anthony Taylor, Papi brings solid hands and surprising fundamentals to the ring. His confidence, charisma, and counter-punching ability have made him a Misfits fan favorite.
But this fight is a different level. Despite Ferguson’s MMA losses, he’s faced the best strikers in the world in 4oz gloves under real fight pressure. Papi will need to prove that his boxing IQ and composure can withstand a battle-tested veteran—especially one as unpredictable as Ferguson.
Misfits Boxing: Where Spectacle Meets Strategy
This fight is more than a novelty—it’s emblematic of what Misfits Boxing has become. The promotion has taken crossover boxing from sideshow status to a legitimate (albeit unconventional) branch of combat sports. Whether it’s putting social media stars on big stages or giving former pro fighters new platforms, Misfits offers narratives you won’t find in traditional promotions.
Ferguson vs. Salt Papi is the perfect embodiment of that ethos. It’s chaos meets calculation, tradition meets transformation. And with both fighters having cult-like followings for very different reasons, the energy at Manchester Arena is sure to be electric.
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What’s at Stake
For Ferguson, this could be the beginning of a surprising late-career resurgence—or a final step before walking away from fighting altogether. For Salt Papi, it’s the biggest test of his crossover career. A win over a former UFC champion, even one in decline, would legitimize him beyond the influencer sphere.
For Misfits Boxing, this event could further solidify its status as a unique but influential player in the combat sports world. The question is no longer whether influencer boxing belongs—but who is brave enough to step into this hybrid arena.
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