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Tony Ferguson fights influencer this weekend in boxing debut that could end his career

Mathew Riddle|
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It's do-or-die for Tony Ferguson this weekend as he fights 'Salt Papi' Nathaniel Bustamante in the co-main event of Misfits Boxing 22.

Former interim lightweight champion 'El Cucuy' ended his UFC career on an eight-fight losing streak, marking one of the biggest falls from grace in promotional history. At one point, Ferguson was the only name fans thought would give Khabib Nurmagomedov a run for his money, had their fight not been cancelled five times.

Now well into the twilight of his career, Ferguson takes a marked step-down in competition against Papi, an influencer-boxer with a 4-2 professional record, albeit against other influencers.

Tony Ferguson faces off with Salt Papi ahead of boxing debut

Ferguson shook hands after a typically stoic 'El Cucuy' face-off with Papi on Thursday. "Lots of tension," remarked showrunner KSI. Their fight will be for the interim Misfits middleweight title, competed at 165-lbs, just ten more pounds than Ferguson competed at in the UFC.

When does Tony Ferguson fight?

The Misfits 22 main card begins at 2 pm ET, so between 6 and 7 pm ET would be a best guess for when Ferguson fights Papi.

Misfits 22 full card

  • Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold; MF Bridger title
  • Tony Ferguson vs. Nathaniel Bustamante; MF interim middle title
  • Joey Essex vs. Joao Barbosa; 165
  • Dillon Danis vs. Warren Spencer; 170
  • Ty Mitchell vs. Sean Hemphill; MF pro super middle title
  • Amadeusz Roslik vs. Rahim Pardesi; 170
  • Chase DeMoor vs. Natan Marcon; MF heavy title
  • Carla Jade vs. Daryn Harris; MF light title
  • Amir Anderson vs. Vitor Siqueira; 160
  • Demi Sims vs. Nadeshi Hopkins; 135

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Mathew Riddle
MATHEW RIDDLE

Mathew is a UK-based combat sports journalist, graphic designer, and SEO expert with half a decade of digital marketing and a dedicated four-year track record in MMA journalism. He joined MMA Knockout when it was founded in 2023. Mathew's insights have been featured on Bloody Elbow, The Fight Fanatic, and Heavy on UFC. He runs Warrior Tribune and can be contacted by his Muckrack profile.

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