Tony Ferguson is back – and this time it is not in the UFC industry corner. The former interim light weight champion makes his box debut This Saturday evening MF & DAZN X Series 22 In Manchester, where he is confronted with Crossover Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante. After leaving the UFC on the back of a painful eight-fighter skid, Ferguson is determined to remind the fight world why he was once considered one of the most dangerous men with lightweight. Salt Papi can put a 6-1 boxing record in the ring, but Ferguson insists that he is ready to return the clock and to shock fans in his new Combat Sports Chapter.
Why Ferguson is about to boxing
For years, Ferguson was known as one of the wildest and most creative hunters of the UFC elbows, submissions and ruthless pace ensured that he had to watch TV. But after his decline of MMA, the 39-year-old chose his salvation as a stage. Dressed of wrestling and stairs, Ferguson wants to prove that he still has the speed, toughness and striking to compete with a new generation of hunters. Training with seasoned boxers is aimed at grinding his punches, movement and timing. “We are here to fight, to release and get everything crispy,” he said, with flashes of the old El Cucuy mentality that fans once loved.
Wild 🤯@ONYFERGUSONXT makes his MFB debut versus Salt Papi this Saturday 🔥
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– Massfits boxing (@misfitsboxing) August 27, 2025
Salt Papi: The Fan Favorite
Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante may not have the UFC references of Ferguson, but he has built a cult -supper in misfits -boxing thanks to his charisma and unique style. Of Six wins and only one lossPapi’s Bokscré is much stronger than Ferguson’s – and that experience can be decisive during Fight Night. Yet Ferguson has closely studied his opponent, convinced that he can find openings and spoil the party. It is a classic storyline: a decorated MMA veteran who tries to silence the doubts against a rising star in Crossover -boxing.
Ferguson’s do-or-die mindset
For Ferguson, this fight is about more than one victory. It’s about redemption. He has not tasted the victory since June 2019 when he stopped Donald Cerrone, and fans wondered if the fire is still burning in him. FROGUSON made clear on Saturday: “When I get in the ring, I will get up my hand.” That determination, mixed with his characteristic toughness, suggests that he is approaching this match as a last chance to reinvent himself.
Looking back on the legacy of El Cucuy
At its peak, Ferguson was inviolable – one 12-Vecht Win Streak And earn an interim UFC title along the way. His wild versions against Edson Barboza, Kevin Lee and Anthony Pettis confirmed him as one of the most entertaining hunters of his generation. But since his crushing loss for Justin Gaethje in 2020, his career walked in a loose streak of eight fighting. Now, with the octhoek behind him, Ferguson is boxing on boxing to re -design his career and give fans something to re -cheer.
Why MF & Dazn X Series 22 Affairs
Saturday’s event in Manchester is not just another Massfits card – it is a intersection for both hunters. For Salt Papi, beating Ferguson would be the biggest victory of his career and an opportunity to strengthen his name as more than an entertainer. For Ferguson it is survival – make sure that he can hang a new sport or run the risk in the shadow of combat history. With the fierce lights of misfits and a global audience, the bet could not be higher.
Important details
- Event: MF & DAZN X Series 22
- Date and location: Saturday, Manchester, England
- Fight: Tony Ferguson vs Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante
- Salt Papi’s record: 6-1 boxing record
- Fergusons Form: Eight consecutive UFC losses, no victory since 2019
- Career -height: Former UFC-Interim-Light Weight Champion, 12-Vecht Winstreak
FAQs
When is Tony Ferguson’s box debut?
Ferguson makes his debut this Saturday at MF & Dazn X Series 22 in Manchester, England.
Who fights Ferguson?
He will be confronted with Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante, a Misfits-Boksfan favorite with a 6-1 record.
What is at stake for Ferguson?
A victory can breathe new life into his career and open doors for more boxing fights. A loss can confirm its deterioration as a competitive hunter.
Why did he leave the UFC?
After dominating with a 12-fighter win racing, Ferguson hit a rough patch and lost eight in a row, which led to his UFC exit.
What makes this fight interesting?
It is a collision of worlds -an MMA legend that chases repayment versus a crossover star who proves that he belongs in the ring.
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