By InfoBliq 
Tony Ferguson’s boxing debut against Salt Papi at Misfits Boxing 22 ended in dramatic fashion, with the former UFC interim lightweight champion securing a third-round TKO victory over Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante on August 30, 2025, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. This crossover bout represented a major moment for both fighters, as Ferguson ended his nightmare losing streak since 2019 while Salt Papi suffered his first professional boxing loss in the Misfits Boxing promotion. For more about his career background, see our full Tony Ferguson Biography.
Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi: Fight Overview
The fight took place at Misfits Boxing 22, where Tony Ferguson stopped Salt Papi in a major upset, earning his first combat sports win since 2019. The event was broadcast on DAZN and took place at the AO Arena in Manchester, England on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This bout marked Ferguson’s transition from MMA to boxing, representing a significant career shift for the former UFC star.
The fight card featured multiple former MMA fighters making their boxing debuts, with Darren Till taking on former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in the main event. The event was promoted as X Series 22 under the Misfits Boxing banner, showcasing the growing trend of MMA veterans transitioning to influencer boxing.
Ferguson’s victory represented more than just a win; it marked the end of a devastating eight-fight losing streak that had defined the latter years of his UFC career. For Salt Papi, the loss represented his first defeat in professional boxing under the Misfits Boxing promotion.
When and Where Did Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi Happen?
The Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi fight took place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. The event was part of Misfits Boxing 22, which was broadcast live on DAZN.
Event Details
| Event Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Misfits Boxing 22 / X Series 22 |
| Date | Saturday, August 30, 2025 |
| Venue | AO Arena, Manchester, England |
| Broadcast | DAZN Live Stream |
| Main Event | Darren Till vs Luke Rockhold |
| Co-Main Event | Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi |
The timing of this event was significant as it marked Ferguson’s official boxing debut against an established influencer boxer. The Saturday night schedule allowed for maximum viewership across both European and American audiences, capitalizing on the crossover appeal between MMA fans and YouTube boxing enthusiasts.
The fight card also featured other notable bouts, including the main event between Darren Till and Luke Rockhold for the MFB Bridgerweight Championship, making it a comprehensive evening of combat sports entertainment.
Background: Tony Ferguson’s Transition to Boxing
Tony Ferguson’s move to boxing represented a dramatic career shift following his departure from the UFC in early 2025. After signing with the Global Fight League, Ferguson also pursued opportunities in boxing through Misfits Boxing, seeking to rebuild his career and financial standing after a challenging end to his UFC tenure.
Ferguson’s post-UFC career decisions reflected his desire to continue competing while exploring new revenue streams. His transition to boxing allowed him to leverage his striking skills from MMA while adapting to the different ruleset and sport dynamics of professional boxing. His complete Tony Ferguson stats and records show how his UFC fighting style carried over into boxing..
The former interim lightweight champion’s boxing debut generated significant interest from both MMA fans who had followed his career and boxing enthusiasts curious about how his skills would translate to the squared ring. Ferguson’s unique fighting style and “El Cucuy” persona made him a natural fit for the entertainment-focused approach of Misfits Boxing.
His decision to face Salt Papi, an established name in influencer boxing, represented a strategic choice to enter boxing against an opponent with name recognition but different combat sports experience than the elite UFC fighters he had faced throughout his MMA career.
Who is Salt Papi? From YouTube Star to Boxing Fighter
Nathaniel Bustamante, better known online as Salt Papi (formerly Busta Breezie), is a 31-year-old Filipino-English TikToker and YouTuber who rose to fame after his Fake Run viral dance challenge videos went viral on TikTok. Born on February 24, 1994, in Candelaria, Quezon in the Philippines, he moved to London with his parents at age 14.
Salt Papi’s Background
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Nathaniel Bustamante |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Nationality | Filipino-English |
| Residence | London, England |
| Height | 5’8″ (173cm) |
| Boxing Stance | Southpaw |
| Social Media Fame | TikTok viral dance videos |
Although interested in boxing at a young age, Salt Papi first worked as a nurse for 5 years before transitioning to social media and eventually boxing. His success story is considered one of the most amazing in the rapidly growing realm of influencer boxing, as he idolized Manny Pacquiao and mirrored the boxing legend’s style.
Salt Papi entered professional boxing in 2022 and had compiled a record before facing Ferguson. His boxing career was built through the influencer boxing scene, where he faced other social media personalities and established himself as a legitimate prospect within the Misfits Boxing promotion.
His transition from healthcare worker to viral social media star to professional boxer represents the modern path many influencer boxers have taken, leveraging their online following to create opportunities in combat sports.
For more insights, read our full detailed article on Salt Papi Net Worth, Biography, Age, Height, Girlfriend & Latest Updates.
Fight Results: Tony Ferguson Stops Salt Papi
Tony Ferguson defeated Salt Papi by technical knockout in the third round at Misfits Boxing 22, ending his eight-fight losing streak that dated back to 2019. The finish came in round 3, with Ferguson delivering a decisive performance that surprised many observers who viewed the fight as competitive.
Fight Summary
| Fight Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Tony Ferguson |
| Method | TKO (Technical Knockout) |
| Round | 3 |
| Time | Third round stoppage |
| Referee Decision | Stopped due to accumulated damage |
The victory was considered a major betting upset, as many expected Salt Papi’s youth and boxing-specific training to give him advantages over the 41-year-old Ferguson. However, Ferguson’s experience and pressure eventually overwhelmed Salt Papi in the third round.
The stoppage came after Ferguson applied consistent pressure throughout the fight, with his MMA striking experience and conditioning proving decisive factors. Ferguson’s ring walk was met with significant fanfare, and his finish of Salt Papi in the third round marked a triumphant return to winning ways.
This victory represented Ferguson’s first win in combat sports since 2019, breaking a devastating losing streak that had defined his final UFC years and providing validation for his decision to transition into boxing.
Fight Rules and Weight Class
The Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi bout was contested under standard professional boxing rules, representing Ferguson’s adaptation from MMA’s unified rules to boxing’s more restrictive format. The fight took place in the middleweight division, accommodating both fighters’ natural weight ranges.
Boxing Rules Applied
- Rounds: Professional boxing format with multiple rounds
- Weight Division: Middleweight classification
- Referee Oversight: Standard boxing referee with authority to stop the fight
- Glove Specifications: Professional boxing gloves as per Misfits Boxing regulations
- Ring Size: Standard boxing ring dimensions
The transition from octagon to ring represented a significant adjustment for Ferguson, who had spent over a decade competing in MMA’s eight-sided cage. Boxing’s square ring, rope boundaries, and different clinch work rules required tactical adaptations from his MMA approach.
The middleweight weight class allowed both fighters to compete at comfortable weights without extreme cutting, though specific weigh-in results weren’t extensively reported in available coverage.
Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi Fight Purse & Earnings
While exact purse details for the Ferguson vs Salt Papi bout haven’t been officially disclosed, Ferguson’s boxing debut was reported to be financially lucrative compared to his recent UFC payouts. The crossover nature of the event and Ferguson’s name recognition likely commanded substantial compensation.
Estimated Earnings
| Fighter | Estimated Purse | Additional Bonuses |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Ferguson | $400,000+ (reported) | Performance bonuses possible |
| Salt Papi | Undisclosed | Standard Misfits Boxing rates |
Ferguson’s transition to boxing was partially motivated by financial considerations, as his recent UFC payouts had decreased during his losing streak. To understand his total career earnings and wealth, check our detailed Tony Ferguson net worth analysis. The Misfits Boxing platform offered him an opportunity to rebuild his earning potential while competing in a different combat sport.
The event’s broadcast on DAZN and pay-per-view model likely generated additional revenue sharing opportunities for the featured fighters. Ferguson’s established fan base from his UFC career translated to drawing power in the boxing context.
Fighting Styles Compared: Ferguson vs Salt Papi
The stylistic matchup between Ferguson and Salt Papi represented a clash between MMA striking adapted to boxing versus traditional boxing techniques developed in the influencer boxing scene.
Tony Ferguson’s Adapted Style
Ferguson brought his unorthodox MMA striking approach to boxing, including:
- Pressure Fighting: Constant forward movement and pace
- Unconventional Angles: Creative striking patterns from his MMA background
- Cardio Advantage: Superior conditioning from years of five-round MMA fights
- Experience Factor: Combat sports experience against elite-level opposition
Salt Papi’s Boxing Approach
Salt Papi’s boxing style featured:
- Technical Boxing: Proper boxing fundamentals and technique
- Southpaw Stance: Left-handed fighting style
- Youth Advantage: Age and speed benefits over the 41-year-old Ferguson
- Boxing-Specific Training: Dedicated preparation in boxing-only environment
The stylistic contrast created an intriguing matchup between Ferguson’s adapted MMA skills and Salt Papi’s dedicated boxing training. Ferguson’s pressure and experience ultimately proved decisive in the third round finish.
Legacy Impact: What’s at Stake for Both Fighters?
The Ferguson vs Salt Papi fight carried significant implications for both fighters’ careers and future opportunities in combat sports.
For Tony Ferguson
Ferguson’s victory represented:
- Career Resurrection: First win since 2019, ending devastating losing streak
- New Revenue Stream: Successful transition to boxing economics
- Legacy Preservation: Avoiding further damage to his combat sports reputation
- Future Opportunities: Potential for more high-profile boxing matches
For Salt Papi
Salt Papi’s loss meant:
- First Professional Defeat: End to his undefeated professional boxing record
- Learning Experience: Facing elite-level combat sports competition
- Continued Prospects: Opportunity to rebound in future Misfits Boxing events
- Credibility Test: Proof he belongs in legitimate boxing competition
The broader impact extended to the growing influencer boxing movement and the trend of MMA fighters transitioning to boxing for financial and competitive opportunities.
How to Watch Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi
The Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi fight was broadcast live on DAZN as part of Misfits Boxing 22. The event was available through DAZN’s streaming platform for subscribers and pay-per-view purchase options.
Viewing Options
| Platform | Access Method | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| DAZN | Live streaming | Complete fight card |
| Misfits Boxing | Official coverage | Event promotion and highlights |
| Social Media | Highlight clips | Post-fight coverage and news |
The fight’s broadcast represented the growing mainstream acceptance of crossover combat sports events, with professional production values and comprehensive coverage matching traditional boxing and MMA broadcasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won, Tony or Salt Papi?
Tony Ferguson won the fight by TKO in the third round, defeating Salt Papi (Nathaniel Bustamante) at Misfits Boxing 22 on August 30, 2025. This victory marked Ferguson’s first combat sports win since 2019.
2. What disability does Tony Ferguson have?
Tony Ferguson does not have a publicly disclosed disability. Any references to disabilities may stem from speculation about his mental health challenges or the physical toll of his combat sports career, but there are no confirmed reports of specific disabilities.
3. Will Tony Ferguson fight in 2025?
Yes, Tony Ferguson fought in 2025. He made his boxing debut on August 30, 2025, at Misfits Boxing 22, defeating Salt Papi by third-round TKO. This marked his successful transition from MMA to boxing.
4. When did the Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi fight happen?
The fight took place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, as part of the Misfits Boxing 22 event broadcast on DAZN.
5. How did Tony Ferguson win against Salt Papi?
Ferguson won by technical knockout (TKO) in the third round. The referee stopped the contest due to accumulated damage, with Ferguson’s pressure and striking proving decisive.
6. What was Salt Papi’s boxing record before fighting Ferguson?
Salt Papi entered the fight with a professional boxing record, having competed in previous Misfits Boxing events. The loss to Ferguson represented his first defeat in professional boxing.
7. How much money did Tony Ferguson make for the Salt Papi fight?
While exact figures weren’t disclosed, Ferguson was reportedly expected to earn over $400,000 for his boxing debut, representing a significant payday compared to his recent UFC earnings.
8. Was this Tony Ferguson’s first boxing match?
Yes, this was Ferguson’s professional boxing debut. His transition from MMA to boxing represented a new chapter in his combat sports career following his UFC departure.
9. What round did Tony Ferguson finish Salt Papi?
Ferguson finished Salt Papi in round 3 via TKO, with the referee stopping the contest due to accumulated damage from Ferguson’s sustained pressure.
10. Where can I watch highlights of Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi?
Fight highlights are available through the official Misfits Boxing and DAZN X Series social media channels, with comprehensive coverage of Ferguson’s third-round stoppage victory.
11. Will Tony Ferguson fight again in boxing?
While no specific fights have been announced, Ferguson’s successful debut and victory over Salt Papi likely opens doors for future boxing opportunities within the Misfits Boxing promotion or other boxing organizations.
12. What was the atmosphere like at the AO Arena in Manchester?
The atmosphere was electric, with significant fanfare for Ferguson’s ring walk as “El Cucuy” made his boxing debut. The crowd responded positively to the crossover appeal of the event.