Tony Ferguson will take on Salt Papi in the co-main event for Darren Till vs Luke Rockhold this Saturday night.
Tony Ferguson hung up his gloves and retired from MMA after his eighth loss in a row in the octagon against Michael Chiesa.
His losing streak started in 2020 against Justin Gaethje, and Ferguson has not won a fight in the five years since that moment.
He is now turning a new leaf in his career, as he hopes to transition into the boxing world with a fight on Misfits against one of the promotion’s biggest stars – Salt Papi.
Ahead of the fight, Ferguson made a bold claim about his opponent.
Tony Ferguson believes Salt Papi’s persona isn’t his true self
In an interview with Seconds Out, Papi addressed comments made by Ferguson about him, as the interviewer said, “He felt that you were a different person in front of your parents than you are when you’re in front of him.”
Papi, who was warned by Ferguson, looked puzzled and replied, “How does he know that? […] I’m just normal.”
He continued, “Obviously, when I get into the ring, that’s when I feel like the real me.”
Papi hasn’t fought since November last year, when he defeated King Kenny by knockout on the undercard of AnEsonGib vs Slim Albaher.
Papi boasts a 6-2 record, having lost to Anthony Taylor and Slim Albaher.
Headlining the bill is Darren Till, who could face Carl Froch or Andrew Tate next if he wins on Saturday. Also on the card, Dillon Danis promises a murder in Misfits’ first MMA bout, and Chase DeMoor, who thinks he could beat Usyk, will face Natan Marcon.
Conor Benn helped a British reality TV star prepare for Misfits debut
Another fighter preparing to feature on the Misfits card is Essex-based reality TV star Joey Essex, who sparred Conor Benn in order to prepare for his fight.
Essex is training under the guidance of renowned boxing trainer and his uncle, Tony Sims, and will face Portuguese influencer Numeiro.
The Brit is just one of many fighters featuring on the bill, which will be one of Misfits’ biggest cards since KSI vs Tommy Fury in 2023.