
Tony Ferguson will defend his Misfits Boxing middleweight title against Kenzo Biyong at the James L. Knight Center in Miami on Sept. 26.
Ferguson, who carries a 2-0 record with the promotion, won the interim strap by stopping Salt Papi in the third round last year before earning a decision over Warren Spencer to claim full champion status. The Miami card marks his first title defense, per BJPenn.com.
The 42-year-old left the UFC on an eight-fight losing streak but has found traction with Misfits. Biyong, a former professional soccer player, makes his promotional debut against the veteran.
Ferguson told Bloody Elbow that during his UFC slide both legs were compromised and the mental strain was overwhelming. "This was during the pandemic, around [the Gaethje fight]. I just did not prepare the same," he said. "There was a lot that went on and a lot of mental weight that I thought I could handle."
Ferguson said his preparation for the Khabib Nurmagomedov fight, which never materialised, focused on sambo and throwing techniques. When opponents switched and pandemic conditions changed, he tried to push through pain that made even getting out of bed difficult.
The fight airs live on DAZN.
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