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Salt Papi receives advice from former UFC champion on how to defeat ‘creative’ Tony Ferguson at Misfits 22

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Donal Long | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 11:48 AM ET

Influencer boxing promotion Misfits will host a double main event on August 30th, when three former UFC fighters step inside the boxing ring.

The final fight of the night in Manchester will see former UFC champion Luke Rockhold take on fellow former MMA fighter Darren Till, who recently praised Jake Paul.

In the co-main event of Misfits 22, influencer-boxer Nathaniel Bustamante, better known as Salt Papi, will return to the ring as he takes on UFC veteran Tony Ferguson.

Ferguson, 41, will be the most experienced fighter that Salt Papi has faced, as the Filipino has now received advice from Rockhold ahead of the fight.

Luke Rockhold breaks down how Salt Papi can defeat Tony Ferguson

When Salt Papi competes against Ferguson, it will be his seventh outing under the Misfits banner, an organization partially run by former Logan Paul rival, KSI.

With an exhibition boxing record of 6-2, Salt Papi is considered to be one of the brightest stars in the influencer boxer scene. However, Ferguson will be a new test for the 31-year-old.

Ahead of the fight, Salt Papi was able to get some advice from Rockhold on how he can beat his fellow former-UFC star, Ferguson.

Rockhold told Salt Papi, [Use your] Jab, movement. Obviously, Tony’s got his crazy movement, so take your time. Take your time and flow. Find the rhythm.”

Although Rockhold said that Ferguson is ‘creative’, the former MMA middleweight champion added, “He doesn’t have the shoulders, do you know what I mean?”

The former UFC star then gave credit to Salt Papi by saying, “He’s got shoulders, he’s got looseness. That’s a difference in boxing.”

Although Rockhold said he ‘loves’ Ferguson, he seemingly leaned towards Salt Papi when asked for a prediction on the fight.

Tony Ferguson will be making his boxing debut in first post-UFC appearance

When Ferguson steps into the ring on August 30th, it will be his first time competing in a boxing match.

The former interim UFC lightweight title holder ended his run in the MMA organization with eight consecutive losses, having previously been undefeated for eight years.

As a UFC fighter, Ferguson was considered to be well-rounded in both striking and grappling aspects in his MMA career. His 25-11 MMA record includes 11 knockout and nine submission wins.

During his losing streak, Ferguson was able to achieve knockdowns over the likes of Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler with single-shot punches. Some fans may perceive this as a promising sign ahead of his boxing debut.

As for Salt Papi, five of his six wins have come by way of knockout. His last win came in November 2024, via stoppage.

This article first appeared on Bloody Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

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