It’s all love between former UFC foes Tony Ferguson and Paddy Pimblett.
For the first time since 2019, former interim lightweight champion Ferguson has made it back to the win column with a third-round TKO of Salt Papi in his boxing debut at Misfits 22 on Saturday.
It was a moment of relief for the 41-year-old Ferguson, who immediately fell to his knees after securing the victory.
At his prime, Ferguson was on a 12-fight win streak in the UFC lightweight division. At his worst, Ferguson suffered eight losses in a row before he left the promotion.
A couple of years removed from their fight at UFC 296, ‘El Cucuy’ got a wholesome message from Paddy Pimblett.
Unable to finish him, Pimblett extended Ferguson’s losing skid to seven in 2023, via unanimous decision.
There was a mutual respect between Pimblett and Ferguson in the Octagon, one that continues to this day.
Following his boxing win, Ferguson did an interview with Combat Kids MMA, where they showed him a video message from Pimblett.
“Ahh, Paddy!” Ferguson reacted.
“Hopefully, you get a few more of these boxing fights,” Pimblett told Ferguson.
“A few more wins, lots of money in the bank,” Pimblett added.
“That’s my guy right there,” Ferguson said of Pimblett.
“Tell him I said hello, that’s awesome and good luck in your future buddy.
“Appreciate you, love you,” Ferguson added.
Tony Ferguson gave a street interview to some kids in Manchester
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) September 1, 2025
They surprised him with a wholesome video that Paddy Pimblett recorded for him ❤️
“That’s my guy right there!”
combatkidsmma IG pic.twitter.com/9dbZm4rXrL
Last summer at UFC 304, Pimblett was on the final fight of his contract against King Green.
Prior to the bout and free agency, Pimblett made headlines when he said he wouldn’t mind boxing Jake Paul for millions of dollars.
However, Pimblett made it clear that he was here to stay in the UFC by re-signing with them before he made the walk to the Octagon.
Riding a seven-fight win streak in the UFC lightweight division, Pimblett won’t be boxing anytime soon as he continues to campaign for a title fight with champion Ilia Topuria.
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