Tony Ferguson’s First Win Since 2019 Divides Fans After Referee’s Controversial Decision Against Salt Papi

Tony time is finally back! One of the most iconic names in combat sports has finally ended his long drought, snapping an eight-fight losing streak that closed out his UFC career at Misfits & DAZN X Series 22: Ring of Thrones. El Cucuy took a gamble by stepping into uncharted boxing territory—and it paid off in full

Before Ferguson made his ring walk, doubt weighed heavily on his shoulders. Many fans wondered if more disappointment was waiting, especially given the way his UFC run had ended. But the former interim UFC lightweight champion turned back the clock and proved everyone wrong. At 41 years old, he faced Salt Papi, who is exactly a decade younger, and reminded him of the levels at the elite stage.

From the opening bell, Ferguson looked sharp with his jab and quick combinations, landing clean shots that rattled Papi. He absorbed some dangerous counters as well, but refused to go down. Then the tide shifted. Ferguson’s hooks started finding their mark, hurting his opponent badly before unleashing a barrage of punches against the ropes. At 2:43 of Round 3, the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. Just like that, Tony Ferguson was back, getting his first victory after defeating Donald Cerrone at UFC 238, back in 2019. 

The result also handed Ferguson the Misfits 170 lbs interim championship, a belt he hoisted with visible emotion in the center of the ring. For a fighter whose UFC exit drew concern about his long-term future, the victory marked more than just a return to form—it symbolized a fresh start in the booming crossover boxing scene.

Fans slam Misfits referee over early stoppage in Tony Ferguson vs. Salt Papi fight 

One fan waited almost six years to finally say it, “Tony Ferguson is back.” And honestly, with the way ‘El Cucuy’ performed, it really did feel like the old Tony was back in form. That same fan quickly followed it up with, “Such an early stoppage, but we take those ig.” Looks like even the die-hard Tony supporters are happy to take a win any way it comes, even if the stoppage stirred up some controversy.

But not everyone saw it that way. Another user called out the entire officiating crew, writing, “Refs and judges ruined your event tonight. Every fight had a controversy… time to change the system or people won’t wanna watch your events again.” It wasn’t the first time fans were frustrated, either! Earlier in the night, Ty Mitchell’s split-decision win had already been blasted by fans as one of the most questionable calls of the card.

Still, some comments leaned more lighthearted. One fan joked, “Tony Ferguson the type of guy to beat an influencer who everyone thought was gonna kill him.” That’s probably the kind of post Tony himself might read with a smile. After all, a lot of people doubted his chances against the much younger Salt Papi, who did look sharp, but in the end, Ferguson’s experience proved too much to handle.

And then there were the ambitious ones, like the fan who boldly wrote, “Title run starts now.” Well, Tony’s already claimed the Misfits 170 lbs interim belt, so the undisputed title shot should be next… at least, that’s what fans are hoping for. With all that said, do you think Ferguson’s win came from an early stoppage? Or would it not have mattered, given that ‘El Cucuy’ was already breaking down his opponent? Drop your thoughts below.