Tony Ferguson’s winning drought is officially over.
It’s been over six years since Ferguson beat Donald Cerrone at UFC 238 to extend his run of consecutive victories to 12, a streak that is tied with Khabib Nurmagomedov for the second longest in UFC lightweight history.
Ferguson lost his next eight fights in the UFC before leaving the promotion late last year having fallen to the promotion’s longest-ever losing skid.
With that in mind, many worried for ‘El Cucuy’ when his boxing debut was announced. But when he shared the ring with TikTok star Salt Papi at Misfits Boxing 22, the veteran showed that he is not finished just yet.
UFC fighters shower Tony Ferguson with praise after long-awaited victory
Before Darren Till brutally knocked out Luke Rockhold in Saturday’s main event at Manchester’s AO Arena, Ferguson snapped his losing skid in the night’s co-headliner.
After a strong start for his opponent, Ferguson rallied to stop Salt Papi in round three. The referee’s decision to call off the contest was controversial but that did not stop ‘El Cucuy’ from getting his flowers from fans and fighters.
The sentiment was largely one of relief as prominent UFC names reacted to the performance.
“T Ferg!” Derek Brunson wrote.
“The GOAT…Shout out to Tony Ferguson,” Terrance McKinney commented.
“So happy for @TonyFergusonXT great performance!!!” Modestas Bukauskas said.
“LFGGGGG @TonyFergusonXT my dude,” Billy Quarantillo posted.
“Thank goodness,” Adrian Yanez wrote.
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Tony Ferguson’s victory lap continues after Misfits Boxing 22
Given how long he waited for his next taste of victory in combat sports, no one can blame Ferguson for his emotional reaction post-fight and ongoing celebrations online.
The former interim UFC lightweight champion has been reposting clips from his pro boxing debut, including the finish and his celebration.
In the caption of one recent post on X, he wrote, “TONY FERGUSON IS A BAD MAN WITH ANY GLOVES ON!”
It remains to be seen what will come next for ‘El Cucuy’ in the ring, but it will present his chance to build on his momentum and return to a winning streak.