UFC legend Tony Ferguson says the pressure is finally off him after his recent win over Salt Papi at Misfits Boxing 22.
The fighter had experienced a string of defeats in recent years that not only affected him mentally but also impacted his career, ultimately leading to him being dropped from the UFC. His knockout win over Papi is a step in the right direction for Ferguson, as it may signal a return to his former glory and a comeback in MMA. After the fight, Ferguson spoke about how he felt following the victory and what could be next for him.
“I had no tears. It was nothing but joy and just enjoying the moment for a split second because you’re talking about years of not being happy,” Ferguson told Seconds Out and other media following Misfits Boxing 22. “Not because of the loss, just because of not being happy. This is something that I always wanted to do: throw on some boxing gloves and just throw some leather. Tonight was the perfect example of that, and get rid of the nerves and get that first victory out of the way.”
“I needed one victory to get me back into where I need to be, which is killer mode, and to bring that confidence, so I’m able to understand who the fck I am,” Ferguson said. “For a long time, when the pandemic hit, I don’t know what the fck happened. Everything broke outside of there and I had to bring force, and it took a lot of pressure. I have no pressure on me now. I left it all inside that ring. I’m going to go back to the drawing board, listen to my coaches and figure sh*t out.”
Tony Ferguson’s last bout was at UFC 296, where he lost to Paddy Pimblett. Soon after, he was released from UFC before finding a place at Misfits Boxing.
