This weekend’s relatively low-key combat sports schedule has given some of MMA’s most prominent figures from the past decade a chance to shine in the Misfits Boxing arena. On Saturday, Misfits Boxing 22 will be held in Manchester, England, promising the typical excitement fans expect from the promotion.
The main event features two former UFC middleweight stars, with Darren Till returning after a break. Undefeated in his two prior Misfits Boxing matches, Till faces off against fellow former UFC champion Luke Rockhold in what is shaping up to be a heated grudge match. Both fighters have shifted their focus to striking arts since leaving the UFC, and they will compete under boxing rules at a weight of 200 pounds.
Additionally, Tony Ferguson will also make his boxing debut alongside Rockhold. The former interim UFC lightweight champion is seeking his first victory after suffering eight consecutive losses in his UFC career, with his most recent defeat coming in August 2024. He will take on Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante, who, surprisingly, has more boxing experience than the other three headliners.
While this event marks a departure from the usual format, Misfits Boxing 22 is expected to deliver an entertaining show, starting at 1 p.m. ET on DAZN.
200 pounds: Darren Till (-2000) vs. Luke Rockhold (+1000)
The trend of MMA veterans transitioning into boxing is something I find difficult to adapt to, especially for beloved fighters who continue chasing competitive thrills. This title fits Rockhold, age 40, much more than it does for 32-year-old Till.
Rockhold has always excelled in kickboxing, especially when he can leverage his strong kicks. His kickboxing debut in Karate Combat yielded a knockout, but before that, he hadn’t won a fight since 2017. Rockhold’s last contest saw him get hurt in the second round, showcasing vulnerabilities in his defense that could pose issues against Till, known for his striking power. Although the odds are in Till’s favor for victory, he should still prepare for a challenging match.
Pick: Till
165 pounds: Tony Ferguson (+340) vs. Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante (-500)
It’s hard to be optimistic about Ferguson’s chances in this match, as it feels like a culmination of missed opportunities, yet I’ll root for him to secure a win since “El Cucuy” deserves something good this year.
Bustin’ Papi has genuinely committed to boxing, making him a more serious contender than it may appear. But Ferguson still holds experience that could turn the fight in his favor, despite his recent struggles. A miracle may be needed, but I believe he can pull it off.
Pick: Ferguson
170 pounds: Dillon Danis (-1200) vs. Warren Spencer (+800)
It pains me to predict a Dillon Danis win, but the realism of the matchup compels me to do so. Spencer has even stated that he’ll submit if taken down, which could be a critical mistake.
This matchup is absurd since Spencer isn’t an MMA fighter, similar to Danis in recent years. Expect Danis to secure an easy submission after what could be some of the worst striking exchanges witnessed.
Pick: Danis
Preliminary Quick Picks:
Joey Essex def. Joao Barbosa
Sean Hemphill def. Ty Mitchell
Rahim Pardesa def. Amadeusz Roslik
Chase DeMoor def. Natan Marcom
Carla Jade def. Daryn Harris
Amir Anderson def. Vitor Siqueira
Demi Sims def. Nadeshi Hopkins
