MMA Chaos: Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold for Bridgerweight Title, Tony Ferguson’s Boxing Crossover Against Salt Papi

The MMA world is buzzing with some truly wild matchmaking that has fans either scratching their heads or reaching for their wallets. In what can only be described as combat sports’ version of a fever dream, former UFC stars Darren Till and Luke Rockhold are set to clash for a bridgerweight title, while Tony Ferguson takes his talents to influencer boxing against none other than Salt Papi. Let me break down this bizarre but utterly fascinating combat sports cocktail.

Till vs. Rockhold: UFC Veterans Clash in Bizarre Bridgerweight Title Fight

Remember when Darren Till was the next big thing in the UFC welterweight division? Remember when Luke Rockhold was the middleweight champion with model looks and devastating skills? Well, times have changed, and now these two former UFC standouts are meeting in a bridgerweight title fight under the Misfits Boxing banner.

For those wondering what the heck “bridgerweight” even is – it’s essentially a weight class between cruiserweight and heavyweight (approximately 200-224 pounds). Yes, that means Till, who once competed at 170 pounds, will be facing Rockhold, a former 185-pounder, in a significantly heavier division.

Till, the Liverpool native who left the UFC following a submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis, has been relatively quiet since his departure from the promotion. Rockhold, meanwhile, had a brief bare-knuckle boxing stint after leaving the UFC following his blood-soaked battle with Paulo Costa.

Insert image of Darren Till and Luke Rockhold face-to-face at a press conference here

El Cucuy Goes Influencer: Tony Ferguson Takes on Salt Papi

If you thought the Till-Rockhold matchup was strange, buckle up. Tony Ferguson, one of the most beloved and eccentric fighters in UFC history, is trading his 4-ounce gloves for boxing mitts to face YouTube personality Salt Papi.

Ferguson, who’s currently on a seven-fight losing streak in the UFC, seems to be seeking greener pastures in the lucrative world of influencer boxing. “El Cucuy” remains under UFC contract, which makes this crossover particularly interesting – Dana White must have given his blessing for this venture.

Salt Papi (real name Nathaniel Bustamante) has actually shown some legitimate boxing skills in his previous Misfits appearances, compiling a 3-1 record with some impressive knockouts. But facing a fighter with Ferguson’s pedigree and unorthodox style presents a completely different challenge.

Why Are Former UFC Stars Flocking to Misfits Boxing?

The migration of former UFC talent to alternative combat sports platforms continues to accelerate, and it’s not hard to understand why. Here are the key factors driving this trend:

• Financial opportunity: Many fighters can earn more for a single influencer boxing match than multiple UFC appearances
• Less physical toll: Boxing matches, while still dangerous, generally cause less cumulative damage than MMA bouts
• Career extension: Fighters nearing the end of their MMA careers can find new life in alternative combat formats
• Mainstream exposure: The massive social media followings of influencer events can introduce fighters to new audiences

Insert image of Tony Ferguson training with boxing gloves here

What This Means for the Combat Sports Landscape

I’ve been covering MMA for years, and I can honestly say we’re witnessing a fascinating evolution in combat sports. The lines between traditional combat sports and entertainment are blurring rapidly, creating opportunities and spectacles that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.

While purists might scoff at these matchups, there’s undeniable intrigue in seeing how former UFC fighters adapt to new rule sets against unconventional opponents. Will Till and Rockhold deliver a technical masterclass, or will we see a sloppy heavyweight slugfest? Can Ferguson’s unorthodox movement and pressure translate to boxing success against a younger, fresher opponent?

One thing’s certain – Misfits Boxing continues to create bizarre matchups that somehow manage to capture the attention of both hardcore and casual combat sports fans alike.

When and Where to Watch

While specific date details haven’t been officially announced, these fights are expected to take place in the coming months on DAZN as part of the Misfits Boxing series. I’ll update this article as more information becomes available about the exact time, date, and full card lineup.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Are you excited to see these former UFC stars in new combat environments? Do you think Till and Rockhold still have what it takes to put on an entertaining fight? Could Ferguson actually find success in boxing? Drop a comment below with your predictions!

And if you’re a combat sports fan in Brevard County, let me know if you’ll be hosting or attending any watch parties for these wild matchups. The bizarre world of combat sports continues to evolve, and I’m here for every strange twist and turn.

Source: Misfits Boxing