El Cucuy’s Christmas Miracle: Tony Ferguson Claims Gold in Dubai

For years, being a Tony Ferguson fan was a specific kind of torture. We watched the man who once held a 12-fight UFC win streak, the man who was supposed to be the one to solve the Khabib puzzle, slowly chip away at his own legacy. But Tony Ferguson has never listened to anyone but the voices in his own head. And last night at "Misfits Mania: The Fight Before Christmas" in Dubai, those voices were right.

Tony Ferguson is a Champion again!
Defeating Warren Spencer by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46), Ferguson didn't just win a Misfits Middleweight belt; he looked like he was having fun for the first time in half a decade.

The Resurrection
When Ferguson signed with Misfits earlier this year to fight Salt Papi, it felt like a grim punchline. But 2025 has proven to be the "Year of the Boogeyman." Against Spencer last night, we didn't see the slow, battered veteran who was fed to the wolves at UFC 296. We saw the old creativity.

The Flashpoint:
In Round 2, Ferguson landed a sharp overhand right that dropped Spencer to the canvas.

The Damage:
By the late rounds, Spencer had lost a tooth and was surviving purely on heart.

The Style:
Ferguson was showboating, switching stances, and yes, he even attempted an Imanari roll in a boxing match.

Why It Matters!
Critics will say this belt is a toy. They will point out that Warren Spencer is an influencer boxer, not a world-class striker. We argue the opposite. This win proves that there is life after the Octagon. For a fighter like Ferguson, who fights not for money but for the feeling of combat, finding a venue where he can be competitive is a victory in itself. He isn't taking life-altering damage against the UFC lightweight elite anymore. He is styling on opponents in Dubai, getting paid handsomely, and hearing "And New" once again.

While Ferguson’s night was a celebration of combat heritage, the main event told a different story. Andrew Tate’s highly anticipated return to the ring against heavyweight champion Chase DeMoor ended not with a bang, but with a sloppy, clinch-filled whimper. Tate, who looked sharp in the opening minute, quickly faded under the lights of the Coca-Cola Arena, losing a majority decision (57-57, 58-56, 58-56) that left him battered and bloodied. It was a stark reminder of the difference between talking a big game on podcasts and surviving a fight against an active competitor. If Ferguson was the resurrection, Tate was the cautionary tale. Proof that fighting requires more than just a brand; it requires a gas tank.

What's Next for 2026?
With his second boxing win of 2025 secured, the "Champ Shit Only" tour is officially back in business for the new year. Rumours are already swirling about a potential crossover match with Dillon Danis (who also won on the undercard). For the first time in years, we aren't dreading the next Tony Ferguson fight announcement. We are actually kind of curious.