Crossover Collision is set to explode as Misfits Boxing 22, also known as “Ring of Thrones,” takes center stage today, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. This high-stakes event promises a thrilling night of crossover boxing and mixed martial arts action, blending the worlds of former UFC stars, social media influencers, and reality TV personalities. The card is headlined by two title bouts, promising a spectacle for combat sports enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
The Main Event: Till vs. Rockhold
The main event features a clash between two seasoned combat sports veterans. Darren Till, a former UFC welterweight title challenger, will face off against Luke Rockhold, a former UFC middleweight champion, for the inaugural MFB bridgerweight title. According to BetOnline.ag, Till enters the bout as a significant favorite (1/12), leveraging his experience in the Misfits Boxing ring, where he holds a 2-0 record. Rockhold, on the other hand, is making his professional boxing debut, presenting an intriguing dynamic to the matchup. While Rockhold brings a wealth of MMA experience, the transition to boxing against a seasoned striker like Till presents a considerable challenge.
Predictions and Odds
Given Till’s boxing experience and Rockhold’s inexperience in the ring, predictions lean towards a Till victory. Oddschecker indicates that the odds heavily favor Till, suggesting a strong likelihood of him maintaining control throughout the fight. The prediction is a potential stoppage victory for Till, possibly in the mid-rounds, considering Rockhold’s past bare-knuckle boxing defeat and Till’s proven striking power. However, Rockhold’s overall combat sports acumen cannot be entirely discounted, making this a compelling clash of styles and experience.
Co-Main Event: Ferguson vs. Salt Papi
The co-main event showcases another former UFC star venturing into the boxing world. Tony Ferguson, a former UFC interim lightweight champion, will make his boxing debut against social media influencer Salt Papi for the interim MFB middleweight title. This matchup presents a unique contrast in experience and background. Ferguson, known for his unorthodox striking and relentless pressure in MMA, is looking to revitalize his career after a series of losses. Salt Papi, with his established presence in the influencer boxing scene, aims to leverage his boxing experience against a debuting Ferguson.
Ferguson’s Transition to Boxing
Tony Ferguson’s decision to transition to boxing comes at a pivotal point in his career. After an eight-fight losing streak in MMA, Ferguson seeks a fresh start in a new combat discipline. While his MMA credentials are undeniable, his lack of boxing experience against a seasoned influencer boxer like Salt Papi creates an uncertain dynamic. According to bet365 News UK, Ferguson’s camp has expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to boxing, emphasizing his striking skills and overall athleticism. However, the transition from the multifaceted realm of MMA to the more focused discipline of boxing is a significant undertaking.
Salt Papi’s Advantage
Salt Papi, with his experience in the influencer boxing circuit, enters the co-main event as the favorite. BetOnline.ag lists Salt Papi as the odds-on favorite (1/4) against Ferguson (11/4). His prior boxing experience provides him with a distinct advantage in terms of ring generalship, striking technique, and overall comfort in the boxing environment. Salt Papi’s ability to leverage his experience and capitalize on Ferguson’s boxing debut will be crucial to securing a victory.
Full Fight Card Breakdown
Misfits Boxing 22 boasts a diverse card featuring a mix of boxing and MMA matchups, showcasing the crossover appeal of the event. The card includes:
- Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold (MFB bridgerweight title)
- Tony Ferguson vs. Salt Papi (Interim MFB middleweight title)
- Dillon Danis vs. Warren Spencer (MMA bout)
- Joey Essex vs. Numeiro
- Ty Mitchell vs. Sean Hemphill
- Amadeusz Ferrari vs. Rahim Pardesi
- Chase DeMoor vs. Natan Marcon
- Carla Jade vs. Daryn Harris (for the MFB lightweight title)
- Amir Anderson vs. Vitor Siqueira
- Demi Sims vs. Nadeshi Hopkins
- J’Hon Ingram vs. Banty Singh
Event Details
Misfits Boxing 22 is taking place today, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. According to Sulekha Events, the first fights are scheduled to begin around 6 PM UK time, with the main card kicking off at approximately 7 PM. Ring walks for the main event between Darren Till and Luke Rockhold are anticipated around 10 PM UK time, though this is subject to change based on the progression of the undercard. The event is broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view, available for £19.99, or free for DAZN annual members, as reported by The Mirror.
The Rise of Crossover Boxing
Misfits Boxing, founded by English YouTuber KSI, has emerged as a prominent force in the combat sports landscape, capitalizing on the growing popularity of crossover boxing. The promotion brings together personalities from traditional combat sports and the influencer world, creating a unique blend of entertainment and athletic competition. Darren Till has become a key figure in the promotion, and his bout with Rockhold is a significant draw, further solidifying Misfits Boxing’s position in the entertainment industry, according to FIGHTMAG. The inclusion of former UFC stars like Rockhold and Ferguson adds a layer of combat sports credibility and intrigue, as they venture into a new discipline, enhancing the overall appeal of Misfits Boxing events.
Impact and Expectations
Misfits Boxing 22 is poised to be a highly anticipated event, showcasing the continued growth and appeal of crossover boxing. The card’s blend of experienced fighters and debutants, coupled with the “Ring of Thrones” theme, is expected to generate significant viewership and discussion within the combat sports and online communities. The event’s success will further solidify Misfits Boxing’s position in the entertainment landscape, demonstrating the viability of crossover boxing as a sustainable and engaging form of combat sports entertainment. The AO Arena, a renowned venue for major events as noted on its official website, provides a fitting stage for this spectacle.
Misfits Boxing 22 promises to deliver a night of thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes. With a blend of seasoned fighters and debutants, the event is set to captivate audiences and further solidify crossover boxing’s place in the combat sports world. The outcomes of these bouts will undoubtedly shape the future of Misfits Boxing and its continued growth in the entertainment industry.
