"After winning the interim Misfits middleweight title earlier this year, former UFC interim champ Tony Ferguson returned to action on Saturday in Dubai, at the aptly named "Fight Before Christmas" card. After finishing his UFC run on an eight-fight skid albeit against top competition, Ferguson had earned his first win in years when he defeated "Salt Papi" in August. On Saturday, it was Warren Spencer standing across from Ferguson, long a fan favorite in the MMA world, many of whom had followed him over to boxing."
"That left hand connected again in the second, and while Spencer briefly stood and traded with "El Cucuy," it didn't last. Mostly, he was retreating, and soon Ferguson began unloading on Spencer, who seemed to want nothing to do with the exchange. His retreat saw the bout paused by the ref, to the displeasure of fans, but on the restart, Ferguson dropped Spencer, then got in his face, taunting the fallen foe. That brought about a "Tony" chant among the fans in Dubai, while Spencer complained about blows to the back of the head."
"Ferguson opened round three connecting with a left, and again Spencer was retreating. He'd battle back later in the round, coming off the ropes hot. Still, it was Ferguson connecting more, showing better movement, and better cardio. Spencer connected with his jab later in the round, but a right hand hurt him, and Ferguson briefly trapped him in the corner. A firefight followed, both men landing, with Spencer really in the fight for the first time, though Ferguson still looked to be ahead."
Tony Ferguson returned to action in Dubai after winning the interim Misfits middleweight title earlier in the year and snapping an eight-fight losing streak with a win over "Salt Papi." He faced Warren Spencer, a 2-0 pro boxer with exhibition experience, while Ferguson brought greater overall combat experience. Ferguson began landing significant right-hand strikes late in round one and continued to find success through rounds two and three, forcing retreats and a referee pause. Ferguson dropped Spencer after the restart and taunted him, drawing fan chants. Spencer staged more sustained offense late, especially in round four, but Ferguson maintained control.
Read at Cageside Press
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