In a dramatic turn of events at the AO Arena in Manchester, former UFC title challenger Darren Till delivered a devastating knockout to former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold during the third round of the Misfits Boxing 22 main event on Sunday morning. The fight, which had fans on the edge of their seats, showcased Till’s dominance as he floored Rockhold twice before sealing his victory.
The bout began with Till taking control early, targeting Rockhold’s body with precision. Despite Rockhold’s attempts to retaliate with a powerful left hand and a series of jabs, the first round ended with Till landing a thundering left hand that left Rockhold visibly dazed, even walking to the wrong corner at the bell.
As the fight progressed, it became clear that Till was in command. The second round saw another massive left hand from Till, putting Rockhold on the defensive. Although Rockhold showed resilience by jabbing effectively, he could not withstand the relentless assault. The third round concluded swiftly with Till backing Rockhold against the ropes and delivering a brutal left hook that ended the fight.
The Rise of Darren Till in Misfits Boxing
Since joining Misfits Boxing last year, Darren Till has made a significant impact with two victories under his belt. His latest triumph over Rockhold marks a high point in his career as he continues to establish himself in the boxing world. Rockhold, on the other hand, was making his professional boxing debut, having previously competed in bare-knuckle boxing, Karate Combat, and CJI grappling since leaving the UFC in 2022.
Meanwhile, the co-main event featured UFC veteran Tony Ferguson, who made a successful transition to professional boxing. Ferguson, a former UFC interim lightweight champion, faced influencer-turned-boxer Nathaniel ‘Salt Papi’ Bustamante. Despite ending his MMA career with eight consecutive losses, Ferguson showcased his prowess by securing a third-round TKO victory. His aggressive tactics in the third round overwhelmed Bustamante, leading the referee to stop the fight.
Historic Moments and Future Prospects
The event also witnessed a historic moment as Misfits Boxing hosted its first MMA fight. Dillon Danis, returning to the octagon for the first time since 2019, wasted no time in securing a submission victory over Warren Spencer in just 15 seconds. Danis’ swift transition to a guillotine choke demonstrated his skill and readiness to compete at the highest level. Post-fight, Danis hinted at a future bout with English strongman Eddie Hall, suggesting an exciting matchup on the horizon.
As the Misfits Boxing 22 event concluded, the results were as follows:
- Darren Till def. Luke Rockhold via KO
- Tony Ferguson def. Salt Papi via TKO
- Dillon Danis def. Warren Spencer via submission (guillotine)
- Joey Essex def. Joao “Numeiro” Barbosa via majority decision (37-37, 38-36, 39-37)
- Ty Mitchell def. Sean Heamphill via split decision (98-95, 95-96, 96-94)
- Chase DeMoor def. Natan Marcon via doctor’s stoppage (lip laceration)
- Rahim Pardesi def. Amadeusz “Ferrari” Roslik via TKO
- Amir Anderson def. Vitor Siqueira via TKO
- Carla Jade def. Daryn Harris via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)
- Demi Sims def. Nadeshi Hopkins via unanimous decision (40-35 x3)
- J’hon Ingram def. Banty Singh via TKO
Implications and Looking Ahead
The outcome of these fights has significant implications for the fighters’ careers and the broader landscape of Misfits Boxing. Darren Till’s victory solidifies his standing as a formidable force in the ring, potentially opening doors for high-profile matchups in the future. Tony Ferguson’s successful debut in boxing could signal a new chapter in his career, offering redemption after a challenging end to his MMA tenure.
As Misfits Boxing continues to blend traditional boxing with elements of MMA, the organization is carving out a unique niche in the combat sports world. Fans and fighters alike are eager to see how upcoming events will unfold and what new rivalries and storylines will emerge.
With the sport’s landscape ever-evolving, the success of events like Misfits Boxing 22 underscores the growing interest and excitement surrounding these hybrid competitions. As fighters transition between disciplines, the potential for thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes remains high, promising an exciting future for combat sports enthusiasts.
