Tony Ferguson has discovered a new passion since leaving the UFC, and he’s excelling at it. Continuing to channel his competitive spirit, Ferguson transitioned into boxing, where he has quickly made a name for himself. Fighting exclusively with Misfits Boxing, “El Cucuy” has compiled an undefeated 2-0 record in just one year with the promotion. Despite this promising start to his new career, Ferguson recently faced heartbreaking personal loss. In August 2026, his mother, Vera Padilla Ferguson, passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack.
As he gears up to defend his undisputed Misfits middleweight title this Saturday, Ferguson has chosen to focus on the positive memories of his mother rather than the sorrow. “My mom is no longer with us; she passed away. This camp has been tough,” Ferguson said. “But the devil tries to bring turmoil, and God is good regardless—through good or bad blessings, there’s always something to be grateful for.”
He added, “For the past year and a half, actually two years since joining Misfits, I’ve traveled the world. I took my mom along on these trips and experienced amazing things with my sons—not just MMA, not just in the gym, or on social media, but life itself. Instead of mourning like most, I choose to celebrate because I don’t have bad memories or bad energy.”
Ferguson went on, “This incredible woman raised me to pursue whatever I’m doing now. Yes, my mom passed, but I gave myself a day or two to grieve, then I made sure my family was okay and took the fight. I want to show everyone that no matter what life throws at you, you keep moving forward. That’s Misfits Boxing.”
He also thanked his supporters, saying, “I appreciate everyone who reached out after I posted a photo of me sitting beside my mom’s coffin—my wife took that picture. I stood guard by her graveside to make sure she would be safe and sound.”
Listen to the emotional video below.
Fan Take: Tony Ferguson’s resilience through personal tragedy highlights the mental toughness required not just in MMA but in combat sports as a whole. His journey into boxing and ability to stay focused despite profound loss could inspire a new generation of fighters to persevere both inside and outside the ring, enriching the sport’s narrative with genuine human strength.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
