TLDR
- Tony Ferguson spoke with former coach Brock Lesnar during his UFC losing streak, receiving advice to save money and consider retiring
- Ferguson rejected Lesnar’s retirement suggestion, saying he won’t listen to anyone not in his shoes and is ‘never retiring’
- Lesnar advised Ferguson to find a second passion and pursue it fully, which Ferguson identified as boxing
- Ferguson successfully debuted in boxing with Misfits Boxing, defeating Salt Papi in his first fight
- Ferguson fights Warren Spencer for the interim middleweight title in Dubai this weekend, with a title unification bout against AnEsonGib at stake
Sources: EssentiallySports | Yardbarker | MMA Fighting
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson revealed details of a conversation with Brock Lesnar that unexpectedly inspired his transition to boxing. Ferguson recently made his successful boxing debut with Misfits Boxing, defeating TikToker Salt Papi.
Ferguson connected with Lesnar through The Ultimate Fighter reality show, where Lesnar served as his coach. The former interim champion still refers to Lesnar as “coach” and maintains regular contact with the WWE and UFC veteran.
During Ferguson’s difficult losing streak at the end of his UFC career, he spoke with Lesnar about his future. According to Ferguson, Lesnar offered two pieces of advice during their conversation.
“I had a conversation with Coach Brock. And I asked him. He’s like, ‘Tony… save your money. Pay your taxes,'” Ferguson told MMA Fighting. “And the other thing, he was like, ‘You should think about retiring, Tony.'”
Tony Ferguson got FIRED UP when reflecting on a past conversation with Brock Lesnar over retirement:
"I asked coach Brock, I said, 'Coach what do guys like us do when we retire?'"
(🎥 @DamonMartin) pic.twitter.com/fnU4khZApu
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 17, 2025
Ferguson Dismisses Retirement Talk
Ferguson made clear he had no interest in retiring despite Lesnar’s suggestion. “I can’t f—ing listen to anybody… who’s not in my shoes,” Ferguson said.
The 40-year-old fighter insists fans should not expect him to stop competing anytime soon. Ferguson stated he’s “never f—ing retiring” when asked about his future plans.
However, Lesnar’s advice did not end with the retirement suggestion. Ferguson asked his former coach what fighters like them should do when their careers end.
Lesnar’s response provided the motivation Ferguson needed for his next move. “He says, ‘You know what, Tony, find your second passion and follow that with everything you’ve got like you did your first,'” Ferguson recalled.
Boxing Becomes Ferguson’s New Path
Ferguson identified boxing as that second passion, though he views it as something he always wanted to pursue. “I love this sport [boxing]. Never been allowed to play it. Here I am,” Ferguson said.
The California native expressed enthusiasm about his boxing future heading into 2026. “We’re going to finish this year f—ing strong, and dam*it, I’m excited,” he added.
Ferguson now has an immediate opportunity to win championship gold in his new sport. He travels to Dubai this weekend to compete for the interim middleweight title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
His opponent Warren Spencer previously worked as a mechanic before entering combat sports. Spencer lost his only MMA fight to Dillon Danis.
‼️ Tony Ferguson does the elbow drop and shadow box ahead of his bout against Warren Spencer this Saturday 💪🥊
[Via – @MisfitsBoxing’s Rumble] pic.twitter.com/tzSAnVqFKE
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) December 17, 2025
The winner of the Ferguson-Spencer bout will earn a shot at the title unification fight. YouTuber AnEsonGib currently holds the undisputed Misfits middleweight championship.
Ferguson has not fought for a championship in more than five years dating back to his UFC days. The interim title fight represents his first opportunity at gold since leaving the UFC after his lengthy losing streak.
Ferguson told reporters he values Lesnar’s opinion despite rejecting the retirement advice. The conversation ultimately led Ferguson to his current boxing career, where he plans to compete multiple times in the coming year.
