Just days out from his Misfits Boxing middleweight title defence, Tony Ferguson has a new opponent in the form of Olympic wrestler Mahmoud Sebie.
Since departing the UFC in 2024 Ferguson has made himself at home in the crossover boxing sphere, and claimed the interim title with a knockout win over Misfits stalwart Salt Papi in his debut.
He followed that up with a dominant points win over over Warren Spencer in December, becoming the full champion after influencer AnEsonGib relinquished his belt.
After briefly venturing back into amateur wrestling against UFC contender Arman Tsarukyan at Real American Freestyle earlier this year, it was announced that Ferguson would return to the Misfits Boxing ring on September 26 as part of the promotion's event in Miami, Florida.
Former football player Kenzo Biyong was first announced as his opponent, with the 28-year-old - who represented Cameroon at under-23 level - set to make his boxing debut at the event.
Ultimately though the bout was scrapped on fight week, with Biyong announcing on social media that he was unable to compete in the US as his required travel documents could not be completed in time.
With the event - headlined by a showdown between two-weight UFC champion Henry Cejudo and actor-turned-boxer Javon Walton - just days away, Misfits announced that Mahmoud Fawzy Sebie would step in to take on 'El Cucuy'.
Ahead of Saturday's event, we've taken a look at Ferguson's new opponent at the James L. Knight Center.
Mahmoud Sebie profile
A decorated amateur wrestler and experienced mixed martial artist, Mahmoud Fawzy Sebie appears to be a significantly tougher test for Ferguson as he looks to keep hold of his Misfits title.
Unlike Ferguson's original opponent, Fawzy Sebie possesses an extensive background in combat sports dating back to his youth.
One of the most prolific Egyptian wrestlers of the modern era, the 34-year-old won several medals at domestic and continental levels and competed in the men's Greco-Roman event at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
Fawzy Sebie suffered a narrow defeat to Azerbaijan's Elvin Mursaliyev at the Games, and later switched his allegiance to the US, taking home a silver medal at the 2024 Pan American Championships at 82kg.
In addition to his experience on the mat he has also competed a number of times in mixed martial arts, going 6-3 since making his professional debut in January 2021.
