Tony Ferguson Gets New Foe: Olympian Mahmoud Sebie

Tony Ferguson will defend his Misfits Boxing Middleweight title against former Olympic wrestler Mahmoud Sebie this Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, after original opponent Kenzo Biyong pulled out just days before the fight.

Misfits Boxing announced the switch after Biyong, a former soccer player, withdrew from the card at the James L. Knight Center in Miami due to travel complications. Sebie steps in on four days' notice to face Ferguson in what will be "El Cucuy's" first defense of the title.

Why Mahmoud Sebie Is a Live Opponent for Ferguson

Mahmoud Sebie is not a novelty replacement. He represented Egypt in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 75-kilogram division before transitioning to mixed martial arts, where he built a 6-3 pro record fighting for Bellator MMA and the PFL. That background makes him a live grappling threat on paper, though this fight is contested under boxing rules, so his wrestling pedigree does not translate directly into the ring. Ferguson has prepared for weeks with an entirely different opponent in mind, and now has to adjust his gameplan on short notice against a fighter with a completely different frame and style than Biyong.

Both men share an odd bit of recent history. Sebie lost by 10-0 technical fall to Zahid Valencia at Real American Freestyle 6 this past February, and Ferguson was blanked by the same 10-0 scoreline against UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 10 in June. Neither will have to worry about takedowns this time.

Ferguson's Boxing Turnaround

Ferguson, 42, has found new life in the boxing ring after leaving the UFC on an eight-fight losing streak. He snapped a nearly six-year winless stretch by stopping Salt Papi in the third round of his Misfits Boxing debut in August 2025, then followed that up by dropping and outpointing Warren Spencer via unanimous decision to win the vacant Misfits Middleweight title. That win put him at 2-0 as a professional boxer heading into Saturday's title defense.

Betting Angle

Late opponent changes like this one tend to muddy markets, and sportsbooks typically shorten the line on the champion when a replacement steps in on days' notice rather than a full camp. Ferguson enters as the more seasoned boxer with a title and two wins already banked in this sport, while Sebie is walking into his first professional boxing match off a short training window. That combination usually favors the incumbent, but bettors should watch for how the line moves as fight week progresses, since short-notice fights can swing on conditioning and chin questions that don't show up until fighters are actually in the ring.

Ferguson vs. Sebie is part of a card headlined by Henry Cejudo's professional boxing debut against Wanna Walton, streaming live on DAZN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tony Ferguson fighting on Sept. 26, 2026?

Tony Ferguson will face former Olympic wrestler Mahmoud Sebie in his first Misfits Boxing Middleweight title defense after original opponent Kenzo Biyong withdrew due to travel complications.

Why did Tony Ferguson's opponent change before the fight?

Kenzo Biyong pulled out of the bout because of travel complications, and Mahmoud Sebie stepped in on four days' notice to face Tony Ferguson instead.

What is Tony Ferguson's record in professional boxing?

Tony Ferguson is 2-0 as a professional boxer, having stopped Salt Papi in his debut and later winning the vacant Misfits Middleweight title by decision over Warren Spencer.