Paddy Pimblett is all set to lock horns with Tony Ferguson, on the main card of UFC 296. The fight was recently announced by Dana White, alongside the other fights as a co-event. The UFC president has caught the MMA community off guard, as nobody could have anticipated its announcement before White’s words went public.
For many, the clash between the two men is a clash of generations. On one side, there is a rising prospect like Pimblett, who has made a name for himself with his persona and interesting style. While on the other side stands Ferguson, a man who once was the bogeyman of the division. Beating a veteran is always a good thing for a newcomer. But does this hold true in the case of Pimblett? It looks like a former UFC star would beg to differ.
Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson is a ‘lose-lose’ situation
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In one of his latest YouTube videos, former UFC champion Michael Bisping gave insight into his compatriot, Paddy Pimblett’s matchup with Tony Ferguson. According to him, the fight is a lose-lose situation for Pimblett. In Bisping’s opinion, this is due to the fact that Tony is currently on a 6-fight losing streak, with his last win coming way back in 2019 against Donald Cerrone. Thus, while a loss can derail Pimblett’s hype train, a win over him does little to his legacy among fans.
However, ‘Count’ believes even now Ferguson is a potent threat to anyone, but this wouldn’t change the perception of fans towards this matchup. In Bisping’s own words: “You see the point I’m trying to make, Tony Ferguson is still a dangerous man, make no mistake about that. And it’s a really, really tough spot for Paddy Pimblett because it’s a lose-lose, right? Already, there are people out there talking [___], saying, ‘Nah, they’re just giving Paddy somebody easy.”
Once, on a 10-fight win streak, Tony Ferguson was considered the embodiment of his nickname ‘El Cucuy’ or Bogeyman. In his more than a decade with the UFC, the fighter wreaked havoc on some big names, including former champions Anthony Pettis and Rafael dos Anjos. In the process, he also captured the UFC interim title. But this momentum would halt when Ferguson lost his belt to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. Since then, the former NCWA wrestler has yet to secure a win in the promotion.
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Pimblett was last seen in action at the same place; can he outclass Ferguson here?
For those unaware, the UFC 296 event is set to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This is the same place Paddy Pimblett was last seen inside the octagon. ‘The Baddy’ went three rounds in a war against Jared Gordon, ultimately edging his opponent out on the scorecards. But unlike the judges, most fans scored the fight in favor of Gordon. Nevertheless, when this time the Englishman enters the octagon, the fighter would have a chance to prove his mettle once again.
Both Pimblett and Ferguson are known for their excellent Jiu-Jitsu and ability to turn the tide of the game in their favor at any given point. But just like similar strengths, they share similar weaknesses as both men are known for being reckless and making too many mistakes.
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On paper, the younger and fresher Pimblett definitely has an edge. But how do they actually stack up? The world will know on December 17th.
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