When the Tony
Ferguson–Paddy
Pimblett booking was announced, it raised some eyebrows in the
mixed martial arts community.
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Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion, will enter UFC 296
on a six-bout losing streak. That might be construed as favorable
matchmaking for Pimblett, a fighter who has received a strong push
from the promotion. However, all of Ferguson’s losses — Justin
Gaethje, Charles
Oliveira, Beneil
Dariush, Michael
Chandler, Nate Diaz and
Bobby
Green — have come against competition that is more proven than
Paddy “The Baddy.” That’s why UFC CEO Dana White thinks the fight
is compelling.
“I think a lot of people think that Paddy is unproven, and I think
a lot of people feel that Tony isn’t in deep water like he’s been
in, in his last several fights. I think the matchmaking and the
timing on this fight is excellent and couldn’t be more perfect,”
White said at the Contender Series post-fight press conference on
Tuesday night.
“If you look at Tony’s last few fights that he’s fought, he looked
damn good before the Chandler finish, and every fight that he’s
fought on the last two, three fights. He looked damn good right
until the end. So, it’s a fun, interesting fight with two fun and
interesting characters.”
Pimblett has kicked off his UFC tenure with four consecutive
triumphs. His most recent victory, a decision win against Jared
Gordon at UFC 282 last December, was extremely controversial.
If Ferguson is unable to get back on track against the outspoken
Brit, White would encourage “El Cucuy” to call it a career.
“I would let Tony make that decision, but I’m sure if he loses to
Paddy he would probably look at calling it,” White said. “He’s had
a great career. Done a lot of things, had a lot of big fights. That
would probably be a wrap for him. Hopefully.”