A hyped prospect towards a legend appears like prime UFC matchmaking.
That’s UFC CEO Dana White’s clarification for the latest announcement of Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 in December.
“I believe lots of people assume that Paddy is unproven, and I believe lots of people really feel like this can be a struggle Tony isn’t in deep water like he’s been in, in his final a number of fights,” White mentioned following the most recent episode of The Contender Sequence. “I believe the matchmaking and the timing on this struggle is great and couldn’t be extra good.”
After all, Ferguson arrives at UFC 296 on a six-fight skid, which incorporates knockout losses to Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler in addition to submission setbacks towards Nate Diaz and Bobby Inexperienced.
Through the prime of his profession, Ferguson was a continuing presence close to the highest of the light-weight rankings, and he as soon as held the interim title at 155 kilos.
Sadly, quite a few makes an attempt to e-book him towards then-UFC light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov fell aside, so Ferguson by no means acquired the chance to assert the undisputed title.
Now, the 39-year-old veteran finds himself at a possible crossroads. A win over a possible famous person like Pimblett may reignite his profession, however a loss may power him to decide on retirement.
“I might let Tony make that call,” White mentioned about Ferguson probably retiring after UFC 296. “However I’m certain if he loses to Paddy he would in all probability take a look at calling it [a career].
“He’s had an incredible profession. Completed a whole lot of issues, had a whole lot of large fights, and [another loss] in all probability can be a wrap for him, hopefully.”
Regardless of these dire stakes, the UFC CEO defended Ferguson’s alternative to proper the ship in going up towards the largely untested Pimblett, who holds a 4-0 file within the promotion. Pimblett’s most up-to-date struggle resulted in a extremely controversial resolution over Jared Gordon.
In the meantime, Ferguson’s losses — outdoors of his latest struggle towards Inexperienced — have come towards opponents who’ve both competed for a UFC title or presently occupy a spot among the many high 10 light-weight fighters.
“For those who take a look at Tony’s previous couple of fights that he’s fought, he appeared rattling good,” White mentioned about Ferguson. “Earlier than the [Michael] Chandler end, and each struggle that’s he’s fought within the final two or three fights, he appeared rattling good, proper up till the tip. It’s a enjoyable, fascinating struggle with two enjoyable and fascinating characters.”
