- Pimblett describes fight as a lose-lose situation
- Ferguson an all time great but has lost six on the bounce
- Pimblett remains focussed on progressing in UFC
Paddy Pimblett anticipates a challenging scenario in his upcoming bout against Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 on December 16. Despite Pimblett’s six-fight winning streak and Ferguson’s six-fight skid, fans are divided on the outcome, with some expecting “El Cucuy” to prevail, particularly after Pimblett’s controversial decision win over Jared Gordon in December 2022.
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Pimblett looks for a statement performance
Pimblett voices his frustration, perceiving the fight as a lose-lose situation for him. If he loses to Ferguson, critics may attribute it to facing a past-his-prime opponent. Conversely, even if he secures a victory, there’s the concern that detractors will downplay it, arguing that Ferguson was already on a downward trajectory.
In discussing Ferguson’s recent losses, Pimblett acknowledges they were against elite opponents, except for Bobby Green. Despite this, he expects criticism regardless of the fight’s outcome. He emphasises the challenging nature of the bout, recognising Ferguson’s reputation and the expectations from fans.
Pimblett expresses a desire to put on an entertaining show, aiming for a war in the Octagon. Reflecting on his previous UFC fights where he finished all three opponents before the clash with Gordon, he aims to leave a lasting impression. Despite the expected criticism, Pimblett is determined to showcase his skills and make a statement against a fighter renowned for delivering exciting and engaging performances.
As the fight approaches, Paddy Pimblett’s focus remains on proving his worth in the Octagon and overcoming the challenges presented by public perception.
Betting Implications
Pimblett is a heavy favourite to win the bout. At the time of writing, BetVictor have the Liverpudlian priced at 3/10 with Ferguson 12/5. Punters looking for value may want to bet on the timing and/or method of victory. Ferguson’s achievements in the sport are rightly respected, however, he has lost his last six and many pundits feel that if Pimblett has serious ambitions to get to the very top of the UFC he must ensure that Ferguson suffers a seventh consecutive loss.
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