Paddy Pimblett: ‘I’m Prepared For The Best Version of Tony Ferguson’

“When I win, people will say I beat the washed-up Tony”

The opening of UFC 296 is just as compelling as the main event.

The main card opens with a banger in Vicente Luque against Ian Garry, then moves to a fascinating lightweight bout pitting Paddy Pimblett against Tony Ferguson.

Once the flavor of the month in UFC, Pimblett (20-3) has been under scorn for winning some tight bouts. The 28-year-old from Liverpool, England has won his last six fights, winning all four of his UFC bouts, but a close decision a year ago against Jared Gordon turned some of the fan base against him.

“Fight fans are fickle,” said Pimblett. “I know you’re only as good as your last performance. That’s just the way it works.”

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Pimblett didn’t help himself after the victory, boasting during his post-fight Octagon interview that he controlled the fight. He expressed regret over that, as well as shared that he was in a difficult, painful position when he uttered those words.

“It was a close fight, and I wish I wouldn’t have said what I said in the cage,” said Pimblett. “Then I’m dealing with these disgusting comments on social media telling me to kill myself.

“I had to get major surgery after that fight. I injured my ankle two minutes into the first round. I had to get inner ligament and outer ligament reconstruction. I damaged my ankle badly enough that I needed artificial ligaments in my ankle. I still fought for another 13 minutes.”

Pimblett’s detractors are in for an entertaining night on Saturday. His opponent, the once dominant Ferguson (25-9), has lost six straight fights–which is even more stunning considering this losing streak is taking place after an incredible 12-fight win streak. Now 39, Ferguson has reached the tail end of the twilight of his career, and this bout at 296 is one Pimblett should win.

“When I win, people will say I beat the washed-up Tony,” said Pimblett. “And imagine if I lose?

“But I’m not looking at it like that. Tony is one of the best lightweights of all-time. I’m prepared for the best version of Tony Ferguson.”

Despite the losing streak, Ferguson remains a legend. A victory against him will still be meaningful for Pimblett, especially after coming off the narrow victory a year ago over Gordon.

“I’m planning on finishing Tony Ferguson,” said Pimblett. “He’s been good in these opening rounds, but my goal is to finish faster than anyone else.

“I want to get the Fight of the Night. I’m going to get the finish.”