UFC president Dana White suggests that while the upcoming fight between Tony Ferguson and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 is on even grounds, the stakes are significantly higher for the former.
If he loses to Paddy… that would probably be a wrap for him: Dana White
Ferguson, the former interim UFC Lightweight champion, is on a six fight losing streak, dating back his last win in the Octagon to June 2019. Since then, “El Cucuy” has failed to clinch triumph in the cage.
The upcoming fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296, which takes place on 16th December at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, serves as a final ultimatum for the 39-year-old.
During Tuesday’s DWCS 64 post-fight news conference, Dana White spoke to MMA Junkie and other reporters about the Ferguson vs. Pimblett matchup. While acknowledging that many still believe the hyped Scouser is yet to have the potential to reach the top of the promotion, there is still hope for Ferguson as well as the UFC prez insists that the veteran 155-pounder hasn’t performed that badly during the fights, except the ends.
“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,” said White. “I think the matchmaking and the timing on this fight is excellent and couldn’t be more perfect.”
“If you look at Tony’s last few fights that he’s fought, he looked damn good before the (Michael) 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.”
If he loses to Pimblett, chances are few that Ferguson would be able to recover from a losing skid stretching to seven defeats. While White says it would ultimately be Ferguson’s decision, if he does decide to retire, he would not go against his decision.
“I would let Tony make that decision, but I’m sure if he loses to Paddy he would probably look at calling it,” White added. “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.” [H/T MMA Junkie]
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