Liverpudlian fan favorite Paddy Pimblett returned to the Octagon for a lightweight showdown with former interim champion Tony Ferguson at UFC 296.
‘El Cucuy’ walked into T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night riding a six-fight losing streak while Pimblett strolled into Las Vegas determined to score his fifth-straight win under the UFC banner and potentially send Ferguson into retirement.
Round 1
Paddy Pimbeltt fires first with a left hand before going high with a head kick. Pimblett lands on the body and Ferguson puts ‘The Baddy’ on the canvas momentarily with a calf kick. Pimblett throws a kick to the body and shoots in for a takedown, but Ferguson is wise to it and defends. A counter right from Ferguson lands. Pimblett fires a body kick followed by a calf kick. Ferguson snaps back with a nice right hand, followed by another to the body. A jab from Ferguson hits the mark.
Ferguson is having early success and begins to pick up the pace a bit, moving in on Pimblett and pushing the Liverpudlian to the cage. Pimblett comes back with a left land that pops Ferguson’s head back. Ferguson is compromised and on the retreat as Pimblett starts to put it all together. Ferguson goes to the body, but Pimblett clips him with a combination up top.
Paddy Pimblett unleashes a flurry of combinations, including a big right hand and a jumping knee that puts Ferguson against the cage wall before hitting the canvas. Pimblett jumps on top, taking Ferguson’s back. Ferguson rolls over allowing Pimblett to unload on him from the mount before rolling again to avoid further damage. Ferguson makes it to the end of the round, but he’s already wearing a lot of damage.
Round 2
Ferguson comes out for round two still looking to bring some pressure. Pimblett backs up to the cage wall before letting go of a three-punch combo. Ferguson throws a front kick, but slips in the process, allowing Pimblett to jump into his guard. Ferguson closes his guard and looks to work off his back. Pimblett postures up and throws some solid ground and pound strikes, but Ferguson appears to have caught Pimblett with an elbow as ‘The Baddy’ is now beginning to bleed.
Ferguson is fishing for a triangle as Pimblett wedges him up against the fence. Pimblett is content to pound away at anything Ferguson gives him with two minutes to go in the second round. Pimblett works to pass Ferguson’s guard, but ‘El Cucuy’ does just enough to get Pimblett back into his guard. Pimblett maintains top control throughout the remainder of the second round but is unable to offer much in the way of damage.
Round 3
Ferguson immediately eats a right hand from Paddy Pimblett as he attempts to close the distance. Ferguson responds with a solid uppercut. Pimblett lands a calf kick that takes Ferguson off balance momentarily. Pimblett shoots for a takedown, but Ferguson defends and forces Pimblett back up. ‘The Baddy’ is starting to look fatigued but manages to muscle down Ferguson with a single leg. Pimblett moves into half-guard and earns a warning from the referee to be more active on the ground.
Ferguson pushes Pimblett away with his legs, giving him a brief opportunity to spring to his feet, but he fails to capitalize and allows Pimblett to maintain top control. Ferguson briefly teases a guillotine and a triangle choke, but Pimblett easily defends as the final bell sounds.
Official Result: Paddy Pimblett def. Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Check Out Highlights From Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 Below:
IT'S HAPPENING. 😳
🇺🇸 @TonyFergusonXT vs 🇬🇧 Paddy Pimblett settle it in the Octagon right NOW!! #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/3mUM8Tf2wy
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) December 17, 2023
Unanimous for The Baddy!@PaddyTheBaddy stays undefeated in the Octagon with a win over Tony Ferguson at #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/qJwbDzpUsU
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
Paddy pays his respect to Tony after 3 hard rounds back and forth 👏 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/PoXiMGVLnY
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
The Baddy improves to 5-0 in the Octagon after #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/IbzBckExF8
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
