Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has some thoughts on the Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett matchup.
It was recently announced that Paddy “The Baddy” is set to collide with Tony Ferguson on the UFC 296 card, which will take place on December 16. It’s a matchup that has certainly been talked about within the MMA community. Some feel Ferguson is being used to spruce up Pimblett’s resume, while others believe this is a winnable fight for “El Cucuy” even at this stage in his career.
Robert Whittaker Wants Tony Ferguson To Retire, Still Thinks He Can Beat Paddy Pimblett
During episode 21 of the “MMArcade Podcast,” Robert Whittaker made it clear that he isn’t exactly thrilled to see Tony Ferguson continuing to fight.
“I think me and a lot of other UFC fans, especially fans of Tony Ferguson, ’cause I’m a fan of Tony Ferguson, we thought his last fight was his last fight,” Whittaker said. “That’s what it looked like. It’s not like he’s been on an incline or he’s been just getting beaten, or he’s been having tight fights but losing just somehow. It hasn’t been that way, and honestly, the Tony Ferguson I saw last time in the Octagon was just one that, I don’t know, doesn’t look like he has it anymore.”
With that said, Whittaker still thinks Ferguson can defeat Paddy Pimblett. Whittaker feels Paddy’s skills may have been overblown thanks to his brash personality.
“I think Tony could beat Paddy,” Whittaker said. “Even the Tony we saw last time I think can beat Paddy. I do think Paddy was overhyped for his skill set, which is fine ’cause there are a lot of guys that get into the UFC and have to develop their skill sets and develop their character as they go along. That’s just the nature of the game. You don’t need to start in the UFC as a beast. Problem was, his mouth, he was running his mouth and he was acting like he’s already the best when obviously, we saw some things that suggested you still gotta work on some things.”
Here’s the full episode of the “MMArcade Podcast:”
