“Shameless matchmaking” – Fans in shock as Dana White announces Paddy Pimblett to take on Tony Ferguson at UFC 296

Dana White booked the return fight for Paddy Pimblett, but it will not please any fans because of the opponent.

“Shameless matchmaking” – Fans in shock as Dana White announces Paddy Pimblett to take on Tony Ferguson at UFC 296

Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett booked for UFC 296 (via Imago)

Paddy Pimblett will return to the octagon at UFC 296. He will take on veteran Tony Ferguson in a lightweight bout. Most people didn’t expect Paddy to fight until 2024. However, his return added sparks to an already stellar UFC 296 card featuring the title bout between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.

The last PPV card of the year will feature a healthy version of Paddy Pimblett. Adding Pimblett to the Las Vegas fight card will add excitement to the fans. However, many fans did not like the opponent of Pimblett. They felt that Tony Ferguson should have retired after suffering six consecutive losses, which included a knockout loss and two submission losses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKkCYo1YTug&pp=ygUOcGFkZHkgcGltYmxldHQ%3D

Ferguson no longer remains in his prime, as witnessed by his performances against Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz, and Bobby Green. Prime Tony Ferguson would not have lost in such a devastating fashion against these fighters. Prime Tony was known for his creativity and the ability to dish out damage. However, in his old age, Tony might not pose any threat to Paddy Pimblett.

FS Video

As for Paddy Pimblett, he will likely put on a good performance against an aging veteran. Paddy had a controversial fight against Jared Gordon in 2022. He must prove to his haters that he was not a hype train. Once again, the UFC fed Paddy with an easy fight that could become the end of Tony Ferguson in the UFC.

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Fans react to the fight announcement between Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson

Paddy Pimblett will take on former champion Tony Ferguson at UFC 296. Pimblett and Ferguson will have a must-win scenario. Pimblett arguably lost his last fight. On the other hand, Ferguson has lost his last six. Fight fans felt that the UFC intentionally booked the fight to end Ferguson’s UFC career. Check out some of the fan reactions:

Popular fighter Paddy Pimblett
Popular fighter Paddy Pimblett (Image Courtesy – Daily Records)
https://twitter.com/JESnowden/status/1705385611065245895
https://twitter.com/DrewWorth/status/1705401659289895041

Fans expressed their disappointment in the fight booking. They also feared that it could be the end of Tony Ferguson in the UFC. Nevertheless, Ferguson must consider retirement if he keeps on losing.

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