‘More power, better wrestler…’ Michael Bisping fancies veteran Tony Ferguson’s chances against countryman Paddy Pimblett in much-anticipated fight

Former UFC champion Michael Bisping broke down the matchup between Tony Ferguson and Paddy Pimblett. Ferguson will face Pimblett at UFC 296. Ferguson looks forward to shaking off his six-fight losing streak, while Pimblett dives back in full form after three surgeries to his ankle. While anticipated as a high-stakes pitch, many have criticized it.

Bisping said, “I think he has got more power than Paddy; I think his Jiu-Jitsu is just as good if not better. And he’s a better wrestler. So time will tell.” Bisping mentioned some of the strengths of Ferguson. However, he failed to mention that Tony was no longer in his prime version. Sure, Ferguson does have more knockouts in his career than Pimblett. Bisping may have given Ferguson more credit than anyone else.

Bisping reiterated that to stop somebody like Ferguson, Pimblett has to pressure “El Cucuy” from the beginning. Michael Bisping also advised Pimblett to prepare better as Ferguson could take advantage of Paddy’s ring rust. Paddy returns after a year away from the octagon. With these factors in mind, Bisping believed Ferguson had the advantage going into the fight.

Many fans reacted in horror when Dana White announced the matchup. They felt the UFC fed Pimblett with an easy fight against Ferguson. Bisping denied it completely. Bisping thought it was a great matchup to determine if Ferguson could fight longer and simultaneously see how Paddy fares against a ranked opponent. Ferguson has experience on his side but Paddy has the youth advantage. Only time will tell if power and wrestling helped Ferguson prevail over Pimblett.

Related: “Going after Mcnuggets,” Tony Ferguson’s unveils plan for Conor McGregor fight claiming Paddy Pimblett bout as the catalyst

Paddy Pimblett reacts to fans criticizing him for not fighting four times a year

Paddy Pimblett is a huge name in the UFC. Some fans like him, others dislike him. His haters always find a way to criticize him. They accused him of not fighting multiple times a year. Pimblett heard about it and reacted to fans commenting on his fighting appearances.

Pimblett had pointed out that he made more money outside the octagon, and it made him laugh when people commented on his inactive status. It looks like Paddy is following Sean O’Malley’s fight philosophy. O’Malley fought lower-ranked opponents because he did not get paid more money. He would only fight higher-ranked opponents if the money was right.

Similarly, Paddy does not have to fight to make money as he does not get paid much. His outside-the-octagon ventures make him more money than his fight purse. Moreover, Paddy is fighting to become a world champion and not just for monetary benefits.

In case you missed it:

• Despite claims of setting up Tony Ferguson to failure, Dana White defends ‘fun and interesting’ Paddy Pimblett matchup
• “I don’t understand that…” Michael Bisping questions outrage of fans as countryman Paddy Pimblett gets booked against Tony Ferguson

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