Paddy Pimblett in ‘lose-lose situation’ in fight against Tony Ferguson claims superstar Sean O’Malley

Bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley weighed in on the UFC 296 match-up and what it meant for Paddy Pimblett. The match-up remains controversial for many fans.

Paddy Pimblett in ‘lose-lose situation’ in fight against Tony Ferguson claims superstar Sean O’Malley

Sean O'Malley weighs in; Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson (Source: IMAGO)

Recently crowned UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley discussed the UFC 296 matchup featuring Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson. Paddy, “The Baddy” Pimblett, is set to face Ferguson for his UFC return. Pimblett and Ferguson are competing on very differentiated levels right now. Fighters and fans have talked about the matchup. O’Malley became the latest to discuss it.

On his YouTube Channel, O’Malley said, “Initial reaction, I’m like, ‘Goddamn, that’s a lose-lose for Paddy. You go out there and beat Tony, who’s really good but on a six-fight losing streak. So if you beat him, you’re not going to get credit for beating Tony Ferguson. You’re not going to get credit for beating a guy you should beat him, but it’s a dangerous fight.” O’Malley was not wrong in his assumptions about the matchup.

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O’Malley suggested that there was a high chance that Ferguson might win this one. The prospect of such an instance made it even more dangerous for Pimblett. Six fighters defeated Ferguson in a row, and if Paddy could not defeat him, it would become disastrous. Pimblett suffered a severe ankle injury in December 2022 when he beat Jared Gordon via a controversial decision. He has undergone three surgeries to repair and appears ready for another fight.

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Ferguson was already the proclaimed underdog in the fight with six losses in a row. It could be the end of the road for Ferguson if he loses to Pimblett. Most fighters retire when they approach 40 years. However, the mentally strong Ferguson continues to fight at a high level. Nevertheless, O’Malley made an important point about the matchup. Paddy could lose all his hype if he loses against Ferguson.

Related: “When he left, a little part of me left,” Tony Ferguson opens up about fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov never coming to fruition

Tony Ferguson eyes Conor McGregor after Paddy Pimblett fight

Recently, Tony Ferguson has blown away even the thought of retiring anytime soon. He reiterated his desire to compete further. After snapping his six-fight losing streak, Ferguson has mentioned gunning for Conor McGregor after his fight against Pimblett.

Tony Ferguson targets Conor McGregor after Paddy Pimblett fight
Tony Ferguson targets Conor McGregor after Paddy Pimblett fight (via Imago)

“I have nothing against the kid. Patrick seems like a pretty legit dude,” Ferguson said in an interview. “He gets pretty big, his standup is OK, but his ground game is a lot better. I love fighting internationals. It’s cool, I love it. Going after Khabib for a long time and going after ‘McNuggets’ (McGregor), this is about as close as it’s going to get for right now.”

Ferguson has said that retiring was not even in his thought process yet. He aimed to become more coachable again, like a student, and focus on performing. With UFC 296 around the corner, he is as eager as anybody to quantify the results of his training. A McGregor fight could materialize if Ferguson can change his disappointing fortunes.

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