“Best fight Tony could have gotten,” Veteran details why the UFC booking Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett benefits ‘El Cucuy’

Alan Jouban recently spoke on The Fighter vs. The Writer. The main topic was the UFC’s choice to book Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett for UFC 296. Despite the obvious danger of facing a rising star like Pimblett, Jouban felt that this matchup was tactically advantageous for Ferguson.

Paddy Pimblett, according to Jouban, remains the ideal opponent for Tony Ferguson at this point in his career. While Ferguson has suffered several setbacks, Pimblett was still seen to be beatable. More importantly, Jouban stressed Pimblett’s enormous star power as a factor. The British fighter has received respect for his talents and charming demeanor. This is what Jouban had to say:

This is the best fight that Tony Ferguson could have gotten. Because you know why? Who is the most beatable guy with the biggest draw in the UFC? It’s Paddy Pimblett. Paddy Pimblett has the biggest fan base, the biggest name, and the biggest following in that group of category of guys that’s beatable. He’s very beatable.

Alan Jouban via The Fighter vs. The Writer

Jouban said Ferguson’s victory over Pimblett might be an important turning point. Given Pimblett’s popularity and the polarising attitudes around him, a victory for Ferguson would quickly turn him into a hero.

Ferguson’s previous losses have cast doubt on his future in the sport. However, Jouban saw this match as an opportunity for him to rewrite his story. Despite his prior defeats, a victory against Pimblett may raise Tony Ferguson’s standing in fight fans’ eyes. It will eventually allow him to leave the sport on his own terms.

Fight fans react to Alan Jouban’s comments about Tony Ferguson

The announcement of Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett in UFC 296 elicited a wide spectrum of opinions from MMA fans. Given Pimblett’s recognizability and star power, fight fans agree that the match makes strategic sense for Ferguson.

Some fight fans agreed with Alan Jouban’s assessment, acknowledging that while there might be more winnable matchups for Ferguson, none carry the same level of appeal as facing Pimblett. Others expressed skepticism about Ferguson’s chances against Pimblett. They believed that Tony was past his prime. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:

Despite the differing opinions, there is a common sentiment among fans hoping for a positive outcome for Tony Ferguson. The sentiment was that Ferguson, a fighter who has already proven himself over the years, deserves a fitting end to his storied career. The fight between him and Pimblett will happen this weekend.

In case you missed it:

• Bobby Green urges Tony Ferguson to ‘pick up basics’ over gruel training with David Goggins
• Paddy Pimblett mocks Tony Ferguson’s ‘f**king stupid’ Hell Week training with David Goggins ahead of UFC 296

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