Breaking: Dana White Announces Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett Lightweight Contest Added To UFC 296 

Dana White recently confirmed another barnburner for UFC 296 in December, with Tony Ferguson going up against Paddy Pimblett. 2023’s last pay-per-view is set to go down at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Before this matchup was announced, the UFC CEO also confirmed the Stephen Thompson vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov welterweight contest. 

Pimblett was initially expected to be sidelined this year due to a nasty ankle injury he suffered during the Jared Gordon fight at UFC 282. While he claimed the injury was more serious than expected, it seems the doctors have worked their magic. Now, the Englishman has an opportunity to face one of the UFC’s biggest lightweight stars. 

While Tony Ferguson is a bonafide legend in the lightweight division, the past few years have been unkind to him. The former interim lightweight champion is on a depressing six-fight losing slide. His dismal form seemingly stemmed from a brutal beatdown from Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. Since then, Ferguson hasn’t looked himself, and many have urged ‘El Cucuy’ to call it a career. However, Tony Ferguson remains adamant about competing. 

Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett is on a six-fight winning streak. ‘Paddy The Baddy’ is coming off an extremely controversial victory over Jared Gordon at UFC 282. While he defended himself in public after the unanimous decision, he has a chance to wash off some doubters.

Given Ferguson’s recent record, many questioned Dana White’s matchmaking judgment. With Pimblett coming off six consecutive wins, it’s highly unlikely that Ferguson will be a favorite going into this fight. However, it’s also possible that the promotion is slyly trying to retire the former interim champion with an impossible task.  Only time will tell how Tony Ferguson fare against one of the fastest-rising stars in the 155-pound division.