UFC 296 results: Paddy Pimblett scores early damage but ultimately grinds out Tony Ferguson for decision win
17/12/2023 05:12
Paddy Pimblett nearly scored an early finish but ultimately settled for a suffocating unanimous decision victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 296.
It looked like the always outspoken Liverpool native might deliver a knockout after the put Ferguson down early in the opening round and unloaded a barrage of shots on the ground. Ferguson scrambled to survive but then spent the better part of the next 10 minutes stuck underneath Pimblett as he stayed on top and cruised to victory.
When it was over, all three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Pimblett, who remains undefeated in the UFC>
"An absolute legend," Pimblett said about Ferguson. "Everyone give a round of applause, let's hear it for Tony f****** Ferguson. It's a f****** honor to share the cage with him.
"A couple of weeks ago, I got my second degree black belt. So we put it to work. When I get on top of you, I'm like a blanket. You can't get me off. I feel better. I'm still a bit disappointed I didn't get the finish over Tony but he's one of the toughest motherf****** in the world."
Constant movement from Ferguson was met by some solid kicks from Pimblett, who was going to the legs and to the body on several occasions in the opening round. Ferguson showed good resolve while staying patient with his strikes, especially using an always effective long jab that he was keeping in Pimblett's face.
With Ferguson keeping his chin high, Pimblett began feasting on the veteran lightweight with several stiff shots in succession. Pimblett continued to pour on the pressure until he blasted Ferguson with a shot that put him down on the canvas.
Pimblett followed him to the floor where he looked for the finish while hammering away with Ferguson desperate to hold on until the horn sounded.
On the restart, Pimblett opted to take the fight back to the ground where Ferguson began unloading with a barrage of elbows from the bottom. While blood started trickling from Pimblett's nose from the repeated elbows, he maintained control and began throwing some vicious ground and pound from the top.
When the third round began, Pimblett suddenly looked like he was running on fume but he still managed to take Ferguson back to the canvas again. While Pimblett was far less active, he still locked Ferguson down and refused to give an inch while peppering away with punches to ensure he wouldn't allow a late comeback.
It was a largely dominant performance for Pimblett, who moves to 21-3 in his career with the win, while Ferguson dropped his seventh consecutive fight in a row with questions surrounding his future after by far the toughest run of his career.
