LAS VEGAS – Paddy Pimblett put forth a dominant performance against Tony Ferguson at UFC 296, despite needing all 15 minutes to get the job done.
The lightweight bout was part of the UFC 296 main card at T-Mobile Arena. Pimblett (21-3 MMA, 5-0 UFC) defeated Ferguson (25-10 MMA, 15-8 UFC) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
The environment inside T-Mobile Arena was turned up a notch from the moment the pre-fight promos begun. A walkout battle ensued with “Heads Will Roll” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Pimblett) against “The Party Has Just Begun” by Freestyle.
The crowd was split seemingly 50-50, with both men getting loud ovations on the introductions by Bruce Buffer.
A competitive first round would quickly turn one-sided, as a Pimblett flurry dropped Ferguson to the canvas. Ferguson hung tough and worked to survive, as referee Mark Smith took a closer look. Pimblett mounted Ferguson and landed ground-and-pound. Ferguson slowed Pimblett’s attack and survived until the end-of-round bell.
In Round 2, an errant decision by Ferguson caused him to fall off-balance. Pimblett dove into Ferguson’s guard. Ferguson threatened submissions off his back, but nothing substantial materialized and Pimblett rode out the round on top.
Ferguson looked a bit frustrated at the end of Round 2, but came out moving forward in Round 3. Despite some success on the feet, particularly in a leg kick battle, Ferguson was taken down by Pimblett midway through the round.
The final minutes of the fight were similar and different to the ground sequences in Round 2. While Pimblett was never in significant danger and in complete control, Ferguson was more aggressive with his submission attempts – but did not have luck.
Pimblett racks up another win after a year away from competition dealing with injuries. His previous fight was a controversial decision victory over Jared Gordon.
Ferguson loses his seventh fight in a row. He worked with fitness motivator David Goggins during this training camp in an effort to get his mind and body right. Goggins was in Ferguson’s corner for the bout.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 296 results include:
- Paddy Pimblett def. Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Josh Emmett def. Bryce Mitchell via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:57
- Alonzo Menifield def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Irene Aldana def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Cody Garbrandt def. Brian Kelleher via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 3:42
- Ariane Lipski def. Casey O’Neill via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 1:18
- Tagir Ulanbekov def. Cody Durden via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:25
- Andre Fili def. Lucas Almeida via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:32
- Shamil Gaziev def. Martin Buday via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:56
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.
