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Paddy Pimblett predicts first round finish of Tony Ferguson at UFC 296: ‘I’ve got a statement to make’

Paddy Pimblett predicts finish of Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 I've got a statement to make Slated to make his first Octagon walk in a year at UFC 296 in December, promotional-perfect lightweight contender, Paddy Pimblett has plans to land a first round stoppage over former interim champion, Tony Ferguson, claiming he has a certain “statement” to make his return to action. Pimblett, a former undisputed Cage Warriors featherweight champion, has […]

Slated to make his first Octagon walk in a year at UFC 296 in December, promotional-perfect lightweight contender, Paddy Pimblett has plans to land a first round stoppage over former interim champion, Tony Ferguson, claiming he has a certain “statement” to make his return to action.

Pimblett, a former undisputed Cage Warriors featherweight champion, has been sidelined since he co-headlined UFC 282 back in December of last year, landing a hugely-controversial unanimous decision win over Jared Gordon.

The victory saw Pimblett improve to 4-0 since landing in the Octagon back in 2020, with the Huyton native securing a trio of consecutive stoppage victories over Luigi Vendramini, Kazula Vargas, and Jordan Leavitt.

Booking his comeback to the Octagon last month, Pimblett is set to fight the above-mentioned, Ferguson at UFC 296 in December, looking to inflict a disappointing seventh straight loss on the Oxnard veteran, who is without a victory since a 2019 win over Donald Cerrone.

Paddy Pimblett plans first round finish of Tony Ferguson at UFC 296

Defending the matchup – as has his manager and Cage Warriors leader, Graham Boylan, Pimblett claims he has a “statement” to make against the former interim champion, predicting a first round stoppage triumph to boot.

“I’ve got a statement to make, it’s been a while since I’ve had so long outside the cage,” Paddy Pimblett told The Schmo during a recent interview. “By the time I fight, I’ll have over a year out of the cage. The amount of training I’ve done to get better and I’m just a different fighter. It’s gonna be ‘The Baddy’ 2.0, a new mythical fighter is going to get unlocked.”

“I want to be champ, lad, of course,” Paddy Pimblett explained. “It goes without saying. [I] can’t get ahead of myself, especially after my last performance. All I’m thinking about now is coming out and finishing Tony Ferguson in the first round. Make a statement, let everyone know what they were missing, and then I’ll start looking at ranked opponents in the UFC.”

Who wins at UFC 296: Paddy Pimblett or Tony Ferguson?

Colby Covington responds to rival Islam Makhachev ahead of potential UFC fight: He’s a sheep herder’

UFC welterweight, Colby Covington to Islam Makhachev in latest attempt to build up potential clash between the pair. Colby Covington will go months without a media appearance or interview, but as soon as he is booked for a fight the MMA world is met with an avalanche of call outs and insults towards fellow fighters. […]

UFC welterweight, Colby Covington to Islam Makhachev in latest attempt to build up potential clash between the pair.

Colby Covington will go months without a media appearance or interview, but as soon as he is booked for a fight the MMA world is met with an avalanche of call outs and insults towards fellow fighters. The American is always trying to promote and is even trying to set up a fight after his upcoming title bid against Leon Edwards.

Edwards and Covington are set to meet on December 16 in the main event of UFC 296, and will not be an easy contents for either man. However, Covington already has his eyes set on his first defence – reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.

Colby Covington responds to Islam Makhachev

After an initial push from Covington, the pair have shared a small back-and-forth and Covington shows no sign of calling time on this newly acquired feud. In the latest instalment, while talking to Submission Radio Covington took the time to slam both Makhachev and his manager Ali Abdelaziz.

Covington and Abdelaziz have shared a serious mutual disliking of one another over the past few years.

“I’m setting up big business. Leon’s first and then it needs to be American wrestling vs. Dagestani wrestling,” Covington said. “Everybody wants to see that fight. Makhachev’s starting to run his mouth but we know his manager [Ali Abdelaziz] ‘Abdela-sleeze’ is not gonna let him get in my crosshairs. He can say whatever he wants to the media but he doesn’t really mean it. Makhachev knows I’d smack the s**t out of him. He wouldn’t be able to mess with raw American steel. He’s nothing more than a sheep herder.” (H/T MMAFighting)

Covington is convinced that if the pair were to be matched up, it would be one of the biggest fights that the promotion could make.

“I think it would be the biggest and best spectacle the UFC could put on and that’s what we want to do; the biggest and best fights,” continued Covington. “The guy definitely walks around at more weight than I do. I just choose to fight closer to my natural weight. I don’t want to cut all that weight to get the advantage. I’d like to see him come up and test himself.”

Colby Covington with Submission Radio

If they both win their next fights, would you like to see Colby Covington Vs. Islam Makhachev?

Leon Edwards closing as betting favorite to beat rival Colby Covington UFC 296 title grudge fight

Initially opening as a pick ‘em fight ahead of their eventual title fight – now that Leon Edwards and challenger, Colby Covington have an official date for their long-awaited title showdown, it is the incumbent is closing as a clear betting favorite to successfully defend his crown at UFC 296 in December. Edwards, the current […]

Edwards, the current undisputed welterweight champion under the banner of the organization, headlines the promotion’s final flagship event of the year in December, as part of a UFC 296 title doubleheader against former interim champion, Covington.

Taking main event honors, Leon Edwards and Colby Covington meet above a flyweight championship rematch between champion, Alexandre Pantoja, and challenger, Brandon Royval at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Leon Edwards closing as betting favorite to defeat Colby Covington at UFC 296

And despite opening as an initial pick ‘em clash, Edwards has drifted out as a clear betting favorite at -130 to defend his title successfully against former titleholder, Covington, with the Clovis native a +110 betting underdogs.

A host of websites and bookies are already offering punts and bets on UFC 296 – with some even offering promo offers and codes – similar to an Adidas promo code, which allows punters and shoppers alike to avail of special offers and sales whilst purchasing or betting.

Given the odds on show at the moment, this data shows us that Leon Edwards’ activity and recent run of dominance throughout the welterweight division likely is the factoring reason in his position in punter’s heads and wallets as to why they envision a victory for the Birmingham native in December.

Sidelined since March of this year, Team Renegade MMA & BJJ stalwart, Leon Edwards managed to turn in a close majority decision win over former pound-for-pound number one and common-foe, Kamaru Usman in the pair’s championship trilogy rubber match in London.

The victory came as Edwards’ second over Usman, after he captured the welterweight crown with a thunderous fifth round high-kick KO back in August of last year in Salt Lake City in their title rematch.

Sidelined since March of last year to boot, former American Top Team trainee, Covington has yet to return to the Octagon since shutting down his rivalry with Jorge Masvidal – inside the Octagon, at least – landing a shutout unanimous decision win over his former teammate and close friend in a hugely-heated grudge match.

Winning interim welterweight spoils back in June 2018 before he was swiftly stripped due to inactivity, talented grappler and wrestler, Covington turned in a tireless performance against former undisputed lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos en route to a unanimous decision win.

However, 0-2 in undisputed championship fights, Covington has failed to traverse past the above-mentioned, Usman – suffering a pair of knockout and decision losses, respectively, to the Auchi native throughout their two-fight rivalry during their respective UFC stints.

And with the added incentive of a potential title superfight with Islam Makhachev should the Russian land a rematch title win over Charles Oliveira next weekend, the onus has firmly been placed on underdog, Covington to land a victory over Edwards, and snap his duct in undisputed title fights.

Who wins in December: Leon Edwards or Colby Covington?

Islam Makhachev eyes welterweight title fight with Colby Covington after UFC 294: ‘I want my chance, too’

Slated to headline UFC 294 next weekend in Abu Dhabi, UAE, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makahchev has welcomed the possibility of an immediate title fight turnaround at the welterweight limit, in the form of a championship clash against incoming title challenger, Colby Covington. Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, is set to headline UFC 294 […]

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, is set to headline UFC 294 later this month in the Middle East – taking on former titleholder, Charles Oliveira in a rematch one year since their vacant title showdown at the Etihad Arena.

In their first matchup, American Kickboxing Academy standout, Makhachev submitted the former champion with a second round arm-triangle submission win, snapping the Brazilian’s record-setting 12-fight undefeated run.

Every striking exchange + Slow mo in Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev 1. pic.twitter.com/0dAMDUZCNs

— HOME OF FIGHT (@home_of_fight) September 30, 2023

And back in February of this year, Makhachev lodged his first successful title defense as lightweight champion, knocking back pound-for-pound number one and undisputed featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski with a close decision victory.

Islam Makhachev envisions title fight with Colby Covington

Planning his future beyond this month’s title clash with Sao Paulo finisher, Oliveira, Makhachev has welcomed the chance to compete for welterweight gold – particularly in a fight against former interim champion, Covington.

“I don’t know what the UFC has planned, but my dream fight is for the second belt,” Islam Makhachev told ESPN during a recent interview. “Of course, I am under contract, so whatever the UFC says, I will fight, no problem, but (Leon) Edwards vs. Colby (Covington) – I really believe I can beat [them]. I look at their skills and what they have as champion and I know my skills. It’s going to be a good fight. I’m not saying I’m going to beat them easy. It’s going to be a hard, tough fight against a big guy. But I believe I can finish those guys.”

“I gave a chance to that guy, so they have to give me a chance, too,” Islam Makhachev explained. “I gave a chance to a guy from another division to come to my weight and to try to take this belt, and he lost. I want my chance, too.”

Who wins: Islam Makhachev or Colby Covington?

Sean O’Malley believes Paddy Pimblett has nothing to gain by fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 296

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley sees Paddy Pimblett’s fight with Tony Ferguson as a lose-lose situation for the Liverpudlian. Last month, Dana White revealed that the much-maligned matchup would take place as part of the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year, UFC 296. The announcement immediately drew the ire of fight fans who disparaged the […]

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley sees Paddy Pimblett’s fight with Tony Ferguson as a lose-lose situation for the Liverpudlian.

Last month, Dana White revealed that the much-maligned matchup would take place as part of the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year, UFC 296. The announcement immediately drew the ire of fight fans who disparaged the decision to put Ferguson, a fighter on a six-fight losing streak, against Pimblett, a budding superstar riding a six-fighting win streak.

Sean O’Malley echoed those same sentiments in a recent YouTube video suggesting that Pimblett has nothing to gain and a lot to lose by taking on Ferguson.

“Initial reaction, I’m like, ‘Goddamn, that’s a lose-lose for Paddy,’” O’Malley said. “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 f*cking Tony Ferguson. You’re going to get credit for beating a guy that’s like, you should beat him, but it’s a dangerous fight. It’s not that easy of a fight.

“It’s going to be a tough fight. Tony could 100 hundred percent win this fight. Now you’re coming off a loss to a guy—I mean, at least it’s still T-Ferg, but it’s like, is it T-Ferg?” (h/t MMA Fighting).

Tony Ferguson Has Been Fighting Far Tougher Opponents Than Paddy Pimblett

By the time Paddy Pimblett steps inside the Octagon on December 16, it will have been a full year since he escaped with a highly controversial unanimous decision win over Jared ‘Flash’ Gordon at UFC 282. The victory moved ‘The Baddy’ to 4-0 under the UFC banner and a winner of six in a row.

Meanwhile, Ferguson will enter the bout not having entered the win column in more than three years. Though to be fair, his near-record-setting streak of losses has come against a murderer’s row of lightweight killers including Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz, and Bobby Green. Looking at the strength of schedule for ‘El Cucuy‘ and the lackluster performance from Pimblett in his last outing, many believe this could be the fight that puts Tony Ferguson back into the win column.

That would be a disastrous result for Pimblett who is still trying to erase the memory of a fight that, by all accounts, he should have lost.

How do you see things playing out when Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson step inside the cage at UFC 296?

Colby Covington expected to retire with UFC 296 loss to Leon Edwards: ‘He’s got a murderer’s row coming up’

Former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington has been tipped to likely call time on his mixed martial arts career by veteran challenger, Matt Brown – if he drops a loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December. Covington, the current number two ranked welterweight contender, is slated to headline UFC 296 at the end […]

Covington, the current number two ranked welterweight contender, is slated to headline UFC 296 at the end of the year in a championship clash against Edwards, attempting to land undisptued gold for the first time in his Octagon tenure.

In his most recent outing, Clovis wrestling ace, Colby Covington landed a one-sided unanimous decision win over former twotime title challenger, Jorge Masvidal back in March of last year, as part of a massive grudge match between the duo.

Colby Covington has been tipped to retire if he loses at UFC 296

Slated to headline UFC 296 against Birmingham native, Edwards, Covington has been tipped to potentially call time on his career should he drop a loss to the incumbent champion in December, by Iowa favorite, Brown.

“I have a hard time believing he’s going to continue fighting if he loses this fight [to Leon Edwards], to be honest,” Matt Brown told MMA Fighting. “He just doesn’t come across as that kind of guy to me.”

“He hasn’t fought for two years,” Brown continued. “He’s not built like me, where I love fighting, and if I lost 10 in a row, I’d still want to fight. He’s the kind of guy where I think he’s in there to get paid, get his money, stir up as much sh*t as he can and get out. Nothing against that. I’m not saing that’s a wrong way to do it. Had I operated in that fashion, maybe I’d be living in a bigger home right now. It is what it is, but [this is his third title shot], and he hasn’t fought for two years. What would he even do after this if he were to lose again? He’s got a murderer’s row coming up.”

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