Robert Whitaker, the former middleweight champion is no stranger to big fights in the UFC. His fights with Israel Adesany and Yoel Romero are one for the ages. The Australian recently had words for the recently announced lightweight bout at UFC 296 between Tony Ferguson and Paddy Pimblett.
UFC 296 is headlined by Leon Edwards and Colby Covington and the card is filled with many high-level matchups. However, the lightweight bout between a former interim champion and the emerging sensation has made Whitaker question the credibility of the fight.
Robert Whittaker talks on Tony Ferguson vs Paddy Pimblett
Ferguson was once the most feared fighter in his weight class, but now his fights aren’t as strong as they used to be. El Cucuy, with his experience, might still be a tough opponent for Pimblett. The British fighter is known more for his showy style than his skills, but a fight between them is hard to predict.
Whitaker is of the opinion that Pimblett acts a lot like McGregor did. This shows that being entertaining is important in fighting. McGregor has already shown that if you’re both a good talker and a good fighter, you can become really famous.
Some people might think “Baddy” is just showing off, but it makes his fights, like a possible one with Ferguson, even more exciting. He has not fought since the controversial victory over Jared Gordon at UFC 282. Moreover, Whitaker believes that Pimblett is “Overhyped for his skillset”. Ferguson on the other hand is on a 6 fight losing streak. All the losses came at the hands of elite contenders in the lightweight division albeit his final loss was to Nate Diaz at UFC 279.
“Bobby Knuckles” also talked about an upcoming fight in his division. Whitaker talked about the anticipated bout between Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze. Dolidze wants to move up in the rankings, but Cannonier has big plans too.
When did Tony Ferguson last win a match at UFC?
Tony Ferguson, prior to his 6-fight losing streak was on a record-tying 12-fight win streak. A record he shares with Khabib Nurmagomedov. He is currently on a losing streak of 6. BJ Penn holds that dubious record with 7. Ferguson’s last win inside the octagon was on October 8, 2019, against Donald Cerrone at UFC 238. The fight was fan-friendly and earned the Fight of the Night bonus. However, it was the last time fans saw ‘El Cucuy’ get his hand raised inside the octagon.
During his illustrious win streak, Tony Ferguson secured notable victories over Rafael Dos Anjos, Anthony Pettis, and Josh Thomson, to name a few. He has won 11 post-fight bonuses and was once considered the greatest threat to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The ‘Eagle’ and ‘El Cucuy’ were scheduled to fight 5 times; however, circumstances and injuries meant that it was never meant to be. Dana White has suggested that Ferguson should consider retirement, but it seems like the former interim champion has no plans of doing so.
Do you think Tony Ferguson wins at UFC 296? Comment below!
