Daniel Cormier is not impressed with how Paddy Pimblett secured his victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 296. For the former heavyweight and light heavyweight champ, he expected more from the young fighter, who claimed he made improvements.
Last Saturday, Pimblett and Ferguson entered the cage for UFC 296’s main card. The bout was one of the event’s highlights, with many seeing it as the final verdict determining the future of Ferguson. And as many expected, the Briton won via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Many fighters and fans, however, feel unsatisfied about the bout, especially with Pimblett’s performance.
Despite his clean UFC record and winning streak, many pointed out how the young Briton’s fighting looked unimpressive during his recent bout. After the fight, Alan Jouban and Rafael dos Anjos immediately expressed disappointment over the Pimblett’s moves. Cormier is echoing the same sentiment, suggesting he expected more due to what “The baddy” claimed.
“Paddy Pimblett fought really well in the first round, and he did a good job with his grappling,” Cormier said. “But, I just — I don’t know, man. He told us that he had made all these improvements in the striking, and he was gonna keep his chin down as he approached the striking. It just looked the same.”
Ferguson experienced loss through finishes from big opponents like Bobby Green, Nate Diaz, Michael Chandler, and Justin Gaethje. And while Cormier understands that Pimblett didn’t manage to do the same, he expressed disappointment for the lack of action from the young fighter, who’s expected to have an exciting energy inside the cage.
“It was a decision victory against Tony Ferguson, who lately has not been able to get to the final bell inside his fights. Granted, he was fighting Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje and Nate Diaz; he was fighting killers,” Cormier explained. “But I just did not — I don’t know. I don’t think Paddy fought bad, but I think that he needed to do a little more.”
