Despite suggesting that Tony Ferguson has already lost some of his MMA brilliance, Paddy Pimblett is preparing for the best version of the opponent, whom he witnessed taking down big names in the UFC.
“The Baddy” believes that winning against the veteran fighter won’t give him much advantage in his UFC career, saying that many already view Ferguson as someone going downhill. Despite this, the Briton shared that he’s still doing the essential training to prepare for the worst. In line with this, the young fighter admitted that the opponent “still got some aspects” that allow him to continue fighting but noted that it won’t be the case in their upcoming bout.
“He turns 40 in a few months, and I think over the years he’s relied on his athleticism and his speed to get him out of certain situations, and obviously when you get to 39, you lose all of that,” Pimblett said at UFC 296 media day. “But I’ve trained for the Tony that turned up against Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis and Edson Barboza and Kevin Lee. I haven’t prepared for the Tony that turned up against Bobby Green and Nate Diaz.
“He’s still got some aspects that work for him until this day. He can go three five-(minute rounds), and he’s still mentally tough. Look at that armbar Charles (Oliveira) had him in and that leg lock (Beneil) Dariush had him in. So if that’s what he feels he needs to do to beat me, go and do it, mate. It’s not going to help you on Saturday night.”
Pimblett treats the chance to fight Ferguson as an honor, recalling how he used to watch the fighter during the early days of his career. The Briton even expressed his hope that the veteran could continuously excel in his career and win. However, as their bout is approaching and “El Cucuy” blocking him on Instagram, Pimblett knows that his former hero is now his foe.
“It’s an honor to be fighting Tony Ferguson – one of the best lightweights of all time,” Pimblett said. “When I was kid, like 15 or 16, and I’d just started training, he was in the UFC then. I was watching him fight then. So it’s like the cliché saying when your heroes become your rivals. It’s one of (those situations). Even I want to see Tony go out on a win, but I can’t let him do it at my expense, lad. It’s not happening.”
