Dana White: Tony Ferguson Should Probably Retire If He Loses to Paddy Pimblett

When the Tony Ferguson-Paddy Pimblett booking was announced, it raised some eyebrows in the mixed martial arts community.

Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion, will enter UFC 296 on a six-bout losing streak. That might be construed as favorable matchmaking for Pimblett, a fighter who has received a strong push from the promotion. However, all of Ferguson’s losses — Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz and Bobby Green — have come against competition that is more proven than Paddy “The Baddy.” That’s why UFC CEO Dana White thinks the fight is compelling.

“I think a lot of people think that Paddy is unproven, and I think a lot of people feel that Tony isn’t in deep water like he’s been in, in his last several fights. I think the matchmaking and the timing on this fight is excellent and couldn’t be more perfect,” White said at the Contender Series post-fight press conference on Tuesday night.

“If you look at Tony’s last few fights that he’s fought, he looked damn good before the Chandler finish, and every fight that he’s fought on the last two, three fights. He looked damn good right until the end. So, it’s a fun, interesting fight with two fun and interesting characters.”

Pimblett has kicked off his UFC tenure with four consecutive triumphs. His most recent victory, a decision win against Jared Gordon at UFC 282 last December, was extremely controversial. If Ferguson is unable to get back on track against the outspoken Brit, White would encourage “El Cucuy” to call it a career.

“I would let Tony make that decision, but I’m sure if he loses to Paddy he would probably look at calling it,” White said. “He’s had a great career. Done a lot of things, had a lot of big fights. That would probably be a wrap for him. Hopefully.”