UFC 296: Dana White Predicts Retirement For Tony Ferguson If ‘El Cucuy’ Loses To Paddy Pimblett

Dana White recently discussed the controversial Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson matchup at UFC 296 in December. The UFC CEO believes that if Ferguson gets his seventh consecutive loss, he will probably announce his retirement. 

Tony Ferguson is set to face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 on December 16 at the T-Mobile Arena. The pay-per-view event will take place in Las Vegas and will close out the year 2023. After the Ferguson-Pimblett fight was announced, many lambasted White for seemingly giving the former interim lightweight champion an “un-winnable” matchup. 

However, Dana White retorted that the fight was evenly matched and referenced Ferguson’s incredible resume. It’s important to note that Tony Ferguson is on a six-fight losing streak. Since his brutal loss against Justin Gaethje at UFC 249, Ferguson has looked a shadow of his former self. He last tasted victory against Donald Cerrone in June 2019. 

Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett is on a six-fight winning streak. While his victory against Jared Gordon was an extremely controversial split decision, he will be looking to redeem his image with a statement victory over Tony Ferguson. 

During a recent press conference, White stated that he sees the matchup as a perfect redemption opportunity for both men. Tony Ferguson’s ability to take opponents into deep waters is a perfect test for the mercurial Liverpudlian. The UFC CEO further pointed out that Ferguson looked good in his last six fights despite losing them all. 

White’s intrigue mostly centers around Ferguson, and his performance in this situation.

Ferguson has lost his recent fights against top-tier fighters like Bobby Green, Nate Diaz, Chandler, Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje, all of whom have achieved significantly more in the sport than Pimblett. 

Another loss for Ferguson would be detrimental to his future prospects. White said he would support “El Cucuy” retiring if things don’t go his way. In fact, Dana White hopes Tony Ferguson would call it a career for his own sake.