Michael Bisping predicts Paddy Pimblett vs Tony Ferguson fight ahead of UFC 296

UFC legend Michael Bisping has shared his thoughts on Paddy Pimblett’s upcoming fight with Tony Ferguson.

‘The Baddy’ has built up a 4-0 record in the UFC but was forced to undergo ankle surgery after his most recent trip to the octagon in December. The Huyton fighter’s unanimous decision win over Jared Gordon was a close fight, with many mixed martial arts fans suggesting that Pimblett was lucky to avoid defeat.

The 28-year-old’s next opponent will be cult hero Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 on December 16. In the prime of his career, Ferguson went on a 12-fight win-streak, becoming an interim UFC lightweight champion in the process, and appeared to be on a collision course with the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, though the fight never materialised.

It is a potential crossroads fight for both men, with Pimblett looking to add a marquee name to his record in his bid to enter the UFC rankings, while Fergsuon also has a huge point to prove after suffering a six-fight losing run to high-calibre fighters. However, UFC analyst Bisping, who became the first British champion in 2016, has warned Pimblett not to take Ferguson lightly, despite his opponent’s record in recent years.

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“Tony Ferguson, you can’t underestimate this guy,” Bisping insisted, speaking to Manchester Evening News. “Yeah, he’s lost his last six but it was to elite competition. The only one who wasn’t was Bobby Green and he just knocked out Grant Dawson, who was undefeated in the UFC, in 33 seconds. That kinda makes it a tougher fight for Paddy.

“Paddy has got a tremendous