Michael Bisping thinks a loss to Paddy Pimblett would be the end for Tony Ferguson

When Tony Ferguson steps in the cage against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 in T-Mobile Arena, he’ll be riding a six-fight losing streak at 39-years old.  It’s a step down in competition for Ferguson and he’s the underdog.  

If he doesn’t pull out a win against Pimblett, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping believes that should be the end of Ferguson’s fighting career.  

UFC President Dana White said that a loss to Pimblett would likely be Ferguson’s last fight last week following Dana White’s Contender Series.  

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

Bisping agrees with White’s assessment.  

“All you’ve got to do is look at the record of Tony Ferguson,” said Bisping.  “Went on the longest win streak in lightweight division, I believe, with 12.  And now he’s on the longest losing streak at six.  Certainly a change of form.”

“When you look at the amount of times that he’s getting finished, it’s troubling.  It’s not good if you’re a Tony Ferguson fan, his coach, his trainer, or if you’re Tony Ferguson himself.”

Ferguson has been stopped in his last three outings and and knocked out twice during his losing streak.  The last time he won as in June 2019.  

“Should he retire (if he loses to Pimblett)?  If he loses, I believe so even though Paddy Pimblett is a big favorite coming in.  He’s a big favorite because Tony has lost six times in a row.  The trend is showing us that the time in the limelight, the time at the top of the food chain is over for Tony Ferguson,” Bisping said.  “Seven in a row is normally time to hang it up.”