Image source, Getty Images

Paddy Pimblett burst on to the scene with his shaggy blonde hair when he stopped Luigi Vendramini in the first round on his UFC debut in 2021.

The Liverpudlian, who already had a huge following in England due to his stint in Cage Warriors where he was a two-weight champion, continued to build momentum when he claimed back-to-back submission victories against Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt - both in London - in 2022.

He made it four wins on the bounce with the UFC in December 2022, however, beating Jared Gordon by unanimous decision in Las Vegas, but many felt the decision should have gone the other way.

Pimblett has not had the opportunity to silence his critics in the meantime after undergoing ankle surgery in March.

Tonight he gets that chance to since one again on the grand stage when he faces former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson.

"It's great to be back. Sitting on the couch for months not being able to walk, never mind not being able to train, is a killer, but we're back now and I'll make a statement on Saturday night," said Pimblett.

"Tony's very unorthodox but you've got to focus on yourself and that's what I've done this camp - focused on myself, got myself better and that's it."

Image source, Getty Images

We've become accustomed to seeing Paddy Pimblett being outspoken during his time in the UFC.

But something was different at Thursday's press conference, at least in the early stages, as Pimblett looked calm and avoided conflict with opponent Tony Ferguson.

A new Pimblett?

It wasn't long until he was deep in a verbal back and forth with Ferguson as the 39-year-old American, who has lost six in a row, managed to spark Pimblett into life.

"I can't wait to bring the heat out of you, I hope the old Tony turns up, not this washed up one," said Pimblett.

"I've already beat you mentally, you haven't got a clue. Take your shades off. You tried to stare me out earlier and looked away first, I've already beaten you."

Josh Emmett claimed a stunning one-punch knockout win against Bryce Mitchell to get the main card under way.

It was pretty concerning for a moment as Mitchell looked in great discomfort on the floor, but he was eventually helped out of the octagon.

It's Paddy Pimblett up next against veteran tony Ferguson.

Image source, Getty Images

Coffee prepped? Matchsticks at the ready? Cold shower?

Do whatever you need to do to ensure you can go the distance on this one, we've got a cracker from UFC 296 to close out 2023.

Birmingham's Leon Edwards tops the bill, making the second defence of his welterweight title, against Colby Covington in the main event.

There's also a title on the line in the co-main with Alexandre Pantoja making the first defence of his flyweight belt against Brandon Royval.

Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett features earlier on the main card after over a year out of the octagon with injury as he looks to make a statement against veteran Tony Ferguson.

And... if that isn't enough to get you going, how about a little sprinkling of boxing too?

That's right, London's Sunny Edwards, who holds the IBF flyweight title, takes on WBO flyweight champion Jesse Rodriguez in a unification bout in Arizona.

Let's go!