UFC 296: Paddy Pimblett earns convincing decision win over Tony Ferguson

Pimblett earned the 21st win of his 24-fight career

Paddy Pimblett returned to action following a year out with a convincing victory over fellow lightweight Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 in Las Vegas.

Liverpool's Pimblett, 28, dominated the grappling exchanges throughout on his way to a unanimous decision win at the T-Mobile Arena.

Pimblett spent an extended time on the sidelines following ankle surgery in March.

"You could see I won every round, you can't dispute that," said Pimblett.

"I feel better. I'm still disappointed I didn't finish Tony, but I won every round."

Pimblett, who came into the bout unbeaten in his four-fight UFC career, was unhappy with his performance against American Jared Gordon 12 months ago.

The result of that bout raised eyebrows among MMA fighters and pundits, with many believing Gordon should have been awarded the victory.

Before Pimblett made his walkout, the UFC played a promotional video, with Pimblett vowing to "give the fans their money's worth" after "disappointing them" in his previous performance.

Former interim champion Ferguson, meanwhile, was hoping to end a six-fight losing streak.

The popular Ferguson spent part of his training camp alongside ultra-endurance athlete David Goggins in hope of breathing new life into his career, and was cornered by the American for the fight with Pimblett.

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Sporting a new braided hairstyle and cheered on by team-mate Molly McCann who was watching at octagon-side, Pimblett was mostly booed by fans as he danced his way out, while Ferguson, entering a UFC fight for the 23rd time in his career, was passionately cheered.

As the fight began Pimblett appeared to attempt a glove-touch as a sign of respect to Ferguson, which the American declined.

The early stages saw Ferguson pushing forward and landing punch combinations, bloodying Pimblett's nose, with the Briton responded by attacking with leg and body kicks.

As the round progressed, Pimblett stunned Ferguson with a number of straight rights, before delivering the significant moment towards the end of the five minutes.

Pimblett landed a flying knee on Ferguson, dropping the American, before delivering a number of strikes on the ground.

Ferguson survived until the bell, but the second and third rounds would bring little joy for the veteran.

Pimblett dominated the second round on the ground, before taking the fight to the canvas once more in the final five minutes.

With the crowd sensing Ferguson needed a finish to win the fight, they tried to urge the American on with chants of "Tony, Tony", and although he attempted guillotine and triangle submission attempts with time running out, it was in vain.

As the bell rung, signifying the end of the fight, Pimblett raised his arms, confident of victory, while Ferguson trudged over to his corner.

After embracing Ferguson, Pimblett paid tribute to the UFC stalwart when the scorecards confirmed him as the winner.

"[Ferguson] is an absolute legend. Everyone give a round of applause to Tony Ferguson. Legend. How did he survive that first round?" said Pimblett.

"[Grappling] was part of the gameplan. A couple of weeks ago I got my second degree black belt and I haven't shown much of my grappling. When I get on top of you, I'm like a blanket. You can't get me off."