A Veteran’s View on the Main Event
Tony Ferguson offers rare insight into the UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight because he faced both competitors. He lost to Justin Gaethje by TKO in the fifth round at the start of the pandemic. Three years later, he went the distance with Paddy Pimblett in one of his final UFC bouts. Now he watches them chase the same interim belt he once held and believes that the interim tag will matter if the fight turns tough and becomes a battle of will.
Why Ferguson Favors the Brit
Ferguson trusts his judgement because he endured long, punishing rounds with both fighters. He fought Gaethje for five intense rounds and met Pimblett at the end of his run. Despite that, he backs Pimblett. He believes the interim title means more to the young Brit than to Gaethje, who already claimed it earlier in his career. Ferguson told Ariel Helwani on his show that Gaethje does not seek another interim belt, while Pimblett enters his first title chance full of hunger and energy.
Passion as the Deciding Factor
Ferguson says both men remain beatable, yet he sees passion as the key. He notes that Gaethje spent years chasing the undisputed title without success. Pimblett, he argues, brings fresh excitement into this moment. Ferguson says he would bet on the newcomer who wants his first major opportunity instead of the veteran who fought for gold before. He predicts a win for Pimblett and wishes both fighters luck, hoping they deliver a fierce battle.
