Around a year ago, Paddy Pimblett took part in one of the most controversial UFC fights of 2022. 

The Liverpool man, fighting in his fourth UFC bout after securing impressive finishes in his first three, was paired with the gritty Jared Gordon in a fight in which Pimblett vowed to impress in what was his pay-per-view debut in the co-main event of UFC 282. And while he ultimately had his hand raised, the manner of his victory was the source of fierce debate.

Pimblett, who was awarded a unanimous 29-28 decision, was heavily criticised for what some analysts saw as a below-par performance — with the vast majority of media members polled stating their belief that Gordon should have been declared the winner after appearing to outstrike the Englishman and score about six minutes of total control time.

Pimblett would later reveal that he suffered a severe ankle injury early in the first round which curtailed his performance, and which required several surgeries throughout 2023 which have sidelined him until this weekend where he will take on one of the UFC lightweight division’s most iconic fighters, Tony Ferguson.