Paddy Pimblett defeats Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision as the British star earns the biggest win of his UFC career over lightweight icon in Vegas

British UFC star Paddy Pimblett scored his biggest career win in a unanimous decision over Tony Ferguson at UFC 296.  

Pimblett showed his grappling prowess through 15 minutes to score 30-27 in all three judges' score cards. 

The fight began with both men exchanging combinations on their feet. Pimblett finished the first round by scoring a knockdown and swarming Ferguson, who survived the flurry. 

In the second, Pimblett took advantage of an early slip by Ferguson and controlled majority of the round from above. 

Pimblett was visibly exhausted in the third but once again controlled the round on top of Ferguson. Pimblett pinned Ferguson through the final buzzer to secure the decision.

'An absolute legend though,' Pimblett said of Ferguson. 'Legend, it's a f****n honor to share the cage with him.

'You can't deny me then, I won every round quite easily.'

Before Saturday, Pimblett won six straight including his first four bouts in the UFC. Pimblett finished five of those fights, scoring two knockouts and three submissions. 

Pimblett now holds a 21-3 MMA record with six knockouts. However, fans continue to question his last decision win over Jared Gordon. The criticism appeared to fuel Pimblett to perform well against Ferguson.

'I feel better,' Pimblett said. 'I'm still a little bit disappointed that I did not get the finish but I'm glad with myself.' 

Ferguson has now lost his last seven fights after tying an incredible 12-fight win streak that spanned from 2013 to 2019. Ferguson was finished in his last three outings before falling to Pimblett on Saturday. 

Pimblett is tied with Benoit Saint Denis for the second longest active win streak in the UFC lightweight division. Pimblett and Saint Denis, at five each, trail lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's 12-fight win streak.