Liverpudlian fighter Paddy Pimblett is set to make his comeback in Las Vegas after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of action for over a year. Pimblett will face seasoned lightweight Tony Ferguson at UFC 296, scheduled to take place at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night.

The 28-year-old last fought at the T-Mobile Arena, securing a unanimous decision win over Jared Gordon, a victory met with some controversy. Pimblett aims to dispel any doubts about his capabilities this time by becoming the first UFC fighter to stop Tony Ferguson in the first round.

“I just want to get a fast finish – I want to be the first person to finish Tony Ferguson in the first round,” Pimblett expressed to Sky Sports. He acknowledges the need to showcase himself as a different fighter and erase any lingering doubts about his previous performance.

Despite a significant layoff due to ankle surgery, Pimblett remains confident and anticipates an old-school, hard-hitting encounter with Ferguson. He envisions a battle, complete with visible signs of the fight, emphasizing his desire for a war in the octagon.

Pimblett’s return aligns with the UFC 296 card, where fellow Brit Leon Edwards defends his UFC welterweight title against Colby Covington in the main event. Pimblett expects Edwards to overcome the challenge, citing Edwards’ impressive takedown defense against Usman and predicting a successful title defense.

As Pimblett gears up for his comeback, he aims to not only secure a victory but also leave an indelible mark with an impressive performance in the octagon.