Damian Pinas vs Cesar Almeida announced for UFC 329 on July 11

The UFC has officially announced its first bout for UFC 329, scheduled for July 11 during International Fight Week. Middleweight prospect Damian Pinas will square off against Cesar Almeida in what figures to be a striking-heavy contest at 185 pounds.

Pinas, nicknamed "The Babayaga," is just 24 years old and carries a professional record of 9-1-0. He made his UFC debut in February and holds a 1-0 promotional record. Every career victory has come by finish, and his lone blemish on the record came by disqualification for an illegal strike. Standing six-foot-one with a notable 79-inch reach, Pinas is an orthodox striker who lands an eye-catching 7.5 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy, signaling an aggressive, high-output style.

Almeida, a 38-year-old Brazilian fighting out of Lotus MMA, enters with an overall record of 7-2-0 and a 3-2 mark inside the Octagon. Known as "Cesinha," the orthodox middleweight stands six-foot-one with a 74-inch reach. He lands 3.46 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy, demonstrating a more precise, measured striking approach. He shows minimal grappling output in his UFC numbers, with no recorded takedowns and just 0.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Pinas brings a massive reach advantage of five inches and nearly double the striking volume of Almeida
• A finish-heavy resume against Almeida's more accurate, measured approach sets up a compelling stylistic contrast
• A win for either fighter would carry weight in a middleweight division that rewards finishing ability
• The bout serves as a notable early addition to what is typically one of the UFC's highest-profile annual cards