The first fight announcement for UFC 329 on July 11 features Damian Pinas facing Cesar Almeida in a middleweight bout as part of International Fight Week. Pinas is 1-0 in the UFC after debuting in February and is 24 years old with all his victories coming by finish and only one career loss by disqualification for an illegal strike. Almeida holds a 3-2 record in the UFC. The matchup pairs a promising newcomer against a more experienced UFC competitor. The announcement was sourced from Marcel Dorff.
A middleweight clash between Damian Pinas and Cesar Almeida has been announced for UFC 329 on July 11, marking the first confirmed bout for the event, which is set to take place during International Fight Week. The announcement was reported by Marcel Dorff.
Pinas, known as "The Babayaga," enters the fight at just 24 years old and carries a 9-1-0 professional record. He made his UFC debut in February and went 1-0 in his first outing, with his lone career loss coming by disqualification for an illegal strike. Every other result on his record has come by finish. Standing six-foot-one with a 79-inch reach and an aggressive output of 7.5 significant strikes landed per minute at 56 percent accuracy, he profiles as a high-volume finisher with considerable physical tools.
Almeida, nicknamed "Cesinha," is a 38-year-old Brazilian fighter out of Lotus MMA with a professional record of 7-2-0 and a 3-2 mark inside the UFC. He stands six-foot-one with a 74-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. His striking accuracy sits at an impressive 58 percent, and he lands 3.46 significant strikes per minute. He also shows a modest submission threat, averaging 0.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Pinas arrives as an undefeated UFC fighter with elite striking volume and a finish-heavy resume, making his stylistic intentions clear early in his UFC run
- Almeida brings greater UFC experience and superior striking accuracy, giving the matchup a clear contrast in approach
- A win for either fighter would strengthen their position in a competitive middleweight division and build momentum heading into the second half of 2026
