According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC's current plan includes two major main events. UFC 329 on July 11 is set to feature Conor McGregor versus Max Holloway. UFC 330 on August 15 is planned to headline Islam Makhachev against Ian Garry. The Makhachev-Garry fight would represent a lightweight title defense against a rising welterweight contender. These matchups represent significant bookings for the UFC's summer schedule. Official confirmation from the promotion is still pending.
According to reporter Ariel Helwani, the UFC is reportedly planning two blockbuster main events for its summer schedule, with official confirmation from the promotion still outstanding.
The first reported booking would place Conor McGregor opposite Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11. McGregor, 37, carries a 22-6-0 record and fights out of SBG Ireland as a southpaw with a 74-inch reach — one of the longer weapons in the division. The Notorious averages 5.32 significant strikes per minute with 49 percent accuracy. Holloway, known as Blessed, comes in ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth pound-for-pound at 34 years old. The Hawaiian holds a 27-9-0 record and is one of the most prolific strikers in UFC history, averaging 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy out of an orthodox stance.
The second reported main event would headline UFC 330 on August 15, with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev putting his title on the line against welterweight contender Ian Garry. Makhachev, 34, fights out of Russia's Eagles MMA and carries a 28-1-0 record. The pound-for-pound number-one ranked fighter is a southpaw who blends elite grappling — averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes — with sharp striking at 58 percent accuracy. If the bout materializes, Garry would be moving up from welterweight to challenge for the 155-pound title.
Why it matters
- McGregor has not competed since 2021, making his reported return a major commercial event regardless of opponent
- A Holloway-McGregor matchup revisits a featherweight rivalry, now rebooked at lightweight
- Makhachev defending against a welterweight in Garry would be an unusual cross-divisional title challenge
- Both cards remain unconfirmed, and the matchups should be treated as reported plans rather than signed bouts
