According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC's current plan includes Conor McGregor versus Max Holloway as the main event of UFC 329 on July 11. Additionally, UFC 330 on August 15 is planned to feature Islam Makhachev against Ian Garry in the headliner. The post does not provide further context on whether these are title fights or confirm venues. Both proposed matchups would be significant bouts featuring top-level talent across different weight classes.
Ariel Helwani is reporting that the UFC has mapped out two major events for the summer of 2026, with Conor McGregor set to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 and Islam Makhachev targeted to headline UFC 330 against Ian Garry on August 15. Neither matchup has been officially confirmed, and details around weight classes, title implications, and venues have not been provided.
McGregor, 37, carries a 22-6-0 record and returns as one of the sport's most recognizable figures. The southpaw from Dublin trains out of SBG Ireland and brings a six-foot-nine reach — 188 cm — to go with a career output of 5.32 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy.
Holloway, 34, is currently ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth in the pound-for-pound standings with a 27-9-0 record. The Hawaiian orthodox striker out of Gracie Technics is one of the most prolific volume punchers in the sport, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy.
Makhachev is the reigning welterweight champion, ranked first pound-for-pound at 34 years old with a 28-1-0 record. The Russian southpaw from Eagles MMA is a dominant wrestler, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Why it matters
- McGregor versus Holloway would reunite two fighters who previously met at featherweight, now potentially crossing paths at a different stage of both careers
- Makhachev defending against Garry would pit the pound-for-pound leader against a welterweight contender in what could be a title fight
- Both cards would carry significant divisional and pound-for-pound ranking implications across multiple weight classes
- As unconfirmed reports, the matchups remain subject to change until official UFC announcements are made
