The UFC has officially announced that Paddy Pimblett will face Benoit Saint-Denis on July 11 at UFC 329. According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC is also working on booking Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for UFC 329, and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330. Ghor Azizyan, coach to fighters like Pavlovich, stated he wants a rematch with Alexander Volkov, claiming Volkov only ran during their previous encounter and that Pavlovich needs to change tactics for a victory. Additionally, Alex Pereira and Max Holloway will appear on the cover of EA Sports UFC 6.
The UFC has officially announced a lightweight showdown between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis, set to take place July 11 at UFC 329.
Pimblett brings considerable fan interest into the matchup, having built a loud following since his UFC debut. Saint-Denis, known for his aggressive, pressure-heavy style, has established himself as one of the more dangerous up-and-coming names in the 155-pound division.
UFC 329 is shaping up to be a stacked card. According to reporter Ariel Helwani, the promotion is also working to finalize Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for the same event. Holloway, ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth in the pound-for-pound rankings, holds a 27-9 record and is one of the most prolific strikers in the sport at 34 years old. The Hawaiian lands 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, numbers that have defined his reputation as a volume striking specialist. A separate report also indicates the UFC is targeting Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330. Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion and the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, carries a 28-1 record and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a 58 percent striking accuracy at age 34.
On the heavyweight front, coach Ghor Azizyan, who works with Sergei Pavlovich among others, has publicly called for a rematch against Alexander Volkov. Azizyan claimed Volkov was evasive throughout their previous meeting and said Pavlovich will need to adjust his approach to secure a win in a second bout. Volkov, ranked first in the heavyweight division at 37 years old, owns a 40-11 record and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, giving him one of the most imposing physical profiles in the sport.
Away from competition, Alex Pereira and Max Holloway have been confirmed as cover athletes for EA Sports UFC 6.
Why it matters
- Pimblett vs Saint-Denis adds a high-profile lightweight clash to an already ambitious UFC 329 card
- Makhachev moving to welterweight for a potential UFC 330 main event would carry significant divisional implications
- Volkov vs Pavlovich II, if pursued, would have direct bearing on the heavyweight title picture given Volkov's number-one ranking
