The UFC has officially announced a matchup between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis for UFC 329 on July 11. According to Ariel Helwani, the promotion is also working on booking Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for UFC 329 and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330. Additionally, Gadzhi Azizyan, trainer to Sergei Pavlovich, stated he would like a rematch with Alexander Volkov, claiming Volkov only ran during their fight and that Pavlovich just needs to change tactics for victory. Dana White was also teaching Nina how to ride a motorcycle, with the post noting he's not the best instructor. Anatoly Malykhin explained why he won't move to the UFC despite offers, expressing loyalty to ONE Championship.
The UFC has officially confirmed a lightweight matchup between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis for UFC 329 on July 11, with Ariel Helwani also reporting the promotion is working to finalize several other high-profile bouts for the same event and beyond.
Pimblett, the charismatic Liverpool native, has built one of the sport's most passionate fanbases on his climb through the lightweight division. His matchup with Saint-Denis figures to be a significant step-up test as he continues pushing toward contender status.
Saint-Denis, the hard-charging French finisher, has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the division. A strong showing against Pimblett would further cement his place among lightweight's elite.
Why it matters
- The Pimblett-Saint-Denis booking gives UFC 329 a compelling lightweight clash with real divisional implications
- Helwani reports the UFC is also targeting Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for UFC 329; Holloway, ranked fourth at lightweight and ninth pound-for-pound at 34 years old, carries a 27-9 record and lands an exceptional 7.2 significant strikes per minute
- Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion ranked first pound-for-pound at 28-1, is being targeted to face Ian Garry at UFC 330; Makhachev averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and converts at 58 percent striking accuracy
- In other news, the camp of Sergei Pavlovich has called for a rematch with heavyweight number-one-ranked contender Alexander Volkov, a 37-year-old Russian standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach and a 40-11 record; trainer Gadzhi Azizyan claimed Volkov relied on movement in their previous fight and believes a tactical adjustment would yield a different result
