Multiple high-profile UFC matchups are reportedly in the works according to Ariel Helwani. Paddy Pimblett versus Benoit Saint-Denis is officially set for July 11 at UFC 329. The UFC is planning Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for UFC 329, and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330. Additionally, Gadzhi Azizyan, trainer of Sergei Pavlovich, stated he would like a rematch with Alexander Volkov, claiming Volkov only ran during their fight and Pavlovich simply needs to change tactics. Anatoly Malykhin explained why he's staying with ONE Championship despite UFC offers, citing loyalty to the promotion that gave him opportunities when others wouldn't.
A wave of major UFC matchups is reportedly taking shape, according to reporting from Ariel Helwani, though none of the bouts beyond one have been officially confirmed by the promotion as of late April 2026.
The one confirmed booking is Paddy Pimblett versus Benoit Saint-Denis, officially set for July 11 at UFC 329. Beyond that, the UFC is said to be planning Max Holloway against Conor McGregor, also targeted for UFC 329, and a lightweight title bout between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry slated for UFC 330.
Holloway, 34, holds a 27-9 record and is currently ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth pound-for-pound. The Hawaiian is one of the sport's most prolific strikers, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. A reported clash with McGregor would represent a massive commercial event regardless of divisional context.
Makhachev enters any conversation as the dominant force at 155 pounds. The 34-year-old Russian holds a 28-1 record, is the reigning champion, and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of Eagles MMA, the southpaw averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects on 58 percent of his significant strikes, making him a suffocating presence in any matchup.
Separately, the heavyweight division carries its own subplot. The trainer of Sergei Pavlovich, Gadzhi Azizyan, has voiced interest in a rematch with Alexander Volkov, arguing that Volkov avoided engagement in their previous meeting and that Pavlovich would approach a second fight with adjusted tactics. Volkov, 37, is the top-ranked heavyweight contender and carries a 40-11 record. The six-foot-seven Russian, fighting out of Strela Team, lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Holloway vs. McGregor, if confirmed, would be among the UFC's biggest commercial events in years
- Makhachev vs. Garry would put the lightweight title on the line against a rising welterweight crossover challenger
- A Pavlovich-Volkov rematch could have direct implications for the top of the heavyweight contender rankings
