The UFC has officially announced a matchup between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis for July 11 at UFC 329. According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC is also working to finalize several other high-profile fights in the near future. These include Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor at UFC 329, and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry at UFC 330. The post also mentions that Guram Azizyan, who is Sergei Pavlovich's coach, expressed interest in a rematch with Alexander Volkov, claiming that Pavlovich only needs to change tactics since Volkov merely ran during their previous encounter.
The UFC has officially confirmed a lightweight bout between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis, scheduled for July 11 at UFC 329.
Pimblett, the Liverpool-born fan favorite, is an established presence in the lightweight division and one of the promotion's most recognizable personalities. Saint-Denis, the French contender known for his aggressive, high-pressure style, has been pushing toward the top of the 155-pound rankings. Fighter data for both men was not included in the verified records, so further statistical detail is not available at this time.
Beyond that confirmed matchup, the UFC is also working to finalize a number of other marquee bouts. According to reporter Ariel Helwani, a fight between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor is being targeted for the same UFC 329 card on July 11. Holloway, ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth on the pound-for-pound list, carries a 27-9 record at 34 years old. The Hawaii-born fighter represents Gracie Technics and averages an eye-catching 7.2 significant strikes landed per minute with 48 percent accuracy.
Separately, pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev, who now competes at welterweight, is being lined up against Ian Garry for UFC 330. The 34-year-old Russian champion holds a 28-1 record and is as dangerous on the mat as anywhere, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes for the Eagles MMA team.
Why it matters
- Pimblett vs. Saint-Denis adds a high-profile lightweight clash to what is shaping up as a stacked UFC 329 card
- A potential Holloway-McGregor fight would carry enormous commercial weight and divisional significance at lightweight
- Makhachev defending his status against Garry at UFC 330 keeps the welterweight title picture in sharp focus
- The Sergei Pavlovich camp has also signaled interest in a rematch with top-ranked heavyweight Alexander Volkov, who owns a 40-11 record and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, keeping the heavyweight division's contender picture active
