Ariel Helwani reports that the UFC is planning multiple high-profile bouts. Paddy Pimblett versus Benoit Saint-Denis is officially set for July 11 at UFC 329. According to Helwani, the UFC also intends to book Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor at UFC 329 and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry at UFC 330. Additionally, Alex Pereira and Max Holloway will appear on the covers of UFC 6, with Pereira on the base version and Holloway on the deluxe edition.
The UFC is reportedly mapping out an ambitious stretch of cards, with Ariel Helwani reporting plans for several marquee matchups across UFC 329 and UFC 330, though none beyond one confirmed bout should be considered official at this stage.
The one confirmed piece of the puzzle is Paddy Pimblett versus Benoit Saint-Denis, officially signed for UFC 329 on July 11. Pimblett, 31, is ranked sixth in the lightweight division and carries a 23-4-0 record fighting out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool. The Englishman averages 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy and is a persistent submission threat, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes, giving the matchup a dangerous finishing dimension on both ends.
According to Helwani's report, the UFC also intends to book Max Holloway against Conor McGregor at the same event. Holloway, 34, is currently ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth in the pound-for-pound rankings with a 27-9-0 record. Fighting out of Hawaii with Gracie Technics, the orthodox striker is one of the sport's most relentless volume fighters, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy.
The report further indicates that UFC 330 is being targeted for a lightweight title defense, with pound-for-pound number one Islam Makhachev set to face welterweight Ian Garry. Makhachev, a 34-year-old southpaw from Russia, holds a 28-1-0 record and is the reigning champion in his division. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 58 percent of his significant strikes, making him one of the most technically complete fighters in the sport.
Why it matters
- Holloway-McGregor at UFC 329 would be among the highest-profile bouts in recent memory, with Holloway ranked inside the lightweight top five
- Makhachev defending against Garry at UFC 330 would represent a significant cross-divisional challenge for the pound-for-pound leader
- None of the Holloway-McGregor or Makhachev-Garry matchups are officially confirmed, and all should be treated as reported plans only
