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 planning to book Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for UFC 329 and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330. Additionally, Guram Kutateladze's coach Gor Azizyan stated he would like a rematch with Alexander Volkov, claiming Volkov only ran during their previous fight and that a tactical adjustment is all Kutateladze needs for victory. Anatoly Malykhin explained why he won't move to the UFC despite receiving offers, citing loyalty to his current promotion's leadership.
The UFC has officially confirmed a lightweight clash between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis for UFC 329 on July 11.
Pimblett, the colorful Liverpool native known for his substantial fanbase and aggressive grappling style, steps into one of his most significant assignments yet against the hard-charging French finisher Saint Denis. Fighter data for both men was not included in the verified database for this report, but the matchup represents a meaningful step up in the lightweight division for the Scouser.
The confirmed fight is not the only notable booking tied to UFC 329. According to reporter Ariel Helwani, the UFC is also working to finalize Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for the same card. Holloway, ranked fourth at lightweight and ninth pound-for-pound at 34 years old, carries a 27-9 record and lands a remarkable 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. The American out of Gracie Technics has long been one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers.
Separately, pound-for-pound number one and welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is being targeted for UFC 330 against Ian Garry. The 34-year-old Russian, who holds a 28-1 record, is a complete fighter, landing 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and attempting 1.1 submissions per 15 minutes while connecting on 58 percent of his strikes.
On the fringes of the news cycle, the coach of Guram Kutateladze expressed a desire for a rematch with heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov, claiming a tactical adjustment would be enough for his fighter to earn a different result. Volkov, ranked first in the heavyweight division at 37, holds a 40-11 record and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach.
Why it matters
- Pimblett vs Saint Denis is now locked in, raising the stakes for both men in a crowded lightweight division
- A potential Holloway vs McGregor booking would be one of the highest-profile fights in recent UFC history
- Makhachev's rumored UFC 330 defense against Garry would be another title challenge for the dominant welterweight champion
