According to Ariel Helwani, UFC is planning several major fights in the near future. Paddy Pimblett versus Benoit Saint-Denis is officially set for UFC 329 on July 11. Additionally, the promotion aims to book Max Holloway against Conor McGregor for UFC 329, and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330. Gadzhi Azizyan, coach to several Russian fighters, expressed interest in a rematch between his fighter Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov, claiming Volkov only ran during their first fight and that a tactical change would lead to Pavlovich's victory. Sean Strickland was also spotted teaching Nina Nunes to ride a motorcycle, with observers noting his teaching skills were questionable.
Reports emerged this week, attributed to journalist Ariel Helwani, that the UFC is planning several high-profile bouts in the coming months — though none beyond the Paddy Pimblett versus Benoit Saint-Denis matchup has been officially confirmed.
The one confirmed booking is Pimblett against Saint-Denis, set for UFC 329 on July 11. Beyond that, the promotion is reportedly targeting a lightweight showdown between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor for the same card, as well as Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry at UFC 330. Both of those matchups remain unconfirmed at this stage.
Holloway, ranked fourth at lightweight and ninth in the pound-for-pound standings, carries a 27-9 record and is one of the sport's most prolific strikers, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. The 34-year-old American out of Gracie Technics stands five-foot-eleven with a 69-inch reach.
Makhachev, the current welterweight champion and the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the roster, holds a 28-1 record. The 34-year-old Russian fights out of Eagles MMA and is a dominant grappler, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. A potential clash with welterweight contender Ian Garry would represent a significant stylistic challenge for both men.
Separately, coach Gadzhi Azizyan — who works with several Russian fighters including Sergei Pavlovich — went on record expressing interest in a rematch between Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov. Azizyan claimed Volkov relied on movement and evasion throughout their first encounter and suggested a tactical adjustment would result in a different outcome for Pavlovich.
Why it matters
- The Holloway-McGregor and Makhachev-Garry pairings are unconfirmed reports, not official bookings
- A Makhachev title defence against Garry would carry major welterweight ranking implications
- Holloway at lightweight, ranked fourth, would be pursuing a significant scalp in McGregor should the fight materialise
- Azizyan's public call-out keeps the Pavlovich-Volkov heavyweight rivalry in the conversation
