The UFC has officially announced a lightweight bout between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis for UFC 329 on July 11. According to reporter Ariel Helwani, the promotion is also planning to book Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for the same UFC 329 card, while Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry is being targeted for UFC 330. Additionally, Gor Azizyan, the coach of Sergei Pavlovich, has stated he would like a rematch with Alexander Volkov, claiming Volkov simply ran away during their previous fight and that Pavlovich only needs to adjust his tactics to secure victory. The post also mentions that Sean O'Malley was teaching Nina how to ride a motorcycle, with predictably poor teaching results, and that Anatoly Malykhin has turned down UFC offers, expressing loyalty to his current promotion.
The UFC has officially confirmed a lightweight matchup between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis for UFC 329, scheduled for July 11.
Pimblett, the Liverpool-born fan favorite, has built a reputation as one of the most entertaining fighters on the lightweight roster. His verified fighter data was not included in this report, but the booking places him in a significant step-up in competition against one of the division's hardest-hitting prospects.
Saint-Denis, known as "GDP," has likewise drawn attention for his explosive, pressure-based style. Fighter data for Saint-Denis was not included in the verified records for this report, but his reputation as a dangerous finisher makes this a meaningful lightweight contest.
Why it matters
- A win for either fighter could push them toward the top ten of a loaded lightweight division
- The card is shaping up to be one of the year's biggest events, with reporter Ariel Helwani noting the UFC is also targeting Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for the same UFC 329 bill
- Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound number one and reigning champion who carries a 28-1 record and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, is being targeted to defend against Ian Garry at UFC 330
- Heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov, ranked first in his division at 40-11-0, has drawn a call-out from the camp of Sergei Pavlovich, whose coach Gor Azizyan publicly stated that Volkov avoided engaging in their previous meeting and that tactical adjustments would lead to a different result in a rematch
