The UFC has officially announced a lightweight bout between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis for UFC 329 on July 11th. According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC is also planning to book Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for UFC 329, Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330, and discussing a potential rematch between Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich. Gor Azizyan, trainer of Pavlovich, stated he would like the Volkov rematch, claiming Alexander only ran during their first fight and that Pavlovich simply needs to change tactics to win. Anatoly Malykhin explained why he won't join the UFC despite receiving offers, citing loyalty to his current organization and gratitude to the boss who gave him opportunities when no one else would.
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 devoted following through his aggressive, submission-heavy style and outspoken personality. The bout gives him a significant test as he looks to push into the lightweight rankings.
Saint Denis enters as one of Europe's most exciting lightweight prospects, known for his relentless pace and grappling credentials. The Frenchman has been pushing for a marquee assignment, and a fight with Pimblett on a major card delivers exactly that.
Beyond the confirmed main attraction, reporter Ariel Helwani has indicated the UFC is planning additional high-profile bookings around the same period. Max Holloway, currently ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth pound-for-pound at 34 years old, is reportedly being targeted to face Conor McGregor at UFC 329 as well. Holloway carries a 27-9 record and lands an exceptional 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, making him one of the most relentless volume strikers in the sport.
Lightweight and welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, 34, holding a 28-1 record and ranked first pound-for-pound, is reportedly being lined up against Ian Garry at UFC 330. Makhachev's game is built on suffocating grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.1 submission attempts, complemented by 58 percent striking accuracy.
In the heavyweight division, a potential rematch between Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich is reportedly under discussion. Volkov, 37, stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach and holds a 40-11 record, currently ranked first in the heavyweight division. Pavlovich's trainer Gor Azizyan publicly stated his fighter simply needs to adjust his tactics to get a different result, characterizing Volkov's performance in their first meeting as evasive.
Separately, pound-for-pound standout Anatoly Malykhin addressed why he has declined UFC overtures, citing loyalty to his current organization and a sense of obligation to the leadership that supported him early in his career.
Why it matters
- Pimblett versus Saint Denis is now officially set, giving the lightweight division a high-profile European clash on July 11
- Holloway's reported return against McGregor would be one of the most commercially significant bouts the UFC has assembled in years
- Makhachev facing Garry would represent the champion stepping into a welterweight challenge with major title implications
