The UFC has officially announced a lightweight bout between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis for UFC 329 on July 11. According to Ariel Helwani, the promotion is also planning to book Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for the same UFC 329 card. Additionally, Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry is being targeted for UFC 330. Guram Azizyan, trainer to Sergei Pavlovich, 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 win. Anatoly Malykhin explained why he's declining UFC offers despite having opportunities, citing loyalty to his current promotion's boss who supported him when no one else would.
The UFC has officially confirmed a lightweight matchup between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis for UFC 329 on July 11, with the promotion also assembling what could be one of its most stacked cards in recent memory.
Pimblett, the Liverpool-born fan favourite who has built a massive following since joining the UFC, will look to continue his push through the lightweight division against a dangerous French finisher in Saint Denis. The verified fighter data for Pimblett and Saint Denis was not included in the database pull for this report, but their pairing signals the UFC's intent to give Pimblett a significant step-up test.
According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC is also planning to book Max Holloway against Conor McGregor for the same UFC 329 card. Holloway, ranked fourth at lightweight and ninth in the pound-for-pound standings, carries a 27-9 record and is one of the most prolific strikers in the sport, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. The 34-year-old Hawaiian trains out of Gracie Technics and brings an orthodox stance and a 69-inch reach into every contest.
Separately, Islam Makhachev is being targeted for UFC 330. The reigning welterweight champion — now listed at 28-1 and ranked number one pound-for-pound — is reportedly being lined up to face Ian Garry. The 34-year-old Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 58 percent of his significant strikes, making him one of the most complete fighters on the roster.
Why it matters
- Pimblett vs Saint Denis adds significant lightweight division weight to what is shaping up as a blockbuster UFC 329 card
- A potential Holloway vs McGregor booking on the same night would make UFC 329 one of the highest-profile events in years
- Makhachev's reported UFC 330 target puts the pound-for-pound king back in action, with welterweight rankings implications depending on Garry's current standing
