The UFC has officially announced Paddy Pimblett versus Renato Moicano for UFC 329 on July 11. Additionally, according to Ariel Helwani, the UFC is planning to book Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for UFC 329 and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330 in the near future. Guram Azizyan, trainer of Sergei Pavlovich, stated he would like a rematch with Alexander Volkov, claiming Volkov only ran during their previous fight and that Pavlovich simply needs to change tactics to win. Anatoly Malykhin explained why he won't move to the UFC despite receiving offers, citing loyalty to his current promotion's boss who gave him opportunities when no one else would. Alex Pereira and Max Holloway will appear on the covers of UFC 6, with Pereira on the standard edition and Holloway on the deluxe version.
The UFC has made Paddy Pimblett versus Renato Moicano official for UFC 329 on July 11, giving the lightweight division a high-profile matchup to build toward the summer card.
Pimblett, the Liverpool-born crowd favorite known for his entertaining performances inside the octagon, has built a significant following since joining the UFC roster. His opponent, Renato Moicano, is a Brazilian veteran whose recent run in the lightweight division has put him firmly in the conversation among the division's top contenders.
The UFC 329 card is shaping up to be a stacked event. According to reporter Ariel Helwani, the promotion is also planning to book Max Holloway against Conor McGregor for that same card. Holloway, ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth in the pound-for-pound standings, carries a 27-9 record and is one of the most prolific strikers in the sport at 34 years old. The Hawaii native lands 7.2 significant strikes per minute and connects at a 48 percent accuracy rate, numbers that rank among the best in the division.
Looking further ahead, Helwani also reports the UFC is targeting Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330. Makhachev, the reigning welterweight world champion and the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the roster, holds a 28-1 record. The 34-year-old Russian is a dominant grappler, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Why it matters
- Pimblett vs. Moicano gives UFC 329 a marquee lightweight fight with real ranking implications for both men
- Holloway's reported booking against McGregor would add enormous mainstream attention to the July 11 card
- A Makhachev title defense against Garry at UFC 330 would pit the pound-for-pound king against one of welterweight's fastest-rising names
