Paddy Pimblett versus Renato Moicano (listed as Sén-Deni, likely Moicano or a mistranslation) is officially booked for UFC 329 on July 11. According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC is planning Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor for UFC 329 and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry for UFC 330. Guram Azizyan, coach of Sergei Pavlovich, stated he would like a rematch with Alexander Volkov, claiming Volkov only ran during their fight and that Pavlovich needs only a tactical adjustment to win. Sean Strickland was seen teaching Nina drama (likely Nina-Marie Daniele or Nina Nunes) how to ride a motorcycle, with observers noting he is not the best instructor. Anatoly Malykhin explained why he won't move to the UFC despite offers, citing loyalty to his current promotion's boss who gave him opportunities when no one else would.
Paddy Pimblett and Renato Moicano are officially booked to meet at UFC 329 on July 11, adding a high-profile lightweight clash to what is shaping up to be a stacked card. Separate reports from Ariel Helwani indicate that Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry are being targeted for UFC 329 and UFC 330 respectively, though those bouts have not been formally announced.
Holloway, ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth on the pound-for-pound list, carries a 27-9 record into any prospective matchup. The 34-year-old Hawaiian is one of the sport's most prolific strikers, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. A rumored pairing with McGregor would be one of the most commercially significant fights the division has seen in years.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion and the top-ranked fighter pound-for-pound, holds a 28-1 record and has built his dominance on elite grappling. The 34-year-old Russian averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands submission attempts at a rate of 1.1 per 15 minutes, making him a nightmare for any opponent on the mat. A potential date with Ian Garry at UFC 330 has not been confirmed.
Why it matters
- The Pimblett-Moicano booking gives UFC 329 a proven lightweight draw in Pimblett alongside the officially confirmed card
- A Holloway-McGregor fight would be one of the biggest box-office events in recent UFC history, with Holloway's elite striking volume making for a compelling stylistic test
- Makhachev versus Garry, if confirmed, would put the pound-for-pound king's grappling-heavy game against a rising welterweight contender, with significant title implications in a competitive 170-pound division
