The UFC has officially announced a lightweight bout between Paddy Pimblett and Renato Moicano for UFC 329 on July 11. The fight pits the popular English fighter against the French contender in what promises to be a high-profile matchup. Both fighters are ranked contenders looking to move up in the lightweight division. The announcement comes as part of the UFC's summer schedule.
The UFC has officially confirmed a lightweight showdown between Paddy Pimblett and Renato Moicano for UFC 329, scheduled for July 11, 2026.
Pimblett, the 31-year-old from England who trains out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, enters the bout ranked sixth in the lightweight division with a professional record of 23-4-0. Known for his high-volume offensive output, "The Baddy" lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate, and he is a constant submission threat, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach, the orthodox fighter has built one of the sport's most recognizable profiles since joining the UFC roster.
Moicano brings a record of 21-7-1 into the contest. The 37-year-old orthodox fighter is currently ranked 13th at lightweight and stands five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach. His game is built around a consistent grappling attack, averaging 1.68 takedowns per 15 minutes, while he also contributes 4.1 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Pimblett enters as the higher-ranked fighter at sixth, giving him a chance to push deeper into title contention with a strong performance.
- Moicano, ranked 13th, faces a significant step up in divisional standing and would vault himself back into the top ten with a victory.
- The stylistic contrast is notable: Pimblett's submission volume against Moicano's takedown-heavy approach sets up a compelling grappling dynamic alongside the striking exchanges.
- A win for either man directly shapes the lightweight rankings picture heading into the second half of 2026.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
