The main card for UFC 329 during International Fight Week has been announced, featuring Conor McGregor's return. The card is notably lacking in star power beyond McGregor, raising concerns about the event's strength should the Irishman withdraw. The comparison is drawn to a situation from two years ago when McGregor's fight with Michael Chandler fell through, leaving a weak card that had to be hastily reinforced with a rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka. The author suggests that if McGregor were to pull out, Max Holloway versus Paddy Pimblett might become the main event. The recommendation is made for UFC to add insurance to the card, potentially by including Charles Oliveira versus Arman Tsarukyan, possibly even for the BMF belt.
The UFC has officially unveiled the main card for UFC 329, scheduled for July 11 during International Fight Week, with Conor McGregor's long-awaited return serving as the marquee attraction.
Beyond McGregor, the card is drawing scrutiny for a perceived lack of depth in star power. The concern echoes a situation from two years ago when McGregor's planned bout with Michael Chandler collapsed, leaving a severely thin card that required emergency reinforcement — ultimately patched with a rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka. Prochazka, now ranked second in the light heavyweight division at 33 years old, carries a record of 32-6-1 and is one of the more explosive finishers in the sport, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Should McGregor withdraw again, one scenario floated is a potential main event between Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett. Holloway, 34, holds a 27-9 record and currently sits fourth in the lightweight rankings and ninth pound-for-pound. Known for relentless output, "Blessed" lands 7.2 significant strikes per minute, among the highest volume rates in the division.
Why it matters
- UFC 329 leans heavily on McGregor's drawing power, creating significant risk if he does not make it to fight night
- A McGregor withdrawal would likely elevate Holloway vs. Pimblett to main event status, a step down in marquee value
- Adding Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan — potentially for the BMF belt — has been suggested as a way to insure the card's commercial viability
- Oliveira, ranked third at lightweight and 11th pound-for-pound, owns a 37-11 record and averages 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him one of the most dangerous finishers available at 155 pounds
Saturday, July 11, 2026
