The UFC 329 main card for International Fight Week has been revealed and appears notably lacking in star power beyond Conor McGregor's return. The analyst notes this was previously acceptable when McGregor was reliable, but his two-year absence from the Chandler situation demonstrates he can no longer be counted on. If McGregor were to pull out again, the headliner would potentially be Max Holloway versus Paddy Pimblett, which would not be sufficient for such a major event. The post references the weak card from two years ago when McGregor-Chandler fell through and Pereira-Prochazka had to be hastily arranged as a rematch, resulting in disappointing overall impressions. The author suggests UFC should add insurance by booking another major fight, such as Charles Oliveira versus Arman Tsarukyan, possibly even for the BMF belt. Despite concerns, the author still believes McGregor is serious about returning and will actually compete this time.
The UFC 329 main card for International Fight Week on July 11 has been announced, and early reaction suggests the event is heavily dependent on Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to the Octagon — with little star power to fall back on if things go sideways again.
The concern is rooted in history. Two years ago, the McGregor-Michael Chandler bout collapsed, forcing UFC to scramble a rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka as a replacement headliner. The result was a card widely considered underwhelming for an event of that stature. Critics argue that McGregor's extended absences have eroded his reliability as a cornerstone of a major card, even if some observers still believe he is genuinely committed to competing this time.
Should McGregor withdraw again, the potential headliner would fall to a lightweight clash between Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett. Holloway, 34, enters ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth pound-for-pound, carrying a 27-9 record. The Hawaiian is one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute with 48 percent accuracy. Pimblett, ranked sixth at lightweight, is 31 years old and holds a 23-4 record. The Liverpool native lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute and adds a submission threat, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes. That matchup has genuine fan appeal but would be a difficult sell as the headline act for International Fight Week.
Why it matters
- McGregor's reliability is a genuine organizational risk given his recent history of prolonged inactivity
- A Holloway vs. Pimblett headliner, while entertaining, carries insufficient weight for UFC's marquee annual event
- Adding Charles Oliveira — ranked third at lightweight and eleventh pound-for-pound with a 37-11 record — against Arman Tsarukyan has been floated as insurance, potentially for the BMF belt
- UFC's lightweight division has the depth to fortify the card; the question is whether matchmakers act before it becomes necessary
Saturday, July 11, 2026
