The main card for UFC 329 during International Fight Week has drawn criticism for lacking sufficient star power beyond Conor McGregor. While McGregor's presence historically guaranteed strong interest, concerns have emerged given his unreliability, as evidenced by his last-minute withdrawal two years ago that left a weaker card salvaged by a hastily arranged Pereira-Prochazka rematch. The author expresses belief that McGregor is serious about returning this time but warns that if the Irishman pulls out again, the headliner could drop to something like Holloway versus Pimblett. The suggestion is made that the UFC should add insurance by booking another major fight, such as Oliveira versus Tsarukyan, potentially even for the BMF belt. The overall sentiment is that the promotion should not rely solely on McGregor given his recent track record.
The main card for UFC 329, scheduled for July 11 during International Fight Week, has drawn criticism for leaning too heavily on Conor McGregor as its sole marquee attraction, raising questions about whether the promotion has done enough to protect itself if the headliner falls through.
McGregor's presence has historically been enough to carry an event on its own, but his track record gives pause. Two years ago, a last-minute withdrawal forced the UFC to salvage the card with a hastily arranged Alex Pereira versus Jiri Prochazka rematch. The commentary around UFC 329 reflects a belief that McGregor is serious about returning this time, while still warning that the promotion is taking a significant risk by not securing a backup attraction of similar magnitude.
Among the names floated as a potential insurance fight is a lightweight pairing between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, with the BMF belt mentioned as a possible added incentive. Should McGregor pull out, a fallback main event between Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett has also been raised as a plausible, if less glamorous, alternative.
Why it matters
- Oliveira, ranked third at lightweight with a 37-11-0 record, is one of the division's most dynamic finishers, averaging 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 2.22 takedowns
- Holloway, fourth-ranked at lightweight and ninth pound-for-pound, lands an elite 7.2 significant strikes per minute and carries genuine star power at 34
- Pimblett, ranked sixth in the division at 31, holds a 23-4-0 record and has built a devoted following that generates real pay-per-view interest
- Without a confirmed backup fight, the card's commercial ceiling remains entirely dependent on one fighter with a recent history of late withdrawals
Saturday, July 11, 2026
