UFC 329 UnderCard: Who Headlining Before McGregor-Holloway?

UFC 329 UnderCard: Who Headlining Before McGregor-Holloway?

UFC 329 Under‑Card: McGregor‑Holloway Rematch

International Fight Week brings a jam‑packed UFC 329 card on July 11 in Las Vegas, starring the long‑awaited rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway. The main event marks McGregor’s return after a prolonged absence due to a broken tibia, while Holloway looks to rebound after a shaky stretch in the division. This clash of veteran firepower revives a 2013 showdown and carries implications for both fighters’ legacy bids. Fans can catch the full card on Paramount+ without a pay‑per‑view fee.

McGregor vs. Holloway: Rivalry Re‑Ignited

Conor McGregor, a multi‑division champ with a 22‑6 record, will step back into the Octagon after sitting out since 2021. The Irish star’s last fight ended with a tibial fracture, forcing a lengthy recovery. Max Holloway enters with a 27‑9 overall mark and a notable past as a former UFC featherweight champion and BMF title holder. Holloway’s recent form shows a 2‑2 slide over four contests, adding urgency to his performance. Their first encounter in 2013 saw McGregor secure a knockout victory, setting the stage for this fresh chapter.

Top Under‑Card Showdowns

Beyond the headliner, UFC 329 stages a series of compelling bouts that could influence future title races and showcase emerging talent. Notable lightweight, bantamweight and flyweight matches headline a field packed with ranked fighters and breakout prospects. These contests provide a platform for contenders to announce themselves on the sport’s biggest stages. The undercard also offers entertainment for early‑showing viewers, with preliminaries kicking off at 7 p.m. ET.

Lightweight Clash: Pimblett Takes on Saint‑Denis

Paddy Pimblett, ranked ninth at lightweight, arrives on a 23‑4 record after snapping a nine‑fight win streak with a loss to Justin Gaethje. The English fighter from Liverpool aims to reestablish momentum against Benoit Saint‑Denis. Saint‑Denis, a former French Foreign Legion paratrooper, holds a 17‑3‑1 record with one no‑contest, currently on a four‑fight winning run that includes two knockout triumphs. This matchup pits a top‑tier prospect against a relentless finisher, highlighting the depth of the lightweight division.

Bantamweight Battle: Sandhagen vs. Bautista

Cory Sandhagen, the “Sandman,” enters with an 18‑6 ledger and a recent 2‑2 pattern, including a loss in the UFC bantamweight title bout against Merab Dvalishvili. Ranked fourth, he looks to climb back toward a title shot with a win over fifth‑seed Mario Bautista. Bautista, boasting a 17‑3 record, had an eight‑fight winning streak halted by Umar Nurmagomedov but bounced back with a February submission victory over Vinicius Oliveira. Their contest signals a clash between two top‑five contenders fighting for positioning in a competitive weight class.

Flyweight Showdown: Royval Faces Newcomer Kavanagh

Brandon Royval, a former LFA champion who missed the UFC flyweight title in 2023, carries an 17‑9 record and a 2‑2 recent stretch that includes a two‑fight losing run. The “Raw Dawg” has secured nine victories by submission during his career. Kai Kamaka III, a 10‑1 prospect who impressed on Dana White’s Contender Series, took down former champion Brandon Moreno and shows a 2‑1 surge in his last three outings. This bout showcases a veteran fighter seeking resurgence against a rising Australian star.

Lightweight Battle of the Ages: King Green vs. McKinney

King Green, a 35‑year‑old veteran, holds a 35‑17‑1 record with a current three‑fight winning streak, underscoring his longevity as a top lightweight striker. He seeks to record four straight victories for the first time since 2012. Terrance McKinney, a 39‑year‑old with an 18‑8 ledger, claims the fastest lightweight finish in UFC history and boasts nine knockout wins alongside nine submissions. The All‑American wrestler is 3‑1 in his latest four appearances, offering a dynamic contrast to Green’s experience.

Light‑Heavyweight Show: Whittaker Returns to 205

Robert Whittaker, a former UFC middleweight champion, debuts at light heavyweight with a 26‑9 record, coming off a two‑fight losing streak that marks his first slide in over a decade. The Australian, born in New Zealand, steps into the 205‑lb division for the first time. Nikita Krylov, a 31‑11 fighter, has posted a 2‑2 recent record and a 1‑2 mark since his 2025 return after a year off, bolstered by thirteen knockout victories and sixteen submissions. Their fight signals Whittaker’s expansion while Krylov aims to reclaim form.

Heavyweight Debut: Steveson vs. Ellison

Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, makes his UFC debut at 3‑0 and hopes to go 2‑0 in 2025, marking his first appearance in the octagon. The 2020 gold medallist has dabbled in pro wrestling, football and boxing before transitioning to MMA. Elisha Ellison, who posted a 5‑2 record, saw his three‑fight win streak end during his UFC debut in September. The “Snack Panther” has secured four knockout victories to date.

Bantamweight Showdown: Garbrandt vs. Yanez

Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, with a 15‑7 record, broke a two‑fight losing streak in March for his first victory since 2023, leveraging his eleven knockout wins. The “No Love” fighter transitioned from football to dominate early in his MMA career. Adrian Yanez, a 32‑year‑old with a 17‑6‑1 ledger, seeks his first win since 2024 after a 1‑1‑1 run in his last three contests. Yanez has secured eleven knockout victories and remains a threat in the division.

Middleweight Fight: Riley vs. Kamaka III

Luke Riley, a 27‑year‑old from Liverpool, amassed a 13‑0 record and secured two UFC victories after standing out in Cage Warriors, delivering nine knockout wins. The middleweight prospect is unbeaten and aims to continue his momentum. Kai Kamaka III, with an 18‑7‑1 ledger, claims a two‑fight winning streak and looks to establish a 2‑0 record in his second run after competing for Bellator and the PFL.

Flyweight Women’s Bout: Cortez vs. Wang

Tracy Cortez, ranked eighth at flyweight with a 12‑3 record, follows a 2‑2 recent pattern while taking on former champions and top contenders, having competed on Dana White’s Contender Series. The fighter from Texas remains a pivotal figure in the division’s rankings. Wang Cong, a multi‑time Sanda gold medalist and accomplished kickboxer, entered the UFC via Season 3 of Road to UFC with a 9‑1 record, securing three consecutive wins and currently ranked tenth. Wang’s striking background adds depth to the women’s flyweight landscape.

Middleweight Clash: Pinas vs. Almeida

Damian Pinas, a 9‑1 contender from Aruba, owns a five‑fight winning streak and eight knockout victories, earning a reputation as “The Baby Yaga.” Pinas, now 2‑0 in the UFC, aims to continue his upward trajectory. Cesar Almeida, a former kickboxing champion with a 7‑2 record, experiences a 2‑2 recent slump after a promising start, holding five knockout wins and a 38‑year career. Almeida’s experience provides a seasoned test for Pinas’s rising momentum.

Bantamweight Talent: Basharat vs. Ewing

Farid Basharat, an Afghan‑born Englishman, remains undefeated at 15‑0 and holds the tenth ranking in bantamweight, showcasing six submission victories during his rise. Basharat seeks to extend his 2025 campaign to 2‑0. Ethyn Ewing, with a 10‑2 ledger, secures seven knockout wins and has not tasted defeat since 2022, winning eight of his last ten fights via finish. The “Professor Finesser” demonstrates consistent finishing ability and a strong recent performance streak.

Middleweight Finishers: Gandra vs. Reese

Ryan Gandra, a 9‑1 fighter, enjoys an eight‑fight winning streak that includes six knockout triumphs and a standout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series, marking a significant breakthrough. The middleweight prospect shows signs of sustained dominance. Zachary Reese, with a 10‑3 record and one no‑contest, posted a 2‑0 mark in 2025 that included a single NC, currently 1‑1 in his last two fights. Reese, known as “Savage,” possesses five knockout victories and remains a competitive middleweight contender.

When and Where to Watch

UFC 329 will stream live on Paramount+, accessible to subscribers at no additional charge, eliminating the need for pay‑per‑view. The preliminaries start at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT), while the main card kicks off at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) from the T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Paramount+ offers Essential (ad‑supported) for $8.99 per month or $89.99 annually, and Premium (ad‑free) for $13.99 per month or $139.99 yearly. In addition to MMA, the service provides a wide array of live sports, movies, and on‑demand programming for a comprehensive entertainment experience.


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