UFC 329 Undercard Preview: Whittaker vs. Krylov Headliner

Main Event Spotlight: Whittaker Returns to Light‑Heavyweight

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker headlines the prelims slate as he steps up to light‑heavyweight against Nikita Krylov. The odds favor Whittaker at -148, while the “Miner” sits at +124, reflecting his comeback after a two‑year absence. Whittaker’s middleweight tenure ended with a string of injuries and a decisive loss to Israel Adesanya, yet he remains a proven title challenger who turned the 2015 TUF Smashes season into a world‑class career. Krylov, once a punchline when he arrived in 2013, has reinvented himself with a more passive, durable style that surprised fans when he twice submitted within rounds earlier this year. This fight could signal whether the 35‑year‑old Aussie can still thrive outside his comfort zone at 205 pounds.

Whittaker’s pedigree includes an interim middleweight title win over Yoel Romero, a rapid knockout streak in Australia’s regional circuit, and a reputation for high‑level wrestling that few opponents can neutralize. Krylov’s résumé boasts a dogged survivor’s chin, a knack for grinding out wins via submission, and a recent shift toward a more cautious approach after a string of early finishes. The contrast in styles suggests a potential showdown: Whittaker’s power and reach versus Krylov’s relentless pressure and grip fighting. If the former champ can land his signature boxing burst early, the fight may be over quickly; otherwise, the bout could linger, testing both fighters’ stamina.

Rising Olympian Gable Steveson Makes His UFC Debut

Olympic gold‑medalist Gable Steveson finally steps into the octagon against veteran Elisha Ellison in the heavyweight division. Steveson opens as a massive favorite at -2800, while Ellison sits a long shot at +1300. The 22‑year‑old prodigy has spent years bouncing between pro wrestling, football, and mixed martial arts, finally turning professional last year after a scattered amateur run. Ellison, a regional fighter who fell out of the UFC in late 2021, brings gritty counter‑punching experience but has struggled against wrestlers in past UFC appearances. This matchup pits Steveson’s raw Olympic grappling against Ellison’s gritty, pressure‑filled style, offering fans a chance to see how quickly the wrestling champion can adapt to professional mixed‑martial‑arts demands.

Steveson’s Olympic pedigree includes multiple collegiate titles and a gold medal at age 21, credentials that have not yet translated into fight‑game polish. Ellison’s career highlights include a win over Brando Pericic in the UFC’s first fight, where his patience paid off. The odds suggest a one‑sided affair, yet the undercard could benefit from a competitive display from Ellison, keeping the bout interesting and providing a gauge on whether Steveson’s talent alone can dominate at the highest level. A first‑round stoppage for Steveson would reinforce the notion that Olympic wrestling can be a seamless transition to UFC success.

Adrian Yanez Seeks Redemption Against Former Champion Cody Garbrandt

Former top bantamweight prospect Adrian Yanez returns after a two‑year layoff, facing Cody Garbrandt in a battle of contrasting trajectories. The odds list Yanez as the favorite at -410, with Garbrandt sitting at +320. Yanez, a knockout‑artist who earned his UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, suffered three straight losses before disappearing from the sport in 2025. Garbrandt, once a dominant champion in 2016, has been a punch‑line fighter, known for quick hands but a lack of strategic depth. This bout could mark a turning point for Yanez, who is riding momentum from a drawn but impressive comeback performance in March. For Garbrandt, it’s an opportunity to prove he still retains enough explosiveness to compete at the top level.

Yanez’s strengths lie in his aggressive striking and knockout power, but his defensive lapses have cost him dearly. Garbrandt’s greatest asset remains his lightning‑fast punches, though he often struggles to adjust when caught on the defensive. The matchup will test Yanez’s improvements in grappling against Garbrandt’s ability to absorb punishment while waiting for an opening. If Yanez can stay disciplined and avoid early damage, the second‑round knockout prediction holds merit; however, Garbrandt’s trademark speed could still create a flash‑knocked fight if he lands cleanly early on.

Featherweight Challenge: Luke Riley Takes On Kai Kamaka III

Liverpool’s Luke Riley meets veteran “Fighting Hawaiian” Kai Kamaka III in a featherweight clash that could signal Riley’s next career step. Odds favor Riley at -290, with Kamaka at +235. Riley entered the UFC as a rising European striker, known for pressing forward and forcing fights early. Kamaka, a late‑notice 2020 signing, has compiled a consistent but uninspired record, rarely separating himself on scorecard. The betting disparity reflects confidence in Riley’s upward trajectory, yet Kamaka’s durability and ability to survive rounds may keep the fight competitive. This bout serves as a lateral step for Riley, who aims to translate his aggressive style against a seasoned opponent.

Riley’s game emphasizes relentless forward pressure, but he can be tentative early in fights, giving opponents a chance to control the tempo. Kamaka’s tactical patience and counter‑punching have allowed him to extract draws and narrow decisions against higher‑profile foes. If Riley can ignite his aggression early, he may overwhelm Kamaka; however, Kamaka’s experience suggests he will find ways to neutralize the Englishman’s offense, possibly leading to a decision win for Kamaka. The fight highlights the evolving nature of featherweight competition, where technical consistency can counter pure aggression.

Flyweight Styles Clash: Cong Wang vs. Tracy Cortez

Two contrasting styles collide as Cong Wang, a former kickboxing champion turned UFC hopeful, faces Tracy Cortez, a wrestler‑turned‑striker with a gritty reputation. The odds list Wang slightly ahead at -112, with Cortez at -108, reflecting their near‑equal ranking. Wang, who once aimed for a grudge match with Valentina Shevchenko, has refined her aggression after early rough spots, showing improved grappling and striking balance. Cortez, a former Contender Series winner, relies on a nasty wrestling game and aggressive clinch work, but her lack of top‑level experience raises questions about her readiness for a higher‑profile opponent. This fight could illuminate whether Wang’s technical growth can overcome Cortez’s chaotic approach.

Wang’s strengths include fluid striking combinations and a willingness to engage on the feet, yet she once demonstrated risky tactics that led to a submission loss. Cortez thrives in close quarters, using her mat skills to dictate pace, but she has struggled to integrate striking depth against elite competition. The odds suggest a narrowly split decision, but a knockout could hinge on either fighter’s ability to land a decisive blow early. Cortez’s wrestling advantage is likely to surface if she secures a takedown, while Wang’s speed may allow her to outmaneuver and outscore over fifteen minutes. A strategic, wrestling‑heavy plan could give Cortez the edge, matching the pick’s forecast of a Cortez victory.

Middleweight Intriga: Damian Pinas Faces Cesar Almeida

Damian “The Baba Yaga” Pinas, a talented Contender Series graduate, meets Cesar Almeida, a veteran Brazilian who has transitioned from kickboxing to the UFC with mixed results. Pinas is favored at -225, while Almeida sits at +185. Pinas’s knockout power stunned early opponents, but his overall game still shows signs of being raw and inconsistent. Almeida, despite being 38, has adapted well to mixed‑martial‑arts life, relying on durable striking and a knack for landing big counters, though he can be vulnerable to wrestlers. This matchup will test Pinas’s ability to combine power with durability against a fighter who thrives under pressure.

Pinas’s knockout victories include a rapid finish on Dana White’s Contender Series and a dominant win over Wes Schultz, showcasing his explosive striking. Almeida’s career highlights involve gritting out wins against strong regional opponents, using his reach and counter‑punching to frustrate foes. If Pinas can unleash his power early, a first‑round stoppage seems plausible; however, Almeida’s experience suggests he may time his counters to exploit any openings. A strategic, defensive posture from Pinas could set up a longer battle, allowing Almeida’s seasoned acumen to shine. The odds hint at a possible upset, but Pinas’s raw talent may yet prevail.

Bantamweight Showdown: Farid Basharat vs. John Garza

Farid “Ferocious” Basharat, the less‑publicized Basharat brother, steps in as a late replacement for Ethyn Ewing against UFC newcomer John Garza. This bout carries no listed odds, emphasizing its status as a potential stepping‑stone fight. Basharat’s methodical wrestling and grappling have steadily moved him up the rankings, while Garza bursts onto the scene with aggressive striking and regional accolades. Garza’s quick hands and willingness to engage could create fireworks, but Basharat’s base of technical grappling may allow him to weather early storms and dictate terms. The fight showcases how a seasoned grappler can stifle a brisk striker’s early tempo.

Basharat’s methodical approach includes a strong ground game and tactical decision‑making, which have helped him edge out higher‑profile opponents. Garza, though, brings a high‑octane striking style and relentless forward pressure, having compiled a series of regional victories before his UFC call‑up. Early firepower from Garza could force Basharat into a defensive stance, but Basharat’s experience suggests he will adapt, possibly culminating in a second‑round submission. This matchup demonstrates the classic contrast between aggressive striking and patient wrestling, offering fans a compelling study of fight dynamics.

Middleweight Battle: Ryan Gandra vs. Zachary Reese

Two middleweights look to make statements as Ryan Gandra, a knockout‑rich prospect, faces Zachary Reese, a power‑punching grappler with a history of explosive finishes. Gandra is favored at -130, with Reese at +110. Gandra’s notoriety stems from a spectacular Contender Series knockout and a fast‑track UFC debut, though his overall game remains unproven beyond early rounds. Reese, a former Contender Series competitor, entered the UFC with a fearsome reputation for finishing opponents quickly but was promptly stunned by Cody Brundage in his UFC bow, exposing weaknesses in his ground game. This fight will test whether Gandra can capitalize on his power advantage while protecting himself from Reese’s counter‑punching threat.

Gandra’s striking showcases raw power and impressive knockout ability, yet his durability and wrestling remain on a learning curve. Reese’s grappling background offers a different threat, but his reliance on aggression left him vulnerable to over‑bringing. If Gandra can land his signature big punch early, the bout could end quickly; otherwise, Reese’s willingness to engage might create openings for a comeback. The fight highlights the importance of well‑rounded skill sets in the UFC’s middleweight division, where power alone may not guarantee success. Reese’s potential for a knockout exists, but the odds suggest Gandra’s power may decide the outcome.

Flyweight Showdown: Alessandro Costa vs. Cody Durden

Two flyweight veterans collide as Alessandro Costa, a middle‑of‑the‑pack fighter with a versatile game, meets Cody Durden, whose recent resurgence hints at a possible breakthrough. Costa opens as the favorite at -265, with Durden at +215. Costa’s game includes striking, wrestling, and grappling pieces, but his lack of deep specialization often leads to draws or narrow losses. Durden, who turned a late‑notice call into a memorable win over Jafel Filho earlier this year, brings a pressure‑focused wrestling style and a willingness to engage in gritty exchanges. This bout could serve as a litmus test for both fighters, showing whether Costa’s balanced skill set can outmaneuver Durden’s recent surge.

Costa’s fighting style emphasizes adaptability, allowing him to adjust to opponents’ paces while maintaining a moderate striking output. Durden’s strengths lie in his high‑energy wrestling and relentless pressure, which have historically overwhelmed lower‑tier foes, though they also expose him to early finishes. If Durden can replicate his last‑year form, he may disrupt Costa’s rhythm and force a stoppage. Conversely, Costa’s ability to find his opponent’s weaknesses and impose his game plan could keep him in the driver’s seat, possibly delivering a second‑round knockout as anticipated. The odds reflect confidence in Costa’s experience, yet Durden’s upward trajectory suggests the fight may be more competitive than the numbers imply.