Fight Night Preview: UFC 329 Sets Stage for McGregor vs Holloway Rematch

International Fight Week is always a highlight of the calendar for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and UFC 329 is shaping up to be one of its most anticipated installments. The headline showdown pits former two‑division champion Conor McGregor against former featherweight king Max Holloway in a long‑awaited rematch that promises to reignite old rivalries. Beyond the main event, the card features a mix of rising stars and seasoned fighters across welterweight, bantamweight and flyweight divisions. Each matchup brings its own narrative, from Paddy Pimblett’s high‑energy style against Benoît St‑Denis to the bantamweight grudge between Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista.

Main Event: McGregor Returns for a Second Battle with Holloway

Conor McGregor has finally stepped back into the Octagon after a largely inconsistent stretch that included a solitary victory over Donald Cerrone in the last ten years. The Irish star enjoyed a breakout period in the mid‑2010s, highlighted by a 13‑second knockout of Jose Aldo to capture the featherweight crown. His path since that peak has been rocky, marked by high‑profile losses to Nate Diaz, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier, the latter ending with a broken ankle. Holloway, meanwhile, built a reputation as one of the sport’s most relentless pressure fighters, amassing 13 consecutive wins to capture the same featherweight title before losing it to Alexander Volkanovski. The odds reflect the expectation that Holloway remains the favorite, priced at -225, while McGregor sits at +185.

Co‑Main: Rising European Talent Shows Against St‑Denis

Paddy Pimblett brings a charismatic, unpredictable style to the welterweight space, having already collected wins over Tony Ferguson and King Green despite a reputation for erratic defense. Benoît St‑Denis entered the UFC as a raw prospect in 2021, showcasing explosive aggression that earned him a five‑fight winning streak early in his career. Both fighters have demonstrated flashes of brilliance, yet each also shows vulnerability that could be exploited in a three‑round setting. The betting line puts St‑Denis as the narrow favorite at -135, with Pimblett sitting at +114. Their clash promises to blend striking flair with gritty grappling, making it one of the evening’s most dynamic bouts.

Bantamweight Showdown: Sandhagen Seeks Revenge Over Bautista

Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista first crossed paths in 2019, with Sandhagen winning a competitive bout that ended in a submission. Bautista entered the UFC as a late‑notice replacement, later establishing himself as a solid grappler with wins over Da’Mon Blackshear and Ricky Simon before knocking on the door of title contention. Sandhagen’s résumé includes victories over John Lineker and Raphael Assuncao, though he has also fallen to champions like Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan. The current matchup pits a striker with a long reach against a wrestler who has shown the ability to offset his opponent’s power. Odds favor Sandhagen at -148, with Bautista listed at +124, underscoring the perception that the former champion holds the edge.

Flyweight Battle: Kavanagh Takes Aim at Royval

Lone’er Kavanagh burst onto the scene as a top prospect after a strong showing on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024, only to suffer his first loss to Charles Johnson when he flagged late in the second round. A pivotal win over former champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City earlier in 2026 hinted at a possible resurgence. Brandon Royval, known for his early dominance as “Raw Dawg,” has reinvented his style into a volume‑based range game, but recent opponents have taken advantage of his predictable output. The fight is priced with Kavanagh as the slight favorite at -218, while Royval sits at +180. Both fighters bring contrasting game plans—Kavanagh’s relentless pressure versus Royval’s calculated striking—setting up a strategic clash.

Opening Fight: McKinney Looks to End Green’s Resurgence

Terrance McKinney is known for his explosive finishes, having recorded several wins inside the first minute of competition. His recent victory over Kyle Nelson displayed his ability to finish quickly even against competent opponents. King Green has been rejuvenated in 2026, securing wins over Daniel Zellhuber and Jeremy Stephens, though his earlier career was marred by injuries and inactivity. McKinney’s aggressive pace could yet catch Green unprepared, especially given the veteran’s sometimes inconsistent cardio. The betting line leans toward McKinney at -148, with Green at +124, reflecting the belief that the faster striker will secure an early stoppage.