UFC 329: Five storylines to follow in Conor McGregor's return
UFC 329 lands Saturday, July 11, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by Conor McGregor's welterweight rematch against Max Holloway after a five-year layoff. Holloway is the betting favorite in a fight 13 years in the making, while the card also features Paddy Pimblett, Robert Whittaker's light heavyweight debut, and Gable Steveson's UFC debut. The five-round main event streams on Paramount+ during International Fight Week, with stakes stretching from the lightweight title picture to heavyweight prospect watch.
Key Takeaways
- McGregor returns July 11 against Holloway in a 170-pound rematch 13 years after their 2013 Boston bout.
- Holloway enters as the betting favorite, listed from -200 to -240 at major sportsbooks.
- Paddy Pimblett meets Benoit Saint Denis in a co-main event with lightweight title-picture stakes.
- Robert Whittaker debuts at light heavyweight; Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson makes his UFC debut.
- UFC.com highlights rising prospects Luke Riley and Damian Pinas on the undercard.
What Is UFC 329 and When Does It Start?
UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 takes place this Saturday, July 11, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Early prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET, prelims at 7 p.m. ET, and the main card at 9 p.m. ET, per Yahoo Sports.
The entire event streams exclusively on Paramount+, free to all subscribers in the United States. McGregor told Uncrowned he has two fights remaining on his UFC contract, with July 11 confirmed and a potential April 2027 follow-up.
How Much Does Conor McGregor Have Left?
The biggest storyline is whether McGregor, 37, can still compete at the highest level after more than five years away. He last fought in 2021, breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier, and has not won since a 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
Holloway, a former featherweight champion and former BMF titleholder, is coming off a lopsided loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. CBS Sports notes McGregor is a heavy betting underdog, listed around +175, while Holloway sits between -200 and -240 depending on the sportsbook.
McGregor beat Holloway by unanimous decision in August 2013 in Boston. This time the fight is at welterweight, though CBS Sports reports it could still factor into the lightweight title picture.
Which Undercard Fights Matter Beyond the Main Event?
The co-main pairs No. 5 Benoit Saint Denis against No. 6 Paddy Pimblett at lightweight. Pimblett returns from his January loss to Justin Gaethje in an interim title bout, while Saint Denis rides a four-fight finish streak over names including Dan Hooker and Beneil Dariush.
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker makes his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov on the early prelims. Gable Steveson, a 2020 Olympic freestyle gold medalist and two-time NCAA Division I champion, debuts against Elisha Ellison at heavyweight.
UFC.com spotlights three fighters on the rise: unbeaten featherweight Luke Riley faces Kai Kamaka III, while middleweight Damian Pinas meets Cesar Almeida. For more offbeat sports coverage, browse our Bizarre World section.
Who Should You Watch Before They Break Out?
Steveson is a four-time All-American who also had a brief run with WWE and a look from the Buffalo Bills. UFC.com calls him arguably the best wrestling prospect since Aaron Pico and notes his bout shifted from the main card to prelims.
Riley, unbeaten in 13 professional appearances from Liverpool's Next Gen MMA, has won both UFC appearances and gets a veteran test against Kamaka. Pinas, 24, has finished opponents quickly and looks to build momentum after earning his roster spot through Dana White's Contender Series.